Warm Slough

The main reason we love Warm Slough is that it’s such an easy, low-stress float. The current is slow and steady, so you’re not constantly paddling away from rocks or hard rapids. You can just lie back on a tube and drift, which is my kind of float. It feels more like a lazy river or calm lake than a rushing river, which makes it so perfect for families. 

Depending on how far upstream you start, the float can take anywhere from 45 minutes to about 1.5 hours.

There are a lot of places you can park to get into Warm Slough. If you search “Warm Slough Road” on Google Maps, it takes you to a good, reliable spot to park and get in. From there, you can hop on your float, relax, and let the river do its thing. The float from that point is smooth and short—you really don’t even need to paddle much if you just want to enjoy the float and scenery. It’s simple and getting in and out is easy.

If you want to float longer, you can drive further upstream—there are several spots to park and get in there, too. Some float further downstream all the way to Beaver Dick park but plan on it taking 4 hours or so if you do that.

It’s best to take two vehicles. Park one vehicle at the end of the float, preferably the one hauling the kayaks (refer to the map—there’s lots of parking at the end part of the float marked on the map). Then drive the other car to the marked starting point on the map (or further upstream if desired). That way, you don’t have to walk back—though it’s really not too bad either, since this stretch of the float forms a “U” and ends up pretty close to where you started. You’ll definitely want two vehicles if you do the four hour float to Beaver Dick Park.

Warm Slough is amazing for families. We brought our young kids and they had a blast. The current is gentle enough that they can paddle around a bit on their own or float along, and it doesn’t feel dangerous like faster-moving rivers. The water is shallow in several spots, so you’re not constantly stressing out about them drifting too far away or getting swept up in the current.

While the kids play and float nearby, the adults can hang out on paddleboards or tubes and just… relax. It’s honestly the perfect mix of family-friendly and fun for grown-ups.

See our experience in the video below.

• Life jackets – A must for the kids and always a good idea for adults too.
• Tubes, paddleboards, or kayaks – Whatever you’ve got will work.
• Snacks or Lunch/Dinner before – Because floating makes you hungry. We roasted some hot dogs on a portable griddle before we departed.
• Water bottles – Stay hydrated, especially on sunny days.
• Towels – The water is pretty cold, so you’ll want these after. Put them in the car at the end of the float.
• Sunscreen – Check the UV index to know if you need sunscreen. Or just use it to be safe.
• Bug spray – The mosquitoes come out at night, so be sure to come prepared or float earlier. Floating during the day is probably ideal — it’s warmer, brighter, and you can avoid the mosquitoes.

If you’re into fishing (or just like to watch people fish), Warm Slough is also a popular spot for that. You’ll see people with lines cast from the bank or even standing in the water in just their swimsuits. We drifted by someone floating on a tube with a fishing pole in hand.

If you’re in Rexburg and want a laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors, Warm Slough is 100% worth checking out. It’s simple, peaceful, and just a fun way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re planning something fun for the family, a hangout with friends, or just need to float and unwind, it’s one of those places you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Grab your tubes and enjoy a relaxing float in East Idaho. 

Warm Slough

📍 Float in Madison County, Idaho

🛟 Difficulty: Easy