Race day June 7th
A Self-Supported Adventure Paddle on the Upper Iowa River in Decorah, Iowa
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 in Decorah, Iowa.
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
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
Long Course: 34 miles
starts at 10:00 am
starts at 8:30 am
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.
* 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
count me in
the route
Long Course START Chimney Rock Access
long course
34 miles
short course
11 miles
Short Carry Over Upper Dam
Short Course Put In Will Baker Park
Pine Bluff Race HQ
view map on google
stay in the loop
We promise to only send emails regarding the event.
we've got answers.
still have questions?
- Paddlers must bring their own watercraft
- Racers are subject to all Iowa laws regarding boat registration and Personal Flotation Devices
- See below for a list of participating canoe liveries/outfitters/rental options
- 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
• Paddlers will be responsible to drive their own watercraft to the Short and Long Course starting lines. Return shuttles will be provided to bring racers back to their vehicles.
• Races will begin promptly on time. Starting times may be staggered to allow for large groups.
• Short course is about 11 miles and begins at 10:00 AM
• Long course is about 34 miles and begins at 8:30 AM - VIEW ROUTE
• If you're wondering how long the races take, the prior year's first place, long course winner finished in just under 5 hours in high-water conditions.
• The official route may change due to water levels, weather conditions, etc.
• Paddlers may switch from one course to another up to the start of the race.
• There is a short carry-over around the Upper Dam, at the very end of the race courses. We will have portage wheels and helping hands available. We will also have floating markers upstream of the dam advising paddlers to move river right.
• There will be several check points, as well as sweepers making sure all paddlers are safely off the river or to provide assistance in case of emergency.
• We will hold an awards ceremony at Pine Bluff Saturday evening.
• Plan on spotty cellular service.
• Plan to be self-sufficient. Have plenty of water, sunscreen, food, and first aid supplies.
• There is WIFI at Pine Bluff, but NO CELL SERVICE. Honestly, it's better that way. Be sure to let loved ones know they may not be able to contact you via text or phone call, unless messaging is connected to WIFI.
• Non-racers, friends, family are welcome to join and camp at Pine Bluff. No reservation is needed, just bring $15/tent/night and check in with race organizers upon arrival.
• Parking: there is a plan, and vehicles can be driven to the camping area and close to the take-out area for loading/unloading of watercraft and supplies - but will need to return to designated parking areas.
• There is a playground, suspension bridge, and hiking trails over 110 acres of gorgeous Driftless topography that straddles both sides of the Upper Iowa River.
• YES - there are showers and bathrooms.
• Plan to bring your own food, drinks, etc and cooking equipment. There will be coffee and snacks available on race day. There will be a campfire.
• Area attractions: there are amazing options in Decorah for restaurants, breweries, groceries and lodging. Check out our amazing partners at Visit Decorah to see what might strike your fancy
Rental Rates:
🚣♀️ $60 per canoe
🛶 $40 per kayak
Boats will be ready with paddles and PFDs at the launching locations the morning of the race.
Reservation deadline: June 5th
To reserve your boat: Call Elliot at (563) 380-3902
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 &
