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Joe Tonsmeire fell in love with rivers over 30 years ago,
and its easy to see the magic is still there for him.
Joe and Fran started Wilderness River Outfitters in 1971
to offer people an active, personal alternative to large
trips on overcrowded rivers. 30 years later, WRO is still
providing the highest quality adventures into pristine
wilderness areas.
There are a number of ingredients we feel are very important to offering the best adventure vacation...relaxed atmosphere, seasoned guides, new and exciting challenges, diversified and flexible activities, and a commitment to safety.
Joe, Fran, Seth & Amy
Participation in every facet of the trip is encouraged
and welcomed, but is optional. If you want to sit back
and enjoy the scenery, or go for a hike while we cook,
that's great! Or if you've got a great recipe and want
to try your hand at cooking on an open fire, we'd love
to have you show us something new! We want everyone
to feel at home on a WRO trip. If you've felt a distance
between guest and guide on other trips, you'll be amazed
by how WRO trips feel like a bunch of old friends getting
together!
We feel most people enjoy a little physical challenge. Whether it's just the new experience of camping, or learning to paddle through a rapid, rappelling a rock face, or making it to the top of the ridge, there is a definite thrill in facing and meeting that challenge, and we enjoy providing the opportunity. We try to let the interests of the group decide the flow of activities. We are there to help you explore, appreciate and enjoy every aspect of the environment that surrounds us...the mountains, streams, birds, flowers, rocks, hiking, fishing, biking, backpacking etc.
WRO guides all share Joe's sense of fun and adventure and want to give you the best trip of your life. Our guides love their work and being in the outdoors with people who want to experience all aspects of a wilderness adventure. They are there not just as a guide, but as friend and educator in the ways of the wilderness. On our trips, at least one guide is always available to accompany guests on side excursions - whether it's a hike up to Castle Lake or fishing along Sabe Creek's clear, cold water or just to relax around the campfire and talk over the day's events. "Meet a few of them."
Brent Leavell has been guiding
trips in the backcountry for us over 18 years so he
is very familiar with all aspects of WRO river trips.
He enjoys telemark skiing, hiking, biking, and traveling
the world but has a passion for Alaska. Brent is a pleasure
to be with on a trip - he is easy going and fun loving
with a smile that never quits. Brent guides in Idaho,
Montana, and Alaska.
Mark O'Green has been working
with WRO for the past four seasons. Mark brings a fun
and positive attitude to the bunch. With a degree in
hotel and restaurant management, he brings some great
cooking skills to the fire as well. In the winter Mark
lives near Salt Lake City where he is a ski patroller
at Solitude. When not working he is probably out on
the hill. He also enjoys hiking and kayaking in the
summer.&
Amy Tonsmeire did her first
river trip at age 3. Amy has logged many a river day
since then. She knows the ins and out of WRO. She is
a recent graduate in graphic design from Montana State
University. Her passion is for snowboarding and kayaking.
She is enthusiastic and loves sharing a good time with
others. Amy guides in Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
Kelly Rinck has been guiding
with WRO for the past three seasons, but many years
prior day guiding gives her lots of experience. Kelly
is currently attending the University of Montana where
she is finishing up a nursing degree. When Kelly is
not in the classroom or working there is no telling
where she may be, possibly traveling the world kayaking
with friends. Kelly is also a pleasure to be around.
Joe Biby lives in Bigfork,
Montana and has explored the rivers and trails of Northwest
Montana for many years. His knowledge of river ecology
is outstanding, and he's great fun around the camp fire.
Joe's easy-going personality brings a relaxed feeling
to every trip he's on. Joe has been with WRO for 6 years
and guides on all of our trips in Idaho, Montana and
Alaska.
Mark Schaffer is a leader
in every aspect, good at the oars, in the kitchen and
loves hiking. He has a degree in Physical Geography
and not only enjoys rafting but also kayaks, climbs
and telemark skis. He is a lead guide on the Middle
Fork of the Salmon and brings with him a lot of backcountry
knowledge and river experience. Mark is a guides in
both Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
Jessie Thiel has only been
working with WRO for one season but she is a raft-guiding
veteran with more than fifty trips down the Middle Fork
of the Salmon. In the winter Jessie works with the Idaho
Fish and Game as a Wildlife Biologist. Jessie is always
good for a story of tackling wild animals or searching
for a fresh game kill. Jessie and her husband Christian
live in Salmon when not on the river.
Seth Tonsmeire, Joe and Fran's
son, has been running rivers all of his life beginning
at age 1. Seth knows his way around on the river! He
is an avid snowboarder and kayaker and lots of river
experiences under his belt (he's started rowing gear
boats on the Salmon at age 15.) Seth is as genuine as
they come, a pleasure to spend time with. He guides
in both Idaho and Montana.
Gary Power lives here in Salmon,
Idaho. In his prior life, he was a biologist for the
Idaho Fish and Game Commission. He is an expert on the
wolf and sheep population in the Central Idaho Wilderness.
In his spare time he enjoys horsepacking into the backcountry
with his wife, Tam. Gary is a lead guide on both the
Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers.
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