The IRJ crew is looking forward to a fun filled year rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Below is what they’ve been up to this offseason.
Following her passion for environmental advocacy, Libby has embarked on her first year of law school at the University of Montana. Between long study sessions, she’s been making the most of Missoula’s winter—skiing whenever she can and soaking up everything the town has to offer. Luckily for us, her schedule will still allow her to join a few trips this summer.
Patrick is living and working in Aomori, Japan, the snowiest city in the world. He’s spending his winter as a ski guide for Whiteroom, enjoying over 20 feet of snow and immersing himself in a new culture. If you’ve been on the river with Patrick, you know how easy it is to feel good around him—his quick wit, storytelling, and musical talents always bring great energy. There’s no doubt he’s sharing that same spirit on the slopes of Japan this winter.
Galen had an unfortunate start to her winter, tearing her ACL while ski patrolling at Schweitzer Mountain. She underwent a successful surgery and is now on the mend. While she won’t be able to guide this season, we’re wishing her a smooth recovery and can’t wait to have her back on the river in 2026!
Ry, pictured, maximizing every inch of his carry-on space, wearing his kayaking gear en route to Ecuador. He’s based in Terlingua, Texas, where he works in Big Bend National Park and soaking up the tight-knit community there. When he’s not in the park, he’s off exploring rivers, chasing whitewater in far-flung corners of the world. To top it off, he’s been keeping in shape with Pilates, gearing up for another season on the Middle Fork.
Based in Quincy, CA, Esa spends the school year teaching 6th and 7th-grade science, bringing her love for the outdoors into the classroom. Whether leading trips into Yosemite, discussing river ecology, or cultivating a school garden, she’s always finding ways to inspire her students. Her schedule still allows her to guide during the summer, and we’re excited to have her back for her 11th season on the Middle Fork!
Living in Sandpoint, Idaho, Wilson spends his winters as a full-time ski patroller at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. He works alongside Galen and their avalanche dog, Mazie, keeping the slopes safe. His calm demeanor and years of guiding experience have made him an invaluable part of our river crew, and we’re lucky to have him on the team.
Nate had a fantastic first season guiding on the Middle Fork. He’s currently living in Ketchum, Idaho, where he works five days a week as a ski patroller at Sun Valley. When he’s not on patrol, you’ll find him casting lines on the Big Wood River or backcountry skiing around Galena Summit with his partner, Steff.
Katie has been keeping busy in the mountains. She spends her winters ski guiding and teaching avalanche courses for Beartooth Powder Guides, out of Missoula, Montana. We’re thrilled to have her back on the river this summer—her expertise, positive energy, and stoke for adventure make her an absolute asset to the team.
Sam joined the crew this past season, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. He lives in Ketchum, Idaho, where he works at Black Tie Ski Rentals. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him chasing (and catching) steelhead. He also spends plenty of time on his grandparents’ ranch just outside of Rupert, Idaho—moving irrigation lines, feeding cattle, and lending a hand wherever needed.
Hannah’s art business continues to grow, gaining recognition across the United States. She lives off the grid along the Salmon River, where she balances raising her kids, creating art, and running her business. Even with a full schedule, she still finds time to guide our September fly-fishing trips—bringing her fishing talent, insight, and love for the river on ever trip.
Ryan is working at the ICU at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula Hospital. When not in the hospital, Ryan teaches Wilderness First Responder courses and avalanche classes. Ryan is a true representation of the best qualities in guiding: medical knowledge, leadership, and an easygoing spirit. And at camp, you can always count on him to rally a game of bocce ball or kubb.
Along with his wife, Morgan, and their avalanche dog, Skadi, Chris has logged over 70 ski days this winter. To say he loves ski patrolling at Lost Trail Ski Resort would be an understatement. When he’s not on the mountain, you’ll often find him camped out in his van at Lost Trail—fully embracing the ski dream and living his best life.
While he didn’t guide for us this past season, Dave is getting closer to making his return to the river. For now, he’s flying helicopter tours over New York City, logging hours and building experience. His goal? To be flying and living in Montana by summer—hopefully with a few river trips on his schedule too. We’re looking forward to having him back on the water!
Maddie lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband Kyle. She works as an operation manager coordinating events for large companies all around the globe. This winter, she’s been enjoying time doing improv shows, remodeling her house, and spending time with her family. We’re looking forward to having her enthusiasm, energy, and passion on trips next season.
Jo wears many hats in the winter, managing Gem Air’s backcountry flying service, and spearheading community projects. Her hard work and persistence paid off in a big way this year, after 12 attempts, she finally helped pass a school bond for the town of Salmon. Thanks to her dedication, the community will soon have a brand-new school.
Eli stays busy as a broker with Compass Commercial Real Estate Services in Bend, Oregon. He recently purchased a house just outside of Bend, but the real highlight of his year? He and his girlfriend, Bobbi, tied the knot in Mexico this winter! We were lucky to have Eli join us for a September fly-fishing trip and look forward to having him back every season.
Drew is on his second year of medical school at Oregon Health & Science University, and doing great. While med school doesn’t come with the long summer breaks of regular school, he made the most of his two weeks off—playing at the Sawtooth Valley Gathering with his band, the Potato Mountain String Band.
Brian has made an exciting career shift from teaching at the University of Montana to leading a river conservation nonprofit as the executive director of the Clark Fork Coalition in western Montana. In addition to his new role, he’s also the co-owner of Sundog Expeditions, where he leads trips to some of the most remote corners of the Arctic.
Joe is a contractor based in Hamilton, Montana, specializing in custom finishes and remodels—ideally indoors during the winter months. When he’s not working, there’s a good chance he’s out chasing elk or exploring the Bitterroot Mountains. Joe always makes time for an early-season trip, his favorite time to be on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.
Never one to slow down, Sunny has taken on a high-intensity role as a physician assistant in a Level One trauma center in Salt Lake City. When she’s not working, she’s chasing powder days at Alta, traveling to Japan for more skiing, or squeezing in as much climbing as possible. She thrives on staying busy.
Fer lives in Austin, Texas working on the family ranch near College Station, and building his corrective bodywork business. A dynamic approach to improving multiplanar, multijoint, and rotational movement in the body. While he certainly misses a full season, he enjoys the ability to have an open schedule that allows him to work a trip or two when available.
Skip and Julia. This winter, we got married! With summer being too hectic for a wedding, we chose winter as the perfect time to celebrate. We feel incredibly fortunate to have so many guests and guides as an integral part of our lives—thank you.
This season marks 48 years since Bob founded Idaho River Journeys—a remarkable milestone that speaks to his leadership and the lasting legacy he’s built. These days, Bob spends much of his time with his grandkids and exploring the lesser-known trails around Point Reyes National Seashore. His dedication to the river and the community he’s fostered continues to inspire us all.
While she’s retired, Mary seems to be as busy as ever. She serves on the board of To Celebrate Life, a nonprofit that supports people facing breast cancer by funding direct and emergency services. Her days are filled with hikes alongside friends, cheering on the SF Giants, visiting her grandchildren, and soaking up the sunshine in Kauai. She also continues to help with a few IRJ projects—most notably, the Christmas cards, which allow her to stay connected with guests, her favorite part of outfitting.
Part Time Guides
Shannon has been enjoying the winter at home in the Wood River Valley, where she continues her work as a professional massage therapist with a loyal following of clients. Nate and his wife, Nhi, recently welcomed their first child, and he’s staying busy teaching at the University of Idaho. Lauren, a senior at Hamilton High School, has been ski patrolling at Lost Trail this winter and is currently applying to colleges, with an interest in medicine. Michael is a mountain host at Deer Valley Resort. When not on the ski hill he leads historic “Mines & Wines” tours around Park City for Fox School of Wine, where his job title is stand up historian.
