Idaho Guide Service
Welcome to the deep river canyons and majestic mountains of Idaho. Idaho Guide Service invites you to experience the unique beauty, rich history, and thrilling whitewater of the Snake and Salmon Rivers. As a family-owned business with over 45 years of outfitting experience, we specialize in creating personalized adventures for both small and large groups, always delivered with exceptional service and attention to detail.
We take great care in how we use and manage Idaho’s rivers. All of our expeditions follow environmentally responsible practices, and our appreciation for these waterways is matched only by the respect we show them.
As a family-operated company, we understand that any river trip is only as good as the guides who lead it. While boats, equipment, and food are important, we believe the heart of every great adventure lies in the attitude, experience, and philosophy of our guides.
All Idaho Guide Service guides are licensed and bonded with the State of Idaho and complete extensive safety and first aid training. Each has hundreds — and often thousands — of miles of rowing experience. We are proud that our guides live and work in Idaho, and they love sharing their knowledge of the rivers, landscapes, and history of the areas we explore. We encourage our guests to ask questions and engage, ensuring every trip is both educational and enjoyable.
Idaho Guide Service is committed to preserving Idaho’s natural beauty in its purest form. While we provide top-quality food, equipment, and service, our true focus is the experience itself — bonding with the river’s rapids and calm stretches, discovering stunning geological formations, spotting wildlife, and sharing the journey with new friends. Every trip is built on three essential elements: companionship, place, and the movement of the river beneath us.
Idaho Guide Service, Inc. is owned and operated by the Gardner Family. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured outfitting company with over 45 years of experience delivering safe, fun, and unforgettable adventures for guests of all ages and abilities. Our outstanding crew of licensed professional guides brings unique skills and personalities to every trip. From one-hour excursions to five-day adventures, every journey offers first-class service that’s both fun and informative.
Maps & Directions
Hagerman Section Map
Riggins Map
Lodging Location
Billingsley Creek Lodging
17940 Hwy30 Hagerman, Idaho 83332.
(208) 837-4822
billingsleycreek.com
Ask us about our lodging discount for guests that raft the Hagerman Section with us.
Camping Locations
Jerome KOA Holiday
441 South Liberty Lane, Jerome, ID 83338
(208) 324-4169
Hagerman Camping
Meet Our Guides
Daniel Gardner
Licensed Guide/ Lead Boatman/ Trip Leader
Guide Status: Active
Daniel has been in a boat since he could sit up. Not only does Daniel have master rafting skills, his passion for customer service is unparalleled. When not rafting Daniel teaches middle school theatre and loves to shoot some hoops. Daniel is married to Alison and they live in Twin Falls.
Olin Gardner
Licensed Outfitter/Designated Agent and Lead Guide/Trip Leader for IGS
Guide Status: Active
Olin started his passion for rafting with the Boy Scouts in the early 1970’s out of Camp Bradley on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Olin worked for IGS as a managing agent and then purchased Idaho Guide Service in 1982. Shelley and Olin have operated every season since. In 2015 Olin and Shelley purchased Billingsley Creek Lodging to be closer to the river and offer their guests a place to stay and recreate.
Shelley Gardner
Lead Coordinator
If you are looking for answers on how to book an IGS river trip here is your go to person. Shelley has years of experience getting families and groups on the perfect river trip. If you want to get her special Rock Chuck Poop recipe, tip the guides well.
Olin Marc Gardner
Olin Marc no longer guides but does enjoy taking a cataraft out on the river every now and then. Olin helps in every compacity of both IGS and Billingsley Creek Lodging.
Roy Akins
Outfitter/Licensed Guide/Lead Boatman/Trip Leader
Guide Status: Active
One of the premier whitewater and fishing guides in the Northwest, Roy is Shelley’s younger brother. Roy spent his early years hanging out with us and his love for the rivers became his passion. Roy’s knowledge of river systems in the Northwest and especially Idaho, have him listed as one of the top guides in the USA. He is the owner of Rapid River Outfitters in Riggins, Idaho. Roy and Karen with their children Boden and Everlee live in Riggins.
Danny Crystal
Licensed Guide/Lead Boatman/Trip Leader
Guide Status: Retired/Boats for fun.
A lifelong Southern Idaho resident, who is very knowledgeable in Snake River Plain Geology. Danny has hiked most of the Great Rift. Danny Crystal and his family has a very special place in our hearts. Danny has two sons Alex and Sky and grandbaby Elias.
Alex Crystal
Licensed Guide/Lead Boatman/ Trip Leader
Guide Status: Active
Alex Crystal – Alex started guiding for IGS in 2007. During the off season Alex is a high school math teacher and track coach. Alex has an adventurous appetite and loves challenging himself in the outdoors. Alex brings with him a wealth of river knowledge and a fantastic outgoing personality. Alex is married to Christine, they have a son Elias and a great river dog Milo.
Perri Gardner
Marketing / Staff Support
Perri is a professor of political Science at the College of Southern Idaho. During the Summer break you can find her helping Shelley with the Dutch oven barbecues or running a shuttle. Perri is married to Jon and they live in Twin Falls.
Bill Studebaker
Licensed Outfitter & Guide/Lead Boatman/Trip Leader
Guide Status: Special Wall of Honor
What can you say about Bill that has not already been said. He was the BEST, we miss him so much. Rest in Peace and paddle hard my Friend!