Hailing from the banks of Idaho’s Salmon River, Tessa has been in the business of whitewater from a young age. Running gear boats as a young teenager and eventually becoming a guide, the river was always part of the plan. After graduating from Westminster College in Salt Lake City with a degree in Geology and a minor in Outdoor Education, Tessa found her way to the far reaches of Patagonia while teaching outdoor leadership and algebra for a highschool based in Western Idaho. After a few years chasing water in the Southwest states and guiding Middle Fork, Main, and Lower Salmon river trips Tessa returned to home to start her own business.

Now owner of Beaverhead Gear Exchange and Ski shop, she spends most of her time in Salmon, Idaho. In the winter you can find her ski patrolling at Lost Trail or dreaming up her next powder skiing vacation. Once Summer returns she’ll be back on the river sharing her love of geology, wildlife, public lands, and clear summer nights with anyone who wants to listen. Tessa is an expert chef (in Garrett’s opinion) and plans most of the menu for all our Rogue River trips!

I am a 4th generation Helfrich guide. I’m lucky enough to have grown up into a family with a rich history of boating and fishing. It is safe to say fishing runs in my blood. Currently, I reside along the banks of the McKenzie River in Springfield Oregon.

I graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology. Go Ducks! When I’m not guiding, I still spend my free time in the outdoors fishing and hunting. I look forward to getting you out on the water!

Kyle Buschelman owner of Willamette Valley Outfitters has been a full time Outfitter/guide since 2011. He specializes in Salmon, Steelhead and Ocean trips out of Depoe Bay. Kyle has also worked with helfrich.com since 2013 as a guide on Middle Fork of the Salmon, McKenzie and Our Rogue River Trips.