Pocatello residents took to the water Friday evening for the seventh annual Poky Paddle, a community float event held on the Portneuf River to benefit the nonprofit Portneuf River Vision.
The event has become a warm-weather tradition in the Gem State city, drawing participants who float the river while raising awareness and funds for restoration and cleanup efforts along the Portneuf waterway. Portneuf River Vision is dedicated to advancing the environmental, recreational, and economic potential of the Portneuf Valley.
Two Routes, Calm Conditions
Paddlers this year had a choice of two float options. Those looking for a shorter outing could catch a free shuttle to Taysom Rotary Park and float downstream to Centennial Park. Participants seeking a longer experience began their journey at the Edson Fichter Nature Area. Favorable river conditions made for smooth sailing — or rather, smooth paddling — on both routes.
Matthew Hunter, president and CEO of the Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, said the gentle flow this year made for an especially relaxed outing. “This year, you can just cruise along and have a nice easy float,” he said. Hunter emphasized that the event is rooted in more than recreation, describing it as a celebration of the community’s relationship with the river. “It’s about the river vision of our community,” he said.
Food, Music, and Local Vendors
Beyond the float itself, the Poky Paddle offered a festive atmosphere on the riverbanks. Local vendors, food trucks, and live music were all part of Friday’s lineup, giving attendees who weren’t on the water a reason to participate as well. The combination of outdoor recreation and community gathering has helped the event grow into a signature summer activity for Southeast Idaho residents.
Proceeds from the Poky Paddle support Portneuf River Vision’s ongoing mission to clean up and restore the Portneuf River corridor — efforts that aim to make the waterway more accessible and appealing for generations of Pocatello families to come. The river runs through the heart of the city and has long been central to discussions about downtown revitalization and outdoor recreation development in Bannock County.
What Comes Next
With seven years now on the books, the Poky Paddle has established itself as more than just a summer fundraiser — it’s become a marker of community investment in the Portneuf River’s future. Portneuf River Vision is expected to continue its restoration and advocacy work through the remainder of the year, supported in part by funds raised at Friday’s event. Residents interested in the nonprofit’s efforts or future events can follow the organization’s ongoing work to improve recreational and environmental conditions along the river. Bannock County’s growing interest in outdoor amenities and community programming — including events like the Bannock County 4-H program’s expansion — reflects a broader commitment to quality of life across the region.