An experience of a lifetime.

Hey all!

Thanks for visiting my website! I’ve been very fortunate to spend most of my life on the rivers across the pacific northwest and would love to have you join me for your next adventure! From a young age I have had the opportunity to work alongside legendary guides. A 4th generation Helfrich, I’ve spent the majority of my time on the McKenzie River, John Day, Middle Fork of the Salmon, and Rogue. Each area has its’s own unique set of characteristics: geologic history, wildlife encounters, weather patterns and more. I’d love to share a memorable wilderness experience with your family and friends.

My first descent in a drift boat was at 2 weeks old on the upper McKenzie. My father Aaron and mother Jonnie (both whitewater legends in their own) were passionate in passing the “whitewater bug” to their young children… and it stuck. I started “swamping” on the Middle Fork of the Salmon when I was 10. My uncle Tony taught me how to set up camp efficiently so we always had time for a “Nectar of the gods” (ice cold Pepsi) break before our guests arrived at camp. I always loved spending these days working alongside my grandfather Dean, dad, and Uncle Tony. I spent the following eight summers working a handful of trips on the Middle Fork. In between river seasons you could find my dad and I spending time in our favorite spots where we seldom saw anyone else. Skipping Halloween to steelhead fish and fill a deer tag on the Rogue was the most memorable. In the winters we would head over to the Alsea or Umpqua for steelhead and spend the spring on the McKenzie for Redsides. Helfrich Rogue River Trips wouldn’t be possible today without the leadership and legacy my family has provided along the way. I’m grateful for the memories and skills passed down through the generations.

After graduating high school in Springfield, Oregon. I attended Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, where I earned an AS in Criminal Justice while also playing baseball. My love of fishing and hunting only grew with my time in Coos Bay where I had a new playground to explore. During Summer break I made my way back to Idaho to drive sweep boats on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. To continue my education and baseball career I transferred to Montana State University Billings, where I completed my Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. In my mind I had always thought a great career path would be the law enforcement side of fish & game but I always knew the wilderness was calling me for a different reason. It didn’t take long to figure out my real passion was to share the wild places I’d known all along with people from all over, all in search of a break from the day to day and a hope for adventure.

Helfrich has long been a name associated with rivers. My late grandfather sold his Middle Fork permit to Ken and Kelsey Helfrich which allowed me to spend more time in Idaho working for them. For the past five years I have worked with some spectacular guides who are now very good friends, I’d even consider them family. Working with some of the most talented boatmen and fishing guides in the western US taught me a lot about myself and how I was going to incorporate that into my own career as an outfitter. It would have been nearly impossible for me to grow without Ken and Kelsey, owners of Helfrich River Outfitters. If you’re looking for their website you can find them here Helfrich River Outfitters.

I take pride in the fact that myself and my guides are backed with years of experience boating, fishing, and cooking. Many of our guides are trained in Wilderness First Response and incident management not to mention, providing some of the best customer service out there. On the river our clients come first. There is never too big of a request. We are here to maximize your experience in the wilderness. Whether it’s dietary restrictions, physical accommodations, or anything else that may improve your trip! We’re here for you and because of you.

I look forward to meeting you!

Tight Lines

-Garrett