About Us

Mission statement

At Rawhide River Trips, our mission is to provide safe, educational, and fun-filled adventures on the Salmon River. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our customers by maintaining the highest industry standards, equipping our experienced guides with the necessary training and certifications, and regularly inspecting and updating our top-of-the-line equipment. Through our guided trips, we strive to educate our participants about the natural environment, promoting environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the river ecosystem. Above all, we aim to create unforgettable experiences that combine excitement, adventure, and enjoyment, leaving our customers with lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment.

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Our Story

For over 30 years, Rawhide Outfitters, under the devoted guidance of the Cranney family, has been a beacon for adventure seekers. Established in 1989, the Cranneys built Rawhide Outfitters on a foundation of unwavering commitment to their customers and a passion for the great outdoors.

In a recent decision, the Cranneys opted to direct their attention toward enhancing their other outdoor adventures that they continue to offer. These include guided fishing trips and smooth scenic floats, both on the beautiful Salmon River, along with Trail rides/Pack trips and full service quality hunting trips. This choice was driven by a commitment to prioritize and further develop these adventures, reflecting their dedication to excellence and marking a strategic move to focus on aspects of their business aligned with their vision and values.

In this exhilarating chapter, Earl Wagner, a seasoned river guide with a deep passion for river adventures, has taken the helm to lead Rawhide River Trips into the future. Earl's journey as a river guide began on the challenging waters of the Middle Fork of the Salmon and Main Salmon Rivers, where he honed his skills and developed a profound connection with the Salmon River Drainage and its enchanting surroundings.

Earl's love for the river is not just a profession but a calling, evident in his dedication to preserving the natural beauty and spirit of adventure that defines Rawhide Outfitters' legacy. With a profound respect for the Cranney family's established traditions, Earl is resolute in continuing the commitment to customers and the ethos of exploration that has been the hallmark of Rawhide Outfitters for over three decades.

As we look to the future, Rawhide River Trips under Earl's leadership is poised for new horizons. Earl's wealth of experience, combined with a fresh perspective, promises an exciting continuation of the Rawhide legacy. With a focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and creating unparalleled experiences, Earl is committed to ensuring that Rawhide River Trips remains a trusted name in adventure, where every journey is a celebration of the Salmon River's beauty and the thrill of exploration.

Join us at Rawhide River Trips as we embark on this new phase, where Earl's passion and expertise will guide us into a future filled with thrilling adventures, lasting memories, and the preservation of the Rawhide spirit. Let the river's story continue with Earl Wagner at the helm.

Message from the Owner

I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I’m not much of a football fan, but if I was, the Packers would definitely be my team. Growing up I spent my time riding horses and getting outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. I came to Idaho in 2017 to be a big game hunting guide in the River of No Return Frank Church Wilderness. It’s a two day horseback ride to get into the area I would be guiding in for the fall. For much of it, the trail follows the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

Unloading at the trail head for the start of that ride I was more excited than any kid in a candy shop. So you can imagine my confusion when an old timer guide pulled the other new guy and myself aside to give us a pep talk “When you’re in misery and hating life, stop, look around and remember where you’re at” was his advice. Dave is a man of few words, and I’ve often not known his meaning at first. I can’t put into words the awe and wonder I had on that ride. But if you’re not used to riding long hours, you’re going to get saddle sore, add to that temperatures near 100 degrees and I started to understand Dave’s advice.

You begin looking down at the river thinking how nice it’d be to take a little break and go for a swim in that nice cool clear water. But when you’re traveling at 3 mph there’s no time for a swim break. Right around then we came to a spot where the trail winds through a boaters camp. Here I was sweating through my shirt trying to get the last drop of water from my bottle, feeling every step the horse takes, and these people were out there swimming in the river and having ice’d down drinks sitting in the shade. Well it was at that moment I thought I should start rethinking my summer occupation. I began working float trips on the Middle Fork in the summers and continuing to guide hunts other times of year. Starting as a swamper (the entry level position) to guiding to driving sweep boats I learned how much fun it was to maneuver boats down exciting rivers and sharing that with people that may otherwise never have that opportunity.

In 2023 I purchased part of Rawhide Outfitters from the Cranney Family and began Rawhide River Trips, focusing on white water day trips, steelhead and trout fishing, and scenic floats in the Salmon area.

- Earl Wagner

What Guests Are Saying

Real feedback from guests who have experienced the river with us.