Guides Tackle Big Rapids on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Each year, a diverse group of whitewater enthusiasts, from 20 to 80 years old, embark on a training run to prepare for the summer season on one of the country's most legendary rivers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Each year, guides aged 20 to 80 run the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, a legendary waterway in Idaho. The guides, who come from all walks of life, gather for a training run to hone their "soft" and "hard" skills before the summer season begins. The Middle Fork is known for its Class IV rapids, stunning scenery, and rich history, making it a bucket-list destination for whitewater enthusiasts.

Why it matters

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the most renowned whitewater destinations in the United States, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The annual training run allows guides to prepare for the challenges of navigating the river's powerful rapids and ever-changing conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of their guests during the summer season.

The details

The training run takes place a few months before the summer season begins, when the river is running at its highest and coldest. Guides, both new and experienced, gather to scout the river for any changes caused by wildfires or other natural events, and to practice their technical and interpersonal skills. The diverse group of guides, ranging from a 21-year-old college student to a 80-year-old former dentist, work together to ensure a successful and safe trip for all.

  • The training run takes place a few months before the summer season begins, when the river is running at its highest and coldest.
  • The guides gather each year to prepare for the upcoming summer season on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

The players

Stephen "Doc" Nicholson

A 50-year veteran of whitewater guiding who quit his job as a Colorado dentist to pursue his passion for the river.

Dom Hickman

A college student who is earning money for tuition by guiding on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River this summer.

Tim Ball

An Australian guide who has been running rivers in America since 1990 and led the group during the training run.

Tyler Schmittel

The trip leader, who grew up in Colorado and began guiding rivers in Montana in 2012 after earning a degree in wildlife biology.

Bridger Bertram and Hayden Bradshaw

Two young kayakers appointed to scout upcoming rapids for any stuck wood during the training run.

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What they’re saying

“We flipped right out of the gate. We were upside down for three miles. There was a big strainer, I inhaled a lot of water. You better make sure you got your game on that first 25 miles. There's no eddies, no pullouts, anything.”

— Private Boater

“You learn to live out of two small bags with a shave kit. Most people think you're nuts, and you are.”

— Stephen "Doc" Nicholson, Whitewater Guide

“People will just be watching YouTube in their tents.”

— Maddie Bradshaw, Whitewater Guide

“We're like pirates, mate, the rejects of society. This all we can do. We're the Hells Angels of the river.”

— Tim Ball, Whitewater Guide

What’s next

The guides will continue to hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming summer season on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

The takeaway

The annual training run on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River brings together a diverse group of whitewater enthusiasts, from young college students to seasoned veterans, who share a passion for navigating the river's powerful rapids and stunning wilderness. This event highlights the unique camaraderie and specialized skills required to provide a safe and memorable experience for guests on one of the country's most legendary waterways.