!! early bird pricing !! take $10 off at checkout until april 15th
Race day June 7th
A Self-Supported Adventure Paddle on the Upper Iowa River
June 6-8
Push your limits on the Upper Iowa. Or just relax and have fun. EVERYONE Welcome.
Ready for a daylong adventure down one of the Midwest’s most scenic rivers?
Mark your calendar for the annual Driftless Paddle Battle, a community-style paddle race open to all skill levels.
This year’s event takes place the weekend of June 6–8, with the official race launching early the morning of Saturday, June 7. We’ll wrap up the weekend with good vibes, campfires, and connection at our race headquarters: historic Pine Bluff Camp.
where it's all happening
Everything — from check-in to camping to finish line celebrations — will be based at Pine Bluff Camp.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a weekend adventurer, this is a relaxed and supportive environment to paddle your heart out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Driftless.
Choose Your adventure
Long Course: 34 miles
Short Course: 11 miles
Final route details will be announced as we get closer to race day.
for paddlers of all skill levels!
Join the Paddle Battle
entry Details
$40 per person &
$100 max per family (children included!)
Check in and a mandatory captains meeting will be Friday night to review race logistics. On Saturday, racers will drive their own vehicles to the start, and shuttles will be arranged to bring racers back in groups if needed.
Your registration helps cover things like facility rental, insurance, and other race-day logistics. Any funds we raise beyond costs will be donated to two amazing local causes, Decorah Food Pantry and Pine Bluff 4H Foundation.
where to sleep & what to eat
Bring all of your own food and beverages for this event weekend.
alternative options:
* There is no price reduction for non-campers (we pay the same for the campground no matter how many campers we have).
There is ample room at Pine Bluff, so non-participating friends and family may also camp for an additional $15 per night, per tent.
We may have some options for group meals and will email registered participants closer to the race with more details. While alcohol is allowed on premises, we ask that participants act responsibly and respectfully, being considerate of neighbors and the on-site caretaker. There is a shelter with picnic tables that will accommodate camping stoves, etc.
Tent camping Friday and Saturday night (June 6&7) is included in the registration fee
There are a very limited number of plug in spots for trailers (3) for an additional $30/night.*
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We promise to only send emails regarding the event.
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still have questions?
- Shuttle Back to Vehicle
- 2 Nights camping
- Swag bag and supplies
- Shuttle Back to Vehicle
- 2 tents - 2 Nights camping
- Swag bag and supplies both participants
- Shuttle Back to Vehicle
- 2 tents - 2 Nights camping
- Swag bag and supplies both participants
Local eats, shops, and lodging
visitdecorah.com
River conservation and updates
upper iowa river alliance
Navigate like a local
upper iowa river paddler's guide
Our race weekend HQ
pine bluff camp
digital river map &
