Helfrich River Outfitters
Helfrich River Outfitters
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PROVIDING TOP QUALITY DRIFT BOAT FLY FISHING AND WHITEWATER RAFTING RIVER EXCURSIONS AROUND THE NORTHWEST SINCE 1925. We operate on the Middle Fork Salmon River and Main Salmon River in idaho along with the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, McKenzie River and Owyhee River in Oregon.Let us take care of your every need as you truly relax and enjoy yourself on one of the Pacific Northwest's premier rivers. From a one-day trip to a six-day excursion, you can fish, raft, hike, and explore on each of the all-inclusive trip we have to offer. Choose between the Middle Fork of the Salmon or the Main Salmon in the world renowned Idaho wilderness or the majestic Rogue River in the Oregon coastal range. Our specially designed driftboats provide comfort and maneuverability to give you the highest quality fly-fishing experience. Each guide is a highly trained boatman and fisherman and can offer professional instruction for all skill levels. Rafting can range from a relaxing first class ride on a lounging raft or the excitement of getting involved in a maneuverable paddle raft. You can also take on the waves yourself and take control of your own inflatable kayak. Meals are exquisitely prepared for you using Dutch oven and barbeque cooking techniques with top grade meats and fresh breads baked daily. As you spend your day fishing, rafting, hiking and sightseeing, we send a crew ahead to prepare camp for your arrival. Spacious tents complete with cots and pads will be waiting for you at the end of the day along with hot showers and family style dinning. This vacation is like none other. With your every need cared for, you will have much more quality time to spend with friends and family. We will customize your trip to fit your interests and provide activities for everyone.Our commitment to quality and service is unsurpassed. As a four generational family owned and operated company we are passionate about what we do. Since 1925 our family has carried on a strong tradition of excellent service and our commitment to safety.We would love for you to come and experience the river with our family. Your experience will be more than just a river trip; it will be a spectacular vacation with memories that will last you a lifetime!
Salmon, Idaho
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
130 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
dschoenburg
Fresno, CA16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Fantastic trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River ~ the Helfrich team did an outstanding job every step of the way! The very competent people made the trip fun and interesting, even for a couple of us who were newer to river rafting. If you can go with more experienced people, do so. Otherwise, read through all the material and check with them on certain crucial items like shoes and rainy weather clothes. The guides work so hard setting up and taking down tents every day and guiding you on the best conditions for fishing, rafting, hiking, and exploring the fascinating local history. Delicious food prepared for every meal.
It’s on the higher end of the price range, but worth it if you can use a ‘reset’ in terms of health and nature. (Tip to females, designated wilderness areas have no plumbing and rules about where to take care of that; look into portable female urinals – some collapse for travel. I would make room for that in the future if I were to do it again.)
It’s on the higher end of the price range, but worth it if you can use a ‘reset’ in terms of health and nature. (Tip to females, designated wilderness areas have no plumbing and rules about where to take care of that; look into portable female urinals – some collapse for travel. I would make room for that in the future if I were to do it again.)
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
My 14yr old son, my father, and a good friend took a 4 day trip down the Rogue River. The guides were professional every second and were welcoming to everyone. Every day we stopped for lunch at a beautiful riverside campsite. Food, tables, and chairs were always set up before we arrived. We fished and rode rapids throughout the day. Guides stopped along the way to show us wildlife, waterfalls, and amazing views. Every night we stayed at a different lodge. We stayed in warm cabins with comfortable beds, hot water, showers, toilets, etc. Every night we were greeted with amazing drinks and dinners. I have taken countless trips with the Helfrich group over the last 20 years and each one is better than the last and creates lifelong memories and new friends. This is an experience you cannot get somewhere else and you will not regret. I highly recommend using the Helfrich River Outfitters guide service!
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellingcowboy
Buttonwillow, CA154 contributions
Oct 2022
First class trip at a fair price. Equipment in excellent condition, experienced guides, nightly lodging ranged from rustic and comfortable, to rustic plush and comfortable. The last two lodges we stayed in had better beds than I have at home.
Very friendly staff that catered to our every request. Fishing was light, due to weather, but the scenery doing the day and the fellowship at night made the fishing a side attraction. Excellent evening meals and fun shaded lunches on the river.
Neither my wife or I are experienced fishermen, but the lessons from the guides soon put us at ease.
I will be returning.
Very friendly staff that catered to our every request. Fishing was light, due to weather, but the scenery doing the day and the fellowship at night made the fishing a side attraction. Excellent evening meals and fun shaded lunches on the river.
Neither my wife or I are experienced fishermen, but the lessons from the guides soon put us at ease.
I will be returning.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you had a great trip! Thank you for the review and we hope so see you on the water again soon!
Written January 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
denvernative1
Denver, CO7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I had the opportunity to go on the 6 day float trip down the Middle Fork with Helfrich in August of 2023 and I was absolutely blown away by the experience! The accommodations were perfect for all types of campers in that if you wanted to sleep inside the pre-set up tent you absolutely could, and if you wanted to pull your cot out to sleep under the stars you were welcome to do that too. The portable toilet and shower were very nice touches, and made the whole experience feel very elevated. The food was filling and delicious (e.g., salmon, shrimp fried rice, ribs, homemade bread, etc.) and they did a great job catering to the GF individuals on the trip. I chose to be in a fishing boat, but I still had the opportunity to hike, float, stop into hot springs, or horseback ride whenever I wanted. The fishing was plentiful, and I especially enjoyed when we had the opportunity to venture up side creeks and wade on our own. We saw big horn sheep, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, and a black bear all within the 6 days. The guides were friendly and professional, each one with their own interesting stories about how they fell in love with the Middle Fork and the concept of guiding. All in all, this trip was fabulous and I recommend it to anyone wanting to spend a few days disconnecting and self-reflecting in nature. Thank you, Helfrich!
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rcmazza
Cary, NC11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Rouge River float trip of a lifetime. 10-20 steelhead per boat per day. Hot lunches cooked riverside by the guides. White water every day, eagles, otters, seals, osprey, deer, ducks, geese (two geese joined our 7 boat float for three days). Happy hour at the lodges. Guides put all clients onto fish each day including people new to fishing. Enjoyed Zane Grays cabin on day 2.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron Z
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Spectacular outdoor experience with the Best in the business! It was an honor to join the Helfrich family and celebrate their 100th year exploring the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, ID.
The ability to access this pristine wilderness with the dedicated Helfrich team was an experience I will always treasure. The beauty of the wilderness and the care, respect and love that Helfrich's show make this so special.
They organize everything and execute perfectly. The food can't be beat and you the freshness is so unexpected on a six day trip.
Fishing was also exceptional. Continuous strikes on dry flies! And so much more. Highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates and respects the outdoors experience.
The ability to access this pristine wilderness with the dedicated Helfrich team was an experience I will always treasure. The beauty of the wilderness and the care, respect and love that Helfrich's show make this so special.
They organize everything and execute perfectly. The food can't be beat and you the freshness is so unexpected on a six day trip.
Fishing was also exceptional. Continuous strikes on dry flies! And so much more. Highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates and respects the outdoors experience.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie Biller
1 contribution
Jul 2020
This was a trip of a life time for us. The guides were so helpful, happy, set up our camp and served food every single meal with a huge smile and an attitude of service. The guides taught us how to fly fish with amazing patience. They all shared the history of the river and many high points along the river. They all shared individual highlights and things they loved and held dear along the trip. It was an amazing, wonderful experience. We met new people we are still communicating and sharing pictures with. The family we went with trusted the guides to take their 8 and 13 year old down on a raft to the hot springs where we all met up. That says something for the high quality of guides that this high class family trusted them to watch their kids on the river, hike up to the hot springs and meet us there. The guides were very hospitable, they played games with the kids and sat and visited with us after they prepared incredible meals. Trip of a lifetime!!!
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve G
Houston, TX2 contributions
Aug 2020
Having been on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River 20 times, I must say Helfrich River Outfitters managed to outperform the other providers we have used over the years. Their attention to detail is unparalleled, ranging from the high quality tents, cots and sleeping pads to the top shelf drift boats and rafts and daily menus that rival any restaurant.
The true stars of the show were the crew. Their collective experience and expertise enabled seamless transitions from expertly navigating the ever changing rapids to preparing the next sumptuous meal. Behind the scenes, the sweep crew had the tents and kitchen set up when we arrived at each campsite, including a bar for me to use while preparing health drinks for the group.
The scenery on the Middle Fork is world class and the numerous hiking trails along the river offered vistas entirely similar to those enjoyed by the Native Americans who occupied this corridor long before Lewis and Clark's expedition happened along.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate how the guests evolve from being a disparate group of 20 or so on the first day to a family-like party of friends by the third day. The connections my wife, daughter and I made with the crew and guests are noteworthy, especially when one considers the limited amount of time and diverse backgrounds involved.
As a measure of how much we enjoyed our experience with Helfrich River Outfitters, we have already made arrangements for a trip next year, along with about a dozen of this year's contingent.
The true stars of the show were the crew. Their collective experience and expertise enabled seamless transitions from expertly navigating the ever changing rapids to preparing the next sumptuous meal. Behind the scenes, the sweep crew had the tents and kitchen set up when we arrived at each campsite, including a bar for me to use while preparing health drinks for the group.
The scenery on the Middle Fork is world class and the numerous hiking trails along the river offered vistas entirely similar to those enjoyed by the Native Americans who occupied this corridor long before Lewis and Clark's expedition happened along.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate how the guests evolve from being a disparate group of 20 or so on the first day to a family-like party of friends by the third day. The connections my wife, daughter and I made with the crew and guests are noteworthy, especially when one considers the limited amount of time and diverse backgrounds involved.
As a measure of how much we enjoyed our experience with Helfrich River Outfitters, we have already made arrangements for a trip next year, along with about a dozen of this year's contingent.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie S
1 contribution
Sep 2022
You can't do better than Helfrich River Outfitters for floating the Middle Fork, particularly if you want to fly fish. The quality of the guides, the food, the service, all beyond expectation. It was an incredible and memorable experience.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you had an incredible trip, we hope to have you on the water again soon!
Written January 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma G
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Our very recent Middle Fork 5 day trip was outstanding. Great water, good action, a compatible group of fishermen and Aspire runners, outstanding guides and food — what more could you ask for. Yes, it rained some, but everyone was well prepared and the night time tents were always dry! We’ve done this trip privately many times over the years, but it was time (ages 78 and 81) to let someone else do the planning, food prep, rowing, and packing! Helfrich is the best!1
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will there be stops for passengers to get out of boat and hike while others are shore fishing?
Written January 14, 2022
Yes! There are lots of wonderful hiking opportunities!
Written April 18, 2022
Hi! How far away from Balmecada airport and/or Coyhaique is your lodge? Is a car necessary? We will be coming from Trouter's Patagonia Lodge on February 28 and will be flying to Punta Arenas on March 4 from Balmecad Airport. We want to stay 4 nights and have the option of cooking our own meals if possible.
Thank you
Kathy Melton
Written December 28, 2014

A Tripadvisor member
Portland, Oregon
Helfrich River Outfitters is located in Springfield Oregon USA and have no locations outside the US. I think you have the wrong outfitter.
Written December 29, 2014
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