THE THREE RIVERS FAMILY ❤
MEET THE TEAM
Three Rivers guides are true professionals and masters of rivers. We are proud to say that we have the most tenured and experienced team on the Lochsa in the world today. On average, TRR guides spend well over 100 nights per year on a paco pad. They are exceptional people in all aspects of their lives, and they are the most integral and valuable facet of our entire company.
Naturally, the outdoors is an important part of their lives. They are dedicated to preserving our wilderness areas by furthering the education of our area's wildlife and history.
TY
LOYALTY
Ty has been a Three Rivers guide for over 20 years and has seen it all! Ty is a true leader and one of the best guides in the world. He could be working anywhere, and on the Lochsa he finds a home. Ty's favorite rapid is Ten Pin Alley.
When Ty isn't on the river he's a family-man who stays busy raising his two wonderful children with his wife Bre. They run a small family business and spend as much time as possible in the outdoors.
NATHAN
KINDNESS
Also known as Mad Dawg. Nathan may look like he just pillaged a village, but this Viking has a gentle heart. Aside from strength on the river, Nathan is one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. He's an incredible chef and has magical knife skills.
Nathan is a real MacGyver who can fix anything with some duct tape and a piece of leather. His favorite rapid is Killer Fang Falls. When Nathan isn't on the water, he enjoys camping, crafting, and a good cup of Joe.
GUS
INTEGRITY
We have a saying at TRR:
"Throw it on Gus' boat!"
Gus is an alumni of the University of Montana, where he received his BA in Forestry. Gus is the guide's elected mayor of Tent City (the guide's seasonal homestead). He may be #4 on the water, but he's #1 in our hearts! Gus does not like the cold, so he resides in Texas where he operates heavy machinery. Gus loves relaxing with his two little girls and his wife Sandi.
NOAH
SURE
Noah was born and raised on Idaho rivers. He found TRR through his family, and as an avid bigwater boater he fit right in. He carries himself with great humility, and has the discipline needed to learn and embrace the team mentality of guiding. He enjoys hunting, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and packing out on llamas.
For tradition's sake Noah appreciates it when people file onto his boat two-by-two. He also doesn't appreciate ark jokes.
PJ
ROLLICK
PJ has a unique enthusiasm for life, and a deep seeded love of rivers and the culture surrounding them. His joy is contagious, and he brings a certain levity to the team.
PJ's knowledge of his craft is fine tuned and his tinkering game is on point.
In the off-season PJ keeps on rafting and kayaking. Traveling to Chile to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Futaleufú River.
PJ loves pinto beans, rapids and the people.
SARA
DETERMINATION
Yip Yip! A true river goddess who pours her everything into being a steward of the land. Sara specializes in running stout rivers, yoga salutations, and first breakfasts. She loves it when you listen to your guide because, let's face it.... your guide knows best! Sara loves and respects every rapid and doesn't take favorites.
During the winter months, Sara works in the woods cooking and doing pack trips on the Middle Fork.
HALEY
BUBBLY
Haley came to us in 2023 and quickly claimed the "Lochsa Rookie of the Year" title as her own. She also styled and dialed to put the "Most Photogenic Award" on her wall of accolades.
Haley excels at making friendship bracelets, popcorn, and giant pineapple upside down cakes. A great connoisseur of bread and cheese, she's never needed a cooler a day in her life. If we could photoshop her hair onto the rest of the team, we would! Also, we lovingly refer to her as Bucksnort.
REID
DULCET
Reid grew up just downriver from the Lochsa and was introduced to the whitewater scene at an early age from his family. He's a real sweetheart. Similar to his sister Cooper, Reid is a true Lochsa Maniac and Circle of Excellence Alumni. Reid is steadfast and reliable.
A boater, a thrower, and a midnight rower... Reid is currently studying at the University of Idaho on a track and field scholarship.
We're lucky when we get these two siblings on the same trip!
JOSH
KEEN
Josh is a true Idaho County local. When he's not on the river he spends time at home filling up his wood shed and helping his neighbors. An avid outdoorsman and genuine human being, Josh answers the call.
Josh has great dedication and attention to detail. He is quiet and studious by nature.
Josh was also the first ever recipient of the Mossy Shoe Award.
MIKE AKA SAM
RUTHLESS
Mike is a man of the woods and we are grateful when he helps us out. He spends just about every day of the year fishing, rafting, horn hunting, hiking or hunting. Mike has a great knowledge of ropes and knots, an asset in all wilderness settings. He will not tolerate nonsense, and as such is a true protector of the wilderness.
Mike would drive 5 hours in the wrong direction to return litter found in the woods to its rightful owner.
COOPER
ALTRUISTIC
Cooper has been boating her whole life! Raised in Orofino, ID and made for whitewater.
Cooper is currently in Physical Therapy school in Hawaii while continuing her workout regimine. She throws a mean discus, shotput, AND hammer y'all!
Cooper is the "mom" of the group and makes sure to keep the guides in line. She's a real Lochsa Maniac and excels with kids and families. A terrific multi-day guide who knows her way around Idaho's rivers.
BEN
SPARKLING
Ben has been known to run a boat with some of the best posture and technique you'll ever see. A D1 All-American in Lacross in college, Ben's athletic prowess quickly translated to rafting. Ben is thoughtful and patient whilst also maintaining a jolly quality that livens up any ride in his boat. We are so excited to have Ben out on the water!
HUNT & MIRA
DYNAMIC
Hunt and Mira are the owner/operator team of Three Rivers Rafting. Together they do the behind the scenes things to keep the ball rolling!
Hunt enjoys learning the nuances of the wilderness area and asking lots of questions. Things like "how old is that lichen?" or "how can we use trees to reveal prevailing winds" are the sorts of things that occupy most of his time.
Mira is grounded and focused, and her generous spirit and fun loving nature drives the business. She's a real Idaho gem!
JEFF & ANNE
EFFICIENT
Avid hikers, cavers, rafters, skiiers, foragers, home cooks, welders and auto repairmen, Jeff and Anne are just about as knowledgeable as they come. Salmi (their dog) keeps them in check. The "swiss army knife" duo of the Three Rivers guide staff make a wonderful team both on and off the rivers.
When they aren't off on an adventure, Jeff works for Vista in Lewiston while Anne works from home and keeps an eye on Salmi.
JOEY & NAT
SAGACIOUS
Joey is a stand up guy who is well versed in many fields. He's the type of person who feels like an old friend, even if you just met him. A truly a skilled boatman who's vast knowledge of three toed song birds is just the beginning of the breadth of his outdoors knowledge.
Natalie, his counter balance, is as sweet as they get. Step aside when she has a chainsaw in hand. She is a firefighter amongst other things. The two love to do anything outside and together are as strong as a wolverine
ETHAN
APTITUDE
An alumni of the World Class Kayaking Academy, Ethan has traveled the world kayaking and rafting rivers. Ethan is currently in the law program in Laramie, WY.
We're beyond stoked when Ethan is around! His ability to read water will make you look at things differently. Ethan also brings the heat to a nice dish washing session and makes the dankest homemade garlic bread.
CRAIG
COACH
The best in the business! A real MVP candidate and Circle of Excellence award winner.
COACH'S BUS RULES 🤙
-
Never compromise your integrity.
-
Hear both sides before judging.
-
Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
-
Be willing to lose a battle to win the war.
-
Learn to recognize the inconsequential, then ignore it.
-
Admit your mistakes.
RAY
WISDOM
Ray splits time between his career as a Civil Engineer and guiding for Three Rivers. He began guiding on the Lochsa River in 2000 and continues to spend his spring & summer weekends on the water whenever possible. He is an avid fisherman, backpacker, and advocate for all places wild. When not working, you can find him chasing fish on his favorite rivers. He is also a local history buff and enjoys sharing the rich stories associated with the Lochsa River corridor.
BUCKY
ROOTED
Bucky may well be the songbird of our generation. As you may see from his photo, Bucky is well versed in many fields, including (but not limited to): music, boating, welding, carpentry, digging ditch, and being an exceptionally decent human. He can slice cake with nothing but his bare hands and has a natural gift for personal connection.
JANE
ZEAL
Jane is currently working on a bachelor degree in Anthropology at Warren Wilson college. She excels at charcuterie boards and baking in the river environment.
She came to TRR ready to learn the Lochsa and was fearless in the maw of the giant waves. Don't challenge her to a swimming race unless you're a professional in that arena.
KOVU
BUG
Kovu is the most famous TRR guide to date and has quickly made friends with guides all over Idaho. In his debut season he swept all the company awards: Rookie of the Year, Mossy Shoe, Most Photogenic, The Trident, and MVP. He goes on every trip and even supervises Coach and the road crew.
A snuggle bug and all around friendly guy, he's the newest member of the four legged guide crew at TRR.
MIKE
CANNY
Mike and Katie came out to do a Lochsa cat boat clinic with us and never looked back! Mike works as an engineer and loves to come play on the river on his free weekends. A gentle soul with an unrivaled patient approach to life, Mike moves through the world taking note of every blade of grass underfoot. If you want to talk about supercomputers, Mike is your go-to guy.
RYAN
VIGOR
Ryan is the reason we place shirt orders every year. He loves a good swim team or river map shirt. Ryan is a seasoned Lochsa hand, and he will gladly step up to the challenges of the river.
Ryan is very diplomatic and flexible, which makes it easy to spend time on the river with him.
A professor at the U of I, student, husband, father and a great person all around, Ryan just makes the day better. He cooks an excellent Jambalaya even for a guy from the North.
WILL
RESOLVE
Will is straight forward, yet flexible. He calls it how he sees it in a thoughtful and gentle way. Will has a boat load of river experience and we are grateful he's found his way to TRR! He's got a knack for problem solving on the river and is excellent on the safety front. Will loves boating with his partner Shell, and is quite an impressive seamster. Check out Barking Dog Fleeceware on Instagram for warm river attire!
FLYNN
AMIABLE
Flynn is persistent, kind, and has great attention to detail. She will teach you more than you ever could have imagined about bears, and she is full of wonderful animal facts.
A Kube MVP, Circle of Excellence holder, and Mossy Shoe award winner, Flynn brings a warmth to the scene that is a welcomed addition to any cold Lochsa day. Flynn is also always prepared with an array of the finest snacks!
HARDY
MOMENTUS
Known around the campfire as "Big Lines Bender," Hardy loves to go big on the water. Hardy has an extensive knowledge of the history of his hometown Mobile, Alabama. He adds that southern flare to the group from his delightful manners to his detailed story telling. Hardy loves to talk about any subject, so if you're looking for someone to bend your ear, Hardy Bender is going to make your day.
AARON
CORDIAL
Aaron has been guiding in Idaho for the past 16 years. He has been with Three Rivers for the past 12 of those. Aaron and his wife, Rachel, have two little girls that rule their world. Together they make sure to get them outside every chance they get. Aaron teaches High School and loves living in Sandpoint, Idaho where he spends time fishing, skiing, hiking, and working on wooden boats. He is also an outfitter on the Kootenai river and has been known to catch a few fish.
"If better is possible, then good is not enough!"
LIAM
CRACKERJACK
Liam is a whitewater veteran of many rivers, including the Lochsa, Selway, and Grand Canyon. He is a Lead Instructor for Sierra Swiftwater Rescue and travels the country teaching everyone from beginners to marine corp navy seals, the ins and outs of river safety and rescue. He loves his Dory, his wife Kristen, and their dog Bubbles. What Liam has done with his life is truly remarkable, and there are few that could carry the weight of the river miles he has seen. He is a man of mystery and depth.
ASH
POSE
Ash grew up with a paddle in her hand. She is as well rounded in the industry as anyone we've ever known. An exceptionally charming and gracious person, she makes people feel comfortable. Ashley has a humongous heart and takes care of those around her. She's been known to refresh us all with rose mist & potions.
Ash works as a counselor. She enjoys spending time with her pups Ruca & Rip and her husband Mark. Ash was voted the best big rig truck driver in 2019-2021!
GARY
DEVOTION
Gary has a unique and lasting relationship with the Lochsa. His sense of humor adds a feeling of security to his boat, even in the most interesting of situations. As a local, Gary is full of fun facts about the area. He is a long term Three Rivers guide and excels at training the younger generation.
Gary is a father and a loving husband who started his own construction company in 2021. His favorite rapid is Le Monster, also known as Le Gary.
BRIAN
BEAST
Brian is a father of two incredible kids and (when we're lucky) a celebrity guest guide! The Paddison boys grew up at Three Rivers, rafting the Lochsa, Selway, and Clearwater Rivers. He spent every summer of his youth boating, hiking, and exploring the Clearwater National Forest. Brian got his degree from Prague Film School and now runs his own PaddyPro Production film and photography company, while working as a spinal tech for Globus Medical.
THOMAS
STOKED
Thomas is a true Idaho outdoorsman! He grew up in Grangeville, Idaho and spent his childhood hunting, skiing, and exploring the wilds.
Fueled by BBQ Burritos and a love for nature, Thomas attended the University of Idaho and received his BA in both Forestry and Fire Ecology.
Thomas brings a certain level of "stoke" to all that he does - whether it be rafting/riverboarding Idaho's finest rivers, foraging for wild edibles, or even slinging the freshest catch.
TRACY
EMPATHY
The smile says it all! Tracy is the sweetest member of the team. She grew up in Kamiah, Idaho and loves spending time in the outdoors. Tracy is a University of Idaho alumni who married her middle school crush, Thomas (guide bio above). They love working seasonal jobs together, whenever possible. Tracy specializes in customer service and chatting ears off. She enjoys working road crew and eating snacks with Mira & Coach.
SYLAS
CALM
Sylas has grown up in the rafting industry and that is reflected in his attitude and his abilities on and off the river. His collective cool is something we can all learn from and practice.
Sylas is an avid fisherman, hunter, photographer, and outdoors enthusiast. Raised in Salmon, Idaho and born to raft and kayak. It should also be noted that Sylas cooks up the finest smoked goose
NATTY
DISCIPLINE
Natty is a geologist, father, and husband. He comes equipped with great knife skills and know his way around a river kitchen.
Natty has a structured approach to life that ensures the task at hand will be accomplished and accomplished well. He has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about Idaho's outdoors and it's rich history. Natty has rafted rivers all over the world.
MARTY
ORIGINAL
Guide Emeritus Marty was the founder and creator of TRR. When he passed the torch to Mira and Hunt in 2018, he promised to stay on as a guide, consultant, and bus driver.
Now he enjoys being an english teacher at Kamiah High School while spending time with his family and friends. A Kooskia native, he still has a CV placard in his yard.
JIMIE
ELUSIVE
Guide Emeritus Jimie is a family man who has been with TRR since the beginning. You'll spot him on the river if you keep a sharp eye. He's a balanced and kind soul that has taught many a new guide over the years. He's tough on gear and equipment.
Jim is a teacher and track coach at Kamiah High School and his students and athletes fondly refer to him as Mr. E. He was Mira's favorite teacher growing up.
KARSTEN
FORTITUDE
Karsten is a wonderfully friendly member of the Three Rivers team. He can be a real wild cat out on the water too!
Karsten loves nature, pottery, skiing, traveling, rafting, and funk music, He is a talented musician which translates into his style of rafting. Karsten isn't one to back away from something he sets his mind on, and his sincere approach to life is contagious.
ROCKY
PROTECT
Rocky is the brains behind the operation. He specializes in barking, looking cute, and chasing deer/frisbees/anything that runs from him. He always wants to be wherever the fun is and loves being out on the water. Most days though, he's nice enough to accompany Mira, as her personal assistant and road buddy. The easiest way to Rocky's heart is through food.