Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters is a locally owned and run business, with a crew of experienced guides who are all passionate about sharing wild places with others. Each one of our MFWO guides is trained in CPR and First Aid and all are certified in Swift Water Rescue.
Safety is our number one concern on any river trip, but being a guide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is about being multi skilled, and it shows on every trip. Our guides are experienced boatmen (and women) on the water, and at camp you will be blown away at the crew’s incredible culinary skills, fireside guitar, detailed knowledge of the area’s significant history, and their dedication to providing a comfortable and relaxing new camp each night on the banks of Idaho’s most treasured river.
Our goal at Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters is to give every guest an experience that they will never forget. A multi day river trip is the perfect way to disconnect from the stress, hustle, and technological “benefits” of modern society through a true wilderness experience. Our guides are committed to offering each customer the experience they are seeking.
Brandon Esbensen, Guide
Brandon is one of those guys who is a jack of all trades. From the Sweep Boat to the paddle boat, baking in the kitchen or repairing gear, he is always right at home. With a quiet demeanor and a ready smile, Brandon will always meet any situation with confidence and skill.
A few words from Brandon…
“I’m not sure what initially inspired my love for the outdoors, but growing up camping with my grandparents and parents in many of the incredible places around Idaho may have been the spark that lit the flame. As I found my independence, I began to enjoy the thrill and isolation of the mountains, from winter camping to rock climbing and mountain biking, I loved the adventure that surely came with these activities. It wasn’t long before I discovered whitewater rafting. It was excitement, adventure, and natural beauty all in one. I was immediately drawn to the Middle Fork, lured by the stories and history of boating on the river. Here I found my home, and I also found a passion for sharing these magical places with others.”
Lara Sagatov, Guide
Lara is an East Coast transplant with a restless spirit and a passion for the open spaces and the vast wilderness areas of the West. She is a six-year river guide having worked in Idaho, North Carolina and Montana. Lara has guided and taught many different outdoor pursuits including backpacking, rock and ice climbing, and dog mushing, but after taking a whitewater kayaking class in college she quickly learned that the water was where she belonged. After two years on the Nolichucky River in North Carolina, she decided to drop everything and pursue guiding full time in Idaho and has never looked back. With a degree in Sculpture and Design from Hampshire College in Amherst Massachusetts and a lifelong goal to learn complete self-sufficiency, Lara spends most of her off-river time making furniture, clothing, leather goods and folk music. She also dabbles in fiber arts, hide tanning and the fermentation arts, among many other primitive skills. You may also find Lara fly fishing, traveling, searching for wild edible plants and mushrooms or skiing in the snowy mountains of the Northwest. She is so excited to share the magic of the Middle Fork with you all!
Zach Dalquist, Guide
Dan Hobbs, Guide
Dan’s Middle Fork origin story is a wild one, and if you want the full scoop on it, you will have to get it from the source. Lets just say that sometimes life offers up certain opportunities, and if you are willing to take the leap, there is no telling what might come of it…
Kyle Esbensen, Guide
Tanner Mulberry, Swamper!
Ted Tuma, Guide
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Jake Cronin, Guide
Will Ferguson, Co-Owner/Outfitter & Guide
Meet Will, a true Renaissance man who has called Salmon, ID his home for the past eight years. Will was born and raised as the son of ranchers, so his love for the outdoors and nature runs deep. In fact, he can often be found spending his time along the banks of the Salmon River, just observing and soaking in the serene beauty of his surroundings.
Will has formed a close-knit community of friends and family all over the country, and he cherishes the relationships he has built over the years, but he feels most at home in Salmon. Whether it’s gathering for a meal or simply enjoying each other’s company, Will knows that the people of Salmon are what make it truly special.
Despite his humble roots, Will has always been a man of many talents. His interests include music and the arts, building, travel, and spending time working on his property. He’s also an avid reader and loves to learn new things, always eager to expand his knowledge.
Above all else, Will is grateful for the life he is building with the people he gets to support and be supported by. He feels fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty and a community of wonderful people, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Get In Touch
Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters
Will Ferguson
Address
1901 Main St.
Salmon, ID 83467
Phone
(208) 221-7935