Middle Fork Salmon
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"Getting back to reality was hard after such a fantastic trip on the Middle Fork. I couldn't have been more pleased with our trip. Your organization, the food, the crew… and especially having you there Jerry with your wonderful stories. Your organization is TOP NOTCH, and that beautiful river. I have talked and talked about it. Continued success and we'll see you again.
K. Schweitzer, Jacksonville, FL (2011)
"How do I begin to share my gratitude for such a lovely river experience on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. What an exquisite river. And what wonderful hosts you all were in really helping to make it so memorable. We appreciate all the effort you put in so that we had the time to soak up the beauty and quiet. "
R. Movich, Enterprise, OR (2011)
"We had an amazing trip last week on the Middle Fork! Thanks so much for all your hard work taking care of all of us ….. at camp, meals… Thanks for your great company, sharing all your wisdom of the river and the land and sharing stories with us! ….We are all sad the trip is behind us… Hope to do it again…. "
R. Dixon, Stowe, VT (2011)
"I’d like to thank you and your entire team on a wonderful Idaho experience that only “Hughes” can provide. It’s an extraordinary place and I feel more than satisfied that we’ve seen something special and unique."
S. Reid, Westford, MA (2011)
"Thank you for a great time on the river. The food was wonderful. The guides were very informative, giving us great insight to the river and it’s history. We are and will continue to recommend your company to friends and family."
D. and P. Bachmann, Yakima, WA (2011)
"Thanks for another world class trip! … All the best,"
P. Vial, Seattle, WA (2011)
"I enjoyed this trip as much as any of the many I’ve been privileged to be on with Hughes. You and the crew were excellent … assuring our safety and enjoyment of this awesome river. The power of the high water will remain with me forever….."
J. McKay, Seattle, WA (2011)
"Thank you and team for a fantastic trip! The EuroCraft (inflatable kayaks) were tops, and enjoyed meeting your son, he put me on some nice fishing, and drew a great line over Earthquake rock, although I hit the rock solid, Aaron was there to insure I made it back into the EuroCraft and enjoy the next set. Let the river team know they were great and made for a relaxed and fun camp atmosphere."
C. Elkins, Anchorage, Alaska (2011)
"Thank you for putting together such a great trip. You and your crew do an outstanding job of hosting a river trip. I think the biggest difference for us was the way your folks interacted with the guests essentially 24/7. We appreciated that aspect of the trip as much as anything…. Again, thanks for putting on “a very good show” for us and TNC. We look forward to being on a river with you and your crew again."
D. Osgood, Sun River, OR (2011)
"You guys did such a great job for us… George said last night, “so if I just said let’s turn around and go back, would you go?” Of course, I said YES!!! Thank you again for such a good time..."
C. Reichhelm, West Port, CT (2011)
"Thanks guys you were great. We had a fantastic time! Hopefully we will see you again soon!"
L. Rawson, Miami, FL (2011)
"Thanks again for an absolutely spectacular experience. Great guides, food, stories,... points of interest, guests, camps, and float…. The perfect crew. "
J. Clark, Portland, OR (2011)
"We had a wonderful time in July on the Middle Fork. You had a great group of guides. We would like to go ahead and reserve the July 4th week of 2012 if it is not already taken. I will get you names of the participants as we get closer to the date."
J. Timberlake, Athens, GA (2010)
"Thanks so much for a great trip down the Middle Fork! Please relay my gratitude to all the guides who worked so hard on this trip. The rafting was wonderful as was the food and friendship. Sean and I are coming back next year with my parents and all three of my sons, the week of July 8th. Hope to see you then."
D. Mulkey, Athens, GA (2010)
"… (G)reat trip,, I wish I was back on the river... aloha…"
B. Wiggins, Honolulu, HI (2010)
"Thanks for the great river trip. The people on the trip and the guides were wonderful and entertaining. Food was fantastic, and of course, the scenery and fishing were great. On a scale of 1-10 I give the trip a 15!... Hope to see you on the river next year… Run river run!"
D. Ambrose, Ellensburg, WA (2010)
"Nita and I loved the trip on the Middle Fork – Nita’s second trip with Hughes – my third. The guests and guides made it extra special. We enjoyed meeting Colin – he was great! We’d met Aaron and Ryan 4 years ago. Ryan’s hair was awesome. We spent a lot of time with Buzz – great guy who gave us some good book reading recommendations. Marshall and Barker are kicks! We are going to plan the Grande Ronde next summer. "
C. Staresinich, Centreville, VA (2010)
"We had a blast and enjoyed the true wilderness experience thanks again for everything."
R. Stephens, Pasadena, CA (2010)
"....(T)hank you for another outstanding trip. You guys always go the extra mile to make these trips awesome! Buzz, Aaron, Marshall, Matt, and Colin were fabulous guides (as always)!....The company, the food, and the wilderness - you couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you so very much! I would so much like to be back on the river, listening to the calming (and rushing) water, soaking up the sun and fresh air, enjoying the solitude and peacefulness....with good friends".
M. Proce, Knoxville, MD (2009)
"We are easing back into the real world after a wonderful week on the Middle Fork. We had high expectations based on the experiences of friends who have floated with Hughes as well as your very own testimonials. And we found out that everyone - even you - understated it! This was a trip that will not soon be forgotten...I will remember my first-ever sighting of bighorn sheep, Bill will remember his first attempt at fly fishing and of course, there was the camaraderie, great food and total relaxation. It was a great feeling to be in a place where the only Blackberries one might find are the ones found on bushes. And the guides? Well, they are seven good reasons why your company has such an outstanding reputation. Not only are they experienced boatmen who put safety first, they show a reverence for the resource and remind us all how it is to be protected and treasured. And they are pretty good cooks, too! Thank you, Jerry and Carole, for taking such good care of us. I hope to enjoy another Hughes trip again soon".
S. Myers, Boise, ID (2009)

"Thank you again for a great trip! It was a real privilege to be in such a beautiful place with wonderful people. The guy playing the flugel horn was fantastic too"!
P. Brown, Seattle WA (2009)
"Thanks again for sharing your summer with our families. You made a special time and place more special".
P. Vial, Seattle, WA (2009)
"You guys and gal did a superb job of making this trip enjoyable and memorable. We admire your skill, your friendly demeanor and, especially your teamwork.You made us feel special!"
Members of the Spruce Creek Rod & Gun Club, PA (2008)
"Please convey to Carole, to Jerry, and to all the wonderful guides and staff, my appreciation for a truly first-class trip on the Middle Fork. It really did exceed my already high expectations and I look forward to doing it again someday".
Ralph Rodgers, Knoxville, TN (2008)
"We just wanted to send you a note to tell you what a wonderful time our family had during our trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on August 17th-22nd. We could not have asked for a better group of guides. Each and every one - Joel, Marshall, Aaron, Bob, Ryan, David and Eric was terrific. The guides worked and played continuously to provide our family with an unforgettable experience. The patience they had, and the rapport they displayed, with all three of our sons was unbelieveable. We found your company to be first rate, from the guides, to the equipment, to the food. The entire journey was well organized and stress free. Thank you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hope to travel with you again in the future; our kids are already asking to do the Hells Canyon trip!"
J. & K. Yount, DuBois, PA (2008)
"Thanks again to you and your crew for a great trip August 9-14".
P. & M. Ulmer, Weiser, ID (2008)
"How fortunate we all were to be with Hughes on this biggest adventure of our lives. When the 6 of us got back to Boise last Thursday night, we agreed it was the best vacation we had ever had. Thank you for providing the ingredients that made it so wonderful. Your boatman crew is superb... The food was over-the-top good.... We never felt rushed - the pieces of each day seemed to fit just right... We learned so many new things and were challenged to try things we'd never done. What a memory we will cherish".
The Moores, Durham, NC (2008)
"We just completed our sixth trip with Hughes, and it was terrific! I always think I might grow tired of these trips one day, but it hasn't yet happened. Kim and I will probably be 90 years old and asking for walker accommondations onshore...Thanks again for a great trip! You're the very best".
K. Gowland, Boise, ID (2008)
"My kids and I were lucky enough to take a six-day river trip with Hughes on the Middle Fork of the Salmon July 16-21. We had heard so many good things about your company over the years that my expectations were set very high. They were exceeded in every respect. Our guides....made the trip even better...We feel luck to have experienced the river with such good people. My 16-year-old son had a blast and said it was the best trip of his life. My 12-year-old daughter did not want to be on any river, for any reason, at any time and she ended up having an "awesome" trip...We can count her as a convert...Words are really insufficient to match the experience, but in short it was amazing, incredibly fun and moving. We will never forget it".
C. Broad, Naperville, IL (2008)
"Just a quick note to tell you that our group that participated in the July 8th Middle Fork trip had the trip of our lives. All the experiences will never be forgotton. Your guides were the most professional I've ever been on a trip with. Everything from the safety first approach to the great meals was first class. Thanks for the great time"!
D. McIalwain, Seattle, WA (2008)
"My family and I took a trip on the Middle Fork June 13-17...everything about it was terrific! I've run a number of rivers through the years with different companies and this was absolutely the best experience yet. The guides were so helpful, the equipment was first rate...You should be proud of your company and all those who work with you, it's an impressive outfit".
E. Arata, Millersville, MD (2008)
"As expected, the trip down the Middle Fork was wonderful...my boys were in heaven for 6 days and the crew was very good....(5 trips with you over the last 17 years....time goes by way too fast)".
J. Foster, Signal Hill, CA (2007)
"Joyce and I just wanted to say thanks again for the great trip. Everyone had the time of their lives".
E. Remais & J. Gordon, Ketchum, ID (2007)
"Our family was extremely pleased by our trip! ....We enjoyed all the guides. They are fun loving, very cooperative group and so nice to our children...Each guide was a unique and accomplished individual - it was great to get to know them all...your staff became family".
D. Mubarak, Tomah, WI (2006)
"You have put together a terrific group, beginning with Kim in the office and extending to the field staff. The guides were wonderfully professional, going well beyond what was needed just to do their jobs. The River and it environs are magnificent, and the commentary, friendliness and support of the individual guides enhanced the experience considerably".
L. Smith, Greensboro, NC (2006)
"We realy enjoyed our trip this past week on the Middle Fork. My daugher, Barrie (6 years old) had a great time. I don't think I have ever seen her have as much fun".
B. Wright, Cleveland, MS (2006)
"At no time in the past have I written a provider of a service...and told them what I thought. But, as we were coming to the take out point on our float trip, I vowed to write to you....To start with, we had an experience of a life time! Each individual in our group has independently expressed how amazing this experience was and at least one told me it was life changing and healing. (T)aking the approach where you did whatever it took... generated good will amongst our group...big time kudos to you as a founder/leader ... and to your ability to rally some amazing people who make up your good organization. Thank you for an incredible week and please keep on keeping on with what you do so well. You've got some fans out here".
C. Healy, Portland, OR (2006)
"(O)ur trip was a roaring success...We all felt like it was a glove fit".
B. Pond, Houston, TX (2005)
"Thank you so much for organizing our trip. It went wonderfully!! I swear I feel like it was the best one ever...Put us down for 3rd week June 2007..."
W. Herlong, Mobile, AL (2005)
"(W)hat a wonderful job you did...we are in awe of your efficiency and genuine love of nature, people, and your job...Spend lots of time sharing photos and trip stories with our friends".
L. Meyer, Apple Valley, MN (2005)
"(T)hank you for a wonderful raft trip...There are so many important ways that you, as individuals and a group made it the best experience anyone could have. Of course, the food, facilities, organization and expertise were impressive. What really made it a special trip was you people personally. Each one of you work so hard and cheerfully, clearly like and enjoy one another, and freely give of yourselves in thoughtful ways...you can bet I'll recommend you highly to anyone considering a raft trip".
J. Elder, Olympia, WA (2005)
"We just wanted to thank you for the trip of a lifetime (although we plan to try again next year). We had a marvelous time on the Middle Fork. Your staff was incredible. The entire experience was life changing. Thank you for sharing the beauty of Idaho. Thank you for introducing us to some wonderful new friends - the guide crew… You will hear from us soon when it's time to make reservations for next year".
M. Graham, Barrington, IL (2004)
"Our families had a great, great time. The Middle Fork and the 6 days out gave individuals and families a time to gain a sense of perspective and reconfirmed unity. I could go on and on about the benefits…but you all know them. Aren't we fortunate?"
B. Dittman, Lake Forest, IL (2004)
"It was great meeting every one of you. You all helped make the river trip exceed my lofty expectations. Thanks!! And-good news-since the trip, I have almost broken the habit of walking 20 feet away, turning my back and then pee-ing".
T. Hartnett, Sedona AZ (2003)
"I'm writing to let you know how much I enjoyed my Middle Fork trip last week. It was one of those rare experiences where the reality is better than the expectation… Your gear, food, arrangements, meals, and guides all combined to make it a tremendous wilderness experience….Aside from the natural beauty, the best part of the trip for me was the guide crew, their courtesy, their tremendous river skills, their cooking acumen, and their quiet leadership. Thanks for selecting and supporting such wonderful people. I hope to join you again soon on another trip".
M. Slater, Hollister, CA (2003)
"What I really wanted to write about is how, once again, the guides were what made the trip. Of course the river, the rapids, the scenery, the food, etc. was stupendous, but the collection of extraordinary people is what we'll remember most. ….They all work incredibly hard but never made any of us feel they are inconvenienced. They not only made lifelong memories for us but really have played a part in the development of our children. Their gift will always be treasured. I'll let them tell you what award each of them earned at "River Awards Night"!!"
L. Bower, Chevy Chase, MD (2000)
"My daughter and I had the most wonderful adventure… I can not thank you enough for the opportunity to live outdoors in comfort for the better part of a week in the wilderness. The entire crew was meticulous about the environment and care of the 'guests'. I never worried about the safety of my 10 year old because all of the guides were cautious and capable. I also appreciated the fact that she could observe their concern for our natural surroundings".
C. Samuelson, Newton, MA (1996)
"I lie in bed at night thinking about the Screech Owl talking and the two huge storms with real lightning and thunder that shook my safe tent. I was so excited to see the Black Bear under the tree so relaxed and the great Big Horned Sheep down drinking water out of the river & groups of sheep way up high on the side of the mountain. The one River Otter that smiled at us, then dove under the rocks".
B. Whelan, Palo Alto, CA (1996)
"There is not a week that goes by that someone in the family doesn't start reminiscing about what a wonderful experience our vacation was. Although we each took away something different from our wilderness adventure, I was thrilled we were able to experience it together as a family. Your guides were nothing short of exceptional and outstanding… I can not say enough about your obvious philosophy on how to treat your customers".
M. Mullins, Franklin, TN (1993)
"We both had such a wonderful week - it will definitely be a vacation that will have an important place in our memories forever! It's been hard to express to our friends and family at home just how perfect the trip was - you can't imagine how beautiful the scenery is til you are thrust upon it".
P. Kiggen, Chagrin Falls, OH (1992)
"We are home again and still rocking a little bit from riding down the Middle Fork. It was a great trip made especially pleasant because all of your staff were first class. They gave us great confidence in the river and then took excellent care of us ashore. I gained four pounds. Summed up, our first river experience was wonderful. I'm only sorry we waited twenty five years from our first plan to ride "The River of No Return".
D. King, San Francisco, CA (1990)
"…I would like to extend our thanks for an outstanding experience….The crew we had on our trip was absolutely great---fun, interesting, entertaining and each one had the uncanny ability to anticipate our every need".
H. Reifschneider, President, All Kitchens of America, Boise, ID (1989)
"I must compliment you on the outstanding crew that took us down the river. These guys are, in our eyes, the absolute best!! They did a great job in every area. They prepared excellent meals, had camp ready each day when we arrived, made each person feel comfortable and safe, and of course, got us down the river in one piece! It was amazing that everyone in the group thought their boatman was the best".
G. J. Quigley, San Francisco, CA (1989)
"As you may have guessed, our expectations with regard to rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon were extremely high and, to a person, your organization exceeded these expectations on our float last week. I want to commend you on your exceptional planning and the faultless execution of the plan".
T. McLane, New Canaan, CT (1989)
"…(W)hat a great pleasure it was to boat the Middle fork with you and your crew. I cannot think of one thing more you could have done to provide better service or make the trip any more enjoyable. I thought I previously had experienced quality service on river trips, but Hughes River Expeditions proved the others to be rank amateurs".
D. Clayton, Kingston, RI (1986)
"I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that our trip down the Middle Fork was such a very, very special time for us that it will remain in our hearts and minds for years to come… Very seldom does a week go by that we don't mention something that we did or learned on the river, and as the years turn to decades…I know we will always cherish your companionship".
J. Lehman, Dallas, TX (1986)
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