Pocatello, Idaho — Hundreds of paddlers took to the water Friday evening as Pocatello hosted the seventh annual Poky Paddle on the Portneuf River, an event combining outdoor recreation with community fundraising in support of the Portneuf River Vision.
The Portneuf River Vision is an initiative aimed at advancing the environmental health, recreational use, and economic potential of the Portneuf Valley. Funds raised through the Poky Paddle go directly toward cleanup and restoration efforts along the waterway.
Two Routes, One River
Participants could choose from two float options depending on their experience level or preferred distance. A shorter route ran from Taysom Rotary Park to Centennial Park, while a longer route began further upstream at the Edson Fichter Nature Area. A free shuttle service transported participants back to Taysom Rotary Park after completing their float. River conditions cooperated this year, with calm water making for a smooth outing across both routes.
Beyond the water itself, the event drew a crowd with local vendors, food trucks, and live music set up along the route, giving the evening a festival atmosphere in addition to its outdoor recreation focus.
Chamber Leadership Highlights Community Connection
Matthew Hunter, president and CEO of the Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, described the event as a reflection of the community’s broader relationship with its river. He said the evening was fundamentally about carrying forward a shared vision for the Portneuf. “It’s about the river vision of our community,” Hunter said.
Summing up the turnout and energy on the water, Hunter offered a simple observation: “They’re in the river, man. Everybody’s in the river right now.”
The Chamber has been a driving force behind the event, which has grown steadily since its launch. Events like the Poky Paddle reflect a wider push across East Idaho communities to invest in natural amenities as both quality-of-life assets and economic drivers for the region.
What Comes Next
With the seventh Poky Paddle now in the books, organizers with Portneuf River Vision are expected to continue restoration and enhancement work along the river corridor in the months ahead. Community interest in the Portneuf as a recreational destination has grown alongside the event itself, suggesting the annual paddle will remain a fixture on the Pocatello summer calendar. Residents interested in supporting river cleanup and restoration efforts can look into Portneuf River Vision for volunteer and donation opportunities.
For more community coverage across East Idaho, visit East Idaho Communities Mark 50 Years Since the Teton Dam Collapse, or catch up on local sports with the latest from the Idaho Falls Chukars.