Press Releases

Daring the Rapids that Daunted Lewis and Clark by Travis Scott ~ April 8, 2005
Idaho, World Class Whitewater State ~ Salmon, Idaho ~ February 23, 2004
Alaska’s Tatshenshini River, Takes You Back in Time ~ February 24, 2004
Tatshenshini, The Trip of a Lifetime ~ February 25, 2004
The Age of the Iceman by Travis Scott ~ March 4, 2004
Salmon River Rafting…Adventure for the Entire Family ~ Salmon, Idaho ~ April 8, 2005
Montana’s Wilderness Escapes…a little on the wild side ~ April 8, 2005

Daring the Rapids that Daunted Lewis & Clark
By Travis Scott

For Immediate Release ~ April 8, 2005

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Salmon, Idaho ~ Running the Salmon “…with canoes is entirely impossible, as the water is Confined between huge Rocks & the current beeting from one against the other for some distance below... running them would certainly be productive of the loss of Some Canoes.” Pushing off from the Corn Creek boat ramp, the words Captain Clark wrote on August 23, 1805 as he looked down on the Main Salmon come back to me. Lewis and Clark opted for a land route rather than face the rapids and difficult portages of the Salmon, but it is the challenge of these rapids that brings us here.

The Main Salmon runs through the heart of the 3.2 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area in central Idaho, and has long been popular with rafters. As the bicentennial of Lewis & Clark’s famous journey approaches, open canoes are becoming a more common sight in this impressive canyon. Paddlers from across the U.S. are coming to follow parts of the Lewis and Clark Trail, and to test their skills against the river that turned back the Corps of Discovery.

The 80-mile wilderness section of the Salmon begins at Corn Creek, 2 1/2 hours north of Salmon, Idaho, at the end of 40 miles of wash-boarded dirt road. From the beginning, the Salmon is a classic big water western river. The rapids are class III with big waves and holes, but plenty of room to maneuver and lots of recovery time after each one.

The historic cabins, dilapidated orchards, and twisted metal of old mines give me the feeling I am traveling back in time as I drift down river. I can almost see the hundreds of dusty miners buying supplies (and moonshine) at Jim Moore’s place as they wait to cross the river at Cambell’s Ferry near the turn of the century. At Legend Creek, not far from the put in, we stop to see the pictographs left by the Nez Perce, the tribe that was so instrumental in the success and survival of Lewis and Clark.
The Nez Perce were drawn to the Salmon each summer by the tremendous runs of red fish that give the river its name. Unfortunately, these runs have dwindled to a mere handful. Four damns on the Lower Snake prevent salmon smolt from being swept to the ocean in the rush of high water roaring off Idaho’s snow-packed mountains every spring. Efforts are being made to remove these damns, but progress is slow and a solution may come too late for these majestic fish.

Great hikes abound along the river. We climb up Thirsty Ridge (bring a camel-back) for a wonderful view of the canyon and the mountains retreating in the distance. The flowers are mostly gone now, but in the spring a mosaic of lupine, arrow-leaf balsa root, and Indian paintbrush covers this ridge. We don’t stop to fish Sabe Creek on this trip, but its cool waters and boulder-filled pools are prime habitat for cutthroat and rainbow trout that can be deceived by a royal wolf or grasshopper.

No trip down the Main Salmon is complete without a stop at Barth hot springs. The water is a perfect temperature, and since the pool was enlarged years ago by unnamed locals, there is easily enough room for our group of twelve. As we soak, a cinnamon black bear strolls along the far bank, causing a wild scramble for cameras. He pulls down a branch loaded with elderberries and strips it through his teeth before disappearing into the brush.

Just downstream of the pool, more scalding hot water emerges from the rocks. During low water, the names of early boatmen and miners like Johnny McKay are visible, carved into the black rocks almost 100 years ago. Before the pool was constructed (and before self-bailers), many rafters would de-rig their boats here and turn them into hot tubs. Mixing the hot water with river water produced just the right temperature.

Clark’s predictions did not come true. The Salmon seems very reasonable to us now that the limits of boating have been pushed so far, but before climbing in the Suburban for the long shuttle, I pause to remember a time when the Salmon was an impassible obstacle to our country’s greatest explorers. Having just run canoes down a river that Lewis and Clark knew only by reputation is some tiny consolation for being born to late to join the Corps of Discovery on their epic journey. “My guide and maney other Indians tell me that the Mountains Close and is a perpendicular Clift on each side…those rapids which I had Seen he said was Small & trifleing in comparison to the rocks & rapids below,” Captain Clark, August 23, 1805.

Fact File
Getting There: From Boise, ID head east on Highway 21 to Stanley. Continue north along the river to Salmon, ID. From Salmon drive north on Highway 93 to North Fork, then turn on to the river road and follow it 46 miles to the dead end at Corn Creek. From Missoula, MT, drive south on Highway 93 about 2 ½ hours to North Fork.
Outfitters: Wilderness River Outfitters offers raft support for canoe and kayak trips and instructional trips. PO Box 72, Lemhi, ID 83465, 1-800-252-6581.
Permits: Permits must be obtained for launches between June 20 and September 7. Applications for permits should be sent to the North Fork Ranger Station at Box 180, North Fork ID 83466. Call 208-865-2725 to request an application. Applications must arrive between December 1 and January 21 and be accompanied by a $6 non-refundable fee. There is also a $5 per person per day Fee Demonstration Project.
Difficulty: The Main Salmon is Class III at most water levels. High spring flows wash out most rapids, but make several very difficult.
Length: It is 80 miles from Corn Creek to the take out at Carey Creek. The trip takes five to seven days depending on your pace and amount of hiking you want to do.
Necessities: A portable toilet, fire pan, and ash container are required by the Forest Service. You should also bring a water filter, a sheet for the nights its to warm for your bag, and plenty of sunscreen.
Camping: Campsites are plentiful, especially at lower flows. Most are large sandy beaches.
Shuttle: Contact Blackadar Boating, 208-756-3958, or River Rat Express, 208-734-1204.
Guide Books: “River of No Return” by Johnny Carrey and Cort Conley does an excellent job describing the history of the river. A river map detailing rapids, camps and historic sites is available at many local stores, or contact the North Fork Ranger District at 208-865-2725, PO Box 180, North Fork, ID 83466

Idaho, World Class Whitewater State

For Immediate Release ~ February 25, 2004

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Salmon, Idaho ~ When it comes to whitewater and wild rivers, the Gem state of Idaho, tucked into the Northern Rockies, is miles ahead of the other states…like 1,000 miles ahead!

Perhaps better know for the hearty Idaho potato, the state that claims more wilderness than any other in the lower 48, also boast an unbelievable 3,200 whitewater river miles.

That’s why we settled here in the heart of Idaho 32 years ago. Since then, our family has been running rivers, not only here and in the Intermountain Rockies, but throughout the world as well. But you need not go further than Idaho to find a river that is right for you. Listed here are among some of the best multi-day rafting trips in the country.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River ~ The Middle Fork is world famous for its challenging whitewater but is also know for its catch and release trout fishery, hot springs and pristine wilderness, the largest forest wilderness in the lower 48. There are class III and IV rapids throughout the 100-mile run beginning near Stanley and ending near Salmon. The Middle Fork is the premier whitewater river of the West and can be run May through September.

Main Salmon River ~ The Main Salmon River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. The 80-mile stretch that flows through the remote Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness offers a wonderful pool and drop river with fun roller-coaster rapids and beautiful big sandy beaches. The refreshing waters and inviting beaches are great for swimming and relaxing in the sun. This is one of the best all-around trip for just about anyone.

Owyhee River ~ this spectacular desert river is one of the best-kept secrets of whitewater rafting. The Owyhee River originates in the high desert of Nevada and cuts through a series impressive canyons as it winds its way through Idaho and into Oregon. This 125-mile stretch of river can be done in several different stretches each having their own unique characteristics with exciting class II-V rapids. We run the Owyhee in April and May when the spring runoff is at its peak. At this time of year the canyon has a beautiful green tint and delicate, colorful, wildflowers are in bloom.

Jarbidge-Bruneau Rivers ~ The Jarbidge, which is a steep, very technical whitewater run, flows into the Bruneau River near Bruneau Hot Springs. These remote high desert rivers of southwestern Idaho are only run able in May and early June with the snow runoff. The Bruneau is a 50 mile run through a narrow, deep canyon and in Five Mile Rapids the river drops an astounding 100 feet per mile for nearly 5 miles. Whitewater Junkies love this one!

These wild and remote rivers are beautiful and enchanting in their own ways, from laid back to thrill seeking. Each with their own amazing scenery with a multitude of hiking possibilities and wildlife sightings, each with their own indian and pioneer history, and each with unique, fascinating geologic formations. We can help you find the river trip that is right for you. For more information, contact Joe or Fran at Wilderness River Outfitters at 1-800 252-6581 or wro@wildernessriver.com.

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Haines, Alaska ~ If you have never seen the raw power of geologic forces at work, a trip down Alaska’s Tatshenshini River will peel back the coverings of time, trees, and overgrown brush that mask natural history in many parts of the world. The Tatshenshini flows through 12 million acres of wilderness in Alaska, British Columbia and the Yukon. In this magical place the sometimes-unnoticed agents of geological change jump up and demand attention. Those who ride this magnificent river down its 140-mile journey to the sea are taken back in time and given a peek into Mother Nature's workshop. They see her master carvers at work, glaciers gouging out new valleys, and streams flowing from those glaciers moving massive loads of sediment toward the ocean.

The St. Elias Mt. Range has the largest non-polar ice cap in the world, and the Tatshenshini winds through the heart of this mass of rock and ice. Rafters not only get to float by glaciers that are more than two miles across, they get to walk on the ancient ice of Walker Glacier. While peering into the crevasses and exploring the expanses of ice, the faraway theories of geology are brought to life before the eyes and under the feet of those lucky enough to be there. Tucked away on this creeping river of ice are smaller worlds. Flowing across ice so blue it appears unreal, tiny streams cut valleys and canyons, creating miniature river systems in a fairytale world.

There are other agents at work on this young land. The Tatshenshini itself, drawing its water from the miles of ice in the surrounding mountains, is a river of tremendous power. With an average summer flow of 100,000 cubic feet/per-second, the Tatshenshini is three to four times the volume of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Channels are continually shifting changing, and the water moves with such force that rafters can hear the rumbling of rocks being propelled along beneath them.
This giant of a river pauses to catch its breath when it enters Alsek Lake, but rafters have their breath taken away by the views. Here the river drops much of its gray sediment as it mixes with the blue glacial water of the lake. Keeping a safe distance, the rafts weave through icebergs the size of apartment buildings. The glaciers that spawned the bergs lead the eye above the clouds to the white peak of Mt. Fairweather, 15,000 feet higher than the awestruck boaters. The river seems to want to linger in the lake, just as boaters do, and wonder at the beauty of this place. That night the moans, and crashes of icebergs rolling and new ones being calved enchant campers gathered around the fire.
Amid the rock, ice, and turbulent water, there is a softer side to the Tatshenshini. The moist climate and long summer days produce wildflowers of striking size and vibrancy. A brilliant clump of Indian Paintbrush provides a wonderful contrast to the glacier looming behind it. Alder, spruce, and willows cover much of the lower ground, but this dense forest gives way to heather and alpine meadows in the higher elevations. Grizzly bears, moose, wolves, mountain goats, and many other creatures roam this untamed land. Sharp-eyed boaters can often catch a glimpse of them along the shore, or high above in open meadow.

From beginning to end the Tatshenshini never ceases to amaze and delight those who travel down it, and with just one group allowed to take out each day, only a lucky few get to experience its grandeur. Wilderness River Outfitters of Salmon, Idaho specializes in small groups and offers two trips this summer. Trip dates are July 14-24 and July 30- August 9. Space is limited and reservations may be secured by calling 1(800)-252-6581.

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Haines, Alaska ~ The Tatshenshini River is one of the most beautiful wilderness rivers in the world. The 11 days it takes to float from the Yukon, through British Columbia, and into Alaska are more than a river trip, they are a journey back in time. A journey to an era when new mountains were thrust up, only to be ripped apart by mighty glaciers, when there were no trail signs, no GPS, and a power lunch was two grizzly bears fighting over a salmon. The Tatshenshini is one of those special places that make the human mind feel incredibly small and unimportant, but lets the soul expand to fill everything in sight.

Although it is often called the “Grand Canyon of the North”, the Tatshenshini will not show its true grandeur at the put in. As we push the rafts off, the current is strong but not ferocious, and a good arm could hit the other side with a rock. For several miles the river meanders past banks lined with alders and cottonwoods. Bald eagles watch from the treetops, searching the riffles for the salmon that have made their way 140 miles from the ocean. The river has a quiet, intimate feel. It is impossible to imagine the change it will go through as it winds its way through this wild country.

As we round a bend the river picks up speed, and the distant mountains are blocked from sight by the walls of the narrow gorge closing in around us. For the next 5 miles we dig hard with the paddles as we bounce, dodge and punch our way through a long series of class III rapids. Shouts fill the air whenever a wave crashes over the front of the boat. Its hard to believe the water will actually get colder as we move down river, closer to the big glaciers! When we emerge safely from the last rapid, the Tatshenshini presents us with a beautiful view. Reddish-purple fireweed lines the banks. The lush green foothills lead up to soft alpine meadows, and above it all are snowcapped peaks of the Alsek range to the north. The outside world has been left far behind on the other side of the gorge, and we have entered a new realm. As we take our first steps in the magic land of the Tat, the bear tracks on the beach let us know we are only visitors.

Light arrives early this far north, and mornings feel leisurely and relaxed. When we continue on in the morning the valley continues to broaden, and we can now see the mountains on both sides. The river twists and turns back on itself, moving lazily along, giving us a chance to admire our surroundings from every angle. That night we make camp at Sediments Creek, where we plan to hike the next day. As we finish dinner, a large grizzly appears on the far bank. Even with a river between us, he is an intimidating sight. Standing on his hind legs and sniffing the air before disappearing into the brush, he is fully the master of this wild land.

In the morning we get out of camp early and follow a steep, winding trail up through the foothills. 3,000 feet later we break out into the alpine zone and crest the last rise to gain the ridge. Walking across the heather, with the river stretched out far below, Veronica Herndon comments, “Its like something out of The Sound of Music, only larger, wilder, more incredible.” From a vantage point looking into Sediments Creek we see several mountain goats on the cliffs below, and in the head of the canyon the afternoon sun lights up the first glaciers of the trip. These small pockets of ice on the shoulders of the peaks are only remnants of the giant that carved this drainage, but they give a hint to what lies downriver.

On the way down we pause to examine the vibrant fireweed, lupine, and chocolate lilies. Taking our time and enjoying the long day as we descend, we are slowly slipping into the rhythm of life on the river.

Over the next few days the Tat doubles in size, then doubles again. Each side canyon holds an icy, gray stream that adds to the power of the river. As the river picks up speed, we can often hear boulders rolling along the streambed beneath us as the river pushes them towards the ocean.
On the sixth day we camp just above the confluence with the Alsek. The mountains are hidden behind thick clouds and rain drizzles all night against the tents. But when we poke our heads out for breakfast the sun shines through, and we take the opportunity to dry our gear.

Feeling refreshed, we point the boats toward a small tree covered island in the middle of the confluence. A short hike brings us to the smooth rocky summit. The mountains circle us like the tenements of an icy castle, with the great moat of the Tatshenshini-Alsek inside the 5,000-foot walls. Everything around us seems to have sprung from this island, or perhaps everything is being drawn to it. Standing here, either seems possible.

Near the top, an ancient petroglyph has been etched in the dark rock by a long forgotten hand. The circle with lines radiating out and a dot in the center seems to say, “you are here, and this is the center of it all.” The feeling is so strong that many have taken to calling this magical place the ‘center of the universe’.

We are reluctant to leave the island, but the Tat holds still more surprises. Now called the Alsek, the river has become unbelievably big. With an average summer flow of 100,000 cubic feet/second, the Alsek is three times the size the Colorado in the Grand Canyon. Our boats that looked big at the put in now feel like toys on a river that is up to 2 miles across and moves at 8 to 10 miles an hour.
This giant of a river soon brings us to Walker Glacier. Reaching to within a half mile of our camp on the riverbank, Walker Glacier is over 1 mile across and as striking as the chill wind that blows off it. We spend the day walking on the ancient ice, admiring the sun carved figurines and crystal clear streams, and shuddering at the endless crevasses in the electric blue ice.

The anticipation builds as we near Alsek Lake, the Tat’s last ace and the climax of the trip. Pulling over on a small beach, we make our way through a colorful field of Indian paintbrush to a low ridge. As we reach the top jaws drop, and for a moment the only sound is the sharp intake of breathe. Alsek Lake lies before us. A flotilla of icebergs, fantastically shaped and in all sizes, glitters in the sun. Across the lake, the glaciers that spawned this wondrous fleet lead up, up and up to the white peak of Mt. Fairweather, 15,000 feet above us.

The next day we paddle amongst the icebergs. Some are as large as city blocks and dwarf our tiny rafts. The highlight of the day comes when a large chunk of the glacier breaks off as we eat lunch near the toe. A sharp crack and waves spreading out across the lake announce to the world the birth of another burg, but we are the only ones here to welcome it. Joe Tonsmeire has been guiding on the Tatshenshini since 1979 and is still struck by Alsek Lake. “I have been guiding rivers for 30 years and this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is simply beyond words.”

The final night of the trip is spent on the shore of the lake. After dinner, we stand around the fire, telling the stories of the past ten days, reluctant to go to sleep. We all want to stay here just a little longer, to hold on to the magic and wonder of this place. The Tatshenshini has surpassed all expectations and proven to be truly the trip of a lifetime.

The Age of the Iceman
by Travis Scott

For Immediate Release ~ April 8, 2005

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Haines, Alaska ~ He hiked the frozen glaciers and hunted the thick forests of British Columbia half a century before Columbus set sail. That’s the indication of the latest report on an ancient hunter found frozen in a glacier in the Tatshenshini River drainage in British Columbia. Carbon dating done by the Royal B.C. Museum suggests he lived sometime between 1415 and 1445, 300 years before the first Europeans reached the Northwest coast.

Three hunters found the remains while hiking across a glacier in the Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Park, near the B.C./Yukon border in August of 1999. Intrigued by bits of wood scattered high above the tree line, the hunters soon came across well-preserved human remains slowly melting out of the ice. The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations of western Canada have claimed the ancient man as an ancestor and named him Kwaday Dan Sinchi, meaning “Long-Ago Person Found”. Scientists will be conducting DNA testing to determine his relation to present day tribes.

The Tatshenshini River flows through one of the largest and wildest protected areas in the world. The combined parks in the region boast a total of 25 million acres of preserved land, an area larger than the state of Maine. The Tatshenshini has become known as one of the finest wilderness rafting trips in the world, and the discovery of Kwaday Dan Sinchi will probably lead to more interest in the native history of this remote area.

Joe Tonsmeire, one of the first outfitters to offer trips on the Tatshenshini, is expecting interest in the Tatshenshini to grow as more information is released on Kwaday Dan Sinchi. Joe says, “This is an intriguing part of the history of man in this area and it definitely adds to a trip that is already comparable to the Grand Canyon.”

Future rafters may be watching their step just a little closer as they explore a glacier, wondering if another “Long-Ago Person Found” could be resting in the ancient ice. Imagine peering into the blue ice of a glacier and finding someone looking back at you!

The report from the Royal B.C. Museum describes the iceman as a male in his late teens or early twenties, warmly dressed in an animal pelt robe, and carrying a variety of wooden tools and a leather pouch containing edible leaves and salmon (not unlike the snacks of many modern explorers on the Tatshenshini!).

Initially it was thought the iceman had fallen in a crevasse, but scientists now think he was probably caught in a snowstorm and froze to death. Over the years he became entombed in the ice, only to be revealed centuries later as the glacier receded.

For more information on exploring the Tatshenshini River, contact Wilderness River Outfitters at 1-800-252-6581, or email at wro@wildernessriver.com.

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Salmon, Idaho - Where can you take children on a summer vacation that’s fun for adults, too? Pleasing all ages is difficult, but rafting the Salmon River might be the answer. This vacation will treat everyone to beautiful sandy beaches for camping, fun whitewater, and a first-hand nature experience in Idaho’s pristine River of No Return Wilderness.

Families are discovering that river trips are great family vacations because there are so many activities that are enjoyable for both parents and children. The distractions of everyday life are eliminated ~ no phones, no television, no computers and no schedules or routines here, it’s called “rivertime.” Just imagine, sleeping under the stars and awaking to fresh coffee brewing on the open fire, fishing a pristine stream, maneuvering a funyak or paddle raft through an exciting rapid, rappelling down a rock wall, kicking back and absorbing all that the river and its canyon has to offer. It’s a life experience!

The Main Salmon River is the perfect family oriented river trip. Families can spend quality time together and yet children can feel independent at the same time. The refreshing waters and inviting beaches are great for swimming and relaxing in the sun. You’ll explore Indian drawings and visit abandoned Pioneer homesteads. Along the way there will also be time to hike and fish. Plus a long soak in Barth Hot Springs will help any adult forget the tensions of home and office. Delicious hearty meals and an evening around the campfire tops off the full enjoyment of the experience.

“Inflatable kayaks and rock climbing are always a favorite among the youngsters”, says Joe Tonsmeire of Wilderness River Outfitters. Tonsmeire, who has been outfitting trips on the Salmon for 30 plus years, says, “We are one of the few companies that offer small groups. With a maximum of 15 guests, this ensures a quality, personalized experience with plenty of time for everyone to participate in all the activities they want.”

The whitewater is exciting but not intimidating (moderate class III rapids). Each family member can choose various boating options to satisfy their yearnings for the day. Your guide rows the 16’ oar rafts while you relax and take in the scenery. For a little more activity and excitement, a paddle team consisting a guide and 3 or 4 guests maneuvers the 10’ paddle raft. For the adventuresome, the 1 person inflatable kayak will give you the biggest thrills.

Fun-loving, experienced guides are the foundation to top quality adventures. “We have some of the best and most experienced guides in the business. They are professionals that love what they are doing. The assistance of licensed and skillful guides ensures comfort and safety and a variety of adventuresome experiences.”

Rafting the Main Salmon River is an ideal family vacation, full of fun, beauty and adventure. For more information contact Wilderness River Outfitters at 800 252-6581 or online at www.wildernessriver.com or the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association at www.ioga.org.

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Kalispell, Montana ~ With the increased awareness of nature and our environment, and concerns for health and fitness, there is a growing interest in active outdoor travel. Wilderness travel offers people a change of pace from everyday life with all its schedules, deadlines and social engagements. Wild Rivers and mountains have much to offer the adventuresome – the thrill of plunging into a whitewater rapid, the peace and solitude of a high mountain peak, and an evening around the campfire with new friends.

In Montana’s northwestern corner lies 3 million acres of contiguous wild country – Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (“the Bob”.) Within these boundaries are rivers to float, lakes and streams to fish, and trails and mountains to hike. To many people “wilderness” has a mystique. Even the adventuresome that seeks the unusual want to feel safe on their adventures therefore traveling with a qualified licensed guide has much appeal.

Whitewater rafting is a great way to see “the Bob.” Wild rivers provide passage into many wilderness areas. Montana’s Middle Fork of the Flathead River is one of the little known jewels of whitewater rafting. Joe Tonsmeire, owner of Wilderness River Outfitters, is one of two outfitters licensed to float this wild and remote stretch of the Flathead. This makes for a true wilderness experience. Joe says, “The Middle Fork is not only one of the best whitewater streams (class IV), but gives access to some of the finest wildlife habitat in the Northwest. We often see bear and moose and an occasional grizzly on the trip.” The Middle Fork is a first class whitewater river in a wilderness setting, without the crowds that are present on many rivers. Few other rivers give you the quality whitewater, fishing, hiking, wildlife, and scenery that the Middle Fork packs into just five days.

Montana’s South Fork of the Flathead is a focal point of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This hiking, fishing, and rafting combination takes you through one of the ‘last best places’ in a state that prides itself on being “The Last Best Place”. “Our trip combines four days of hiking with four days of rafting, for a total of eight days spent in the beautiful Bob Marshall Wilderness. The hike will take us past clear mountain lakes, over a high pass with snow-covered peaks all around, and alongside a beautiful stream that slowly grows in size until it reaches the river. The river has beautiful calm sections that meander past mile-long meadows, all hidden deep in the wilderness. The South Fork is home to one of the purest strains of West Slope Cutthroat in the world, and the fish are very abundant. Last summer three people fishing the same hole each caught over 20 fish in one hour! Meadow Creek Gorge is the grand finale of the South Fork. The river is squeezed between narrow limestone walls for about 5 miles, creating an exciting series of class IV to V rapids.”

Wilderness River Outfitter offers an adventuresome style river trip. They run oar rafts, paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks so their guest can choose how much excitement and challenge they want on the river. Rappelling instruction is a favorite option. Joe Tonsmeire, owner and guide says, “Some people come on these trips expecting camping to be difficult in the wilderness, but with the guides setting up the kitchen and preparing the meals, the guest have leisure time to try a fishing hole, relax by the river’s edge or hike to Castle Lake. And one of the guides is always eager to accompany the guest on side excursions.“

For more information, contact Joe and Fran Tonsmeire of Wilderness River Outfitters at 1 800 252-6581 or wro@wildernessriver.com or check them out on the web at www.wildernessriver.com.

All-In-One “Combo” Adventures

For Immediate Release

Wilderness River Outfitters
Contact: Fran Tonsmeire
Phone: 1 208 756-3959
Email: wro@wildernessriver.com
Web: www.wildernessriver.com

Salmon, Idaho ~ Listen up, you active adventurer who seeks the perfect vacation. Now you can paddle exciting whitewater a few days and pedal a mountain bike through pristine wilderness all on the same 9day trip. Or hike to majestic mountain lakes and vistas then dive into the renowned Salmon River on day 4 and begin a rafting trip down that river the next morning. The spot is wild Idaho, the state that claims more wilderness than any other in the lower 48. The pristine River of No Return Wilderness offers the perfect setting for a variety of wilderness adventures.

Joe Tonsmeire of Wilderness River Outfitters in Salmon, Idaho has been running rafting trips on the Main Salmon River for 32 years. Joe says. “Over the years we’ve noticed a definite trend towards folks wanting to combine various activities while on vacation to a special area like Idaho’s Wilderness. We started running combo trips several years ago to satisfy this demand.” It makes sense. A rafting trip on the Main Salmon River is a major investment in time and money. Why not spend a few more days and combine cycling, hiking or ranch stay with the river trip. Wilderness River Outfitters offers several all-in-one vacations: