Working side by side for a combined 90 years of professional whitewater guiding, our entire river careers have been with Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys. We’ve watched each other’s children grow up, then become guides along side of us, and even marry each other. We constantly challenge ourselves and each other to be great historians, naturalists, culinary magicians, and gracious hosts. Each and every one of us exceeds all state or federal training and safety regulation.

More than just a cohesive fun loving team, we are a family of river guides. Welcome to our family!

Mark Zoller: It's been over 30 years since my father, Phil (Snake River Guide in the 70s) took me for my first Hell's Canyon adventure. Much has changed in three decades. The river clothing has become high tech, the cooking gear sophisticated and versatile, the beds soft, the rafts sporty, and I've grown facial hair. What remains the same is the unspoiled beauty of the deepest gorge in North America and the way a single visit can imprint a memory of a life time. Dad proved to me long ago that it's never to late or early to make a life memory. Memories are priceless... lets make some together.

Marq Box: Being the Sr. (oldest) member of the river team and a life long adventurer (even climbed Mt. McKinley) I appreciate a great wilderness experience, with all the extra little luxuries such as thick sleeping pads, comfy chairs, deluxe dinners and ice cold fruit smoothies. There are a lot of customers who are just like me... ready for some fun in the wilderness, with a little bit of luxury. Come take it easy with me!

Mark Lesage: Raised as a New Yorker, traveled the world in a sail boat, and feels most at home in the wilderness. I've seen a lot of great things around the globe and had many adventures. At the top of the list is the anticipation of unsure expectations as I guide our customers through big rapids like Wild Sheep, explore Hell's Canyon for signs of past civilizations as if on a giant treasure hunt, or hike a ridge line where few humans have ever been. Perhaps I've even set foot where no man has before. Yes, I am a New York boy called to the wilderness of Hell's Canyon, a place of life changing experiences.

Rachel Zoller-Box: With a brother, husband, father and father-in-law as Snake River guides someone has to be there to make sure the “boys” are kept in check. That’s my job! Just like my grandpa Phil, I love being in Hell’s Canyon-Snake River guide and showing others what a special place it is.

Zach Zoller: Just prior to my fourth birthday, dad (Mark Zoller) took me for my first whitewater trip on the White Salmon River in Washington. Mid-ways through the trip dad dumped almost everyone out of the raft in a rapid called stair-step creating my first ever whitewater swim (dad always trained us early in life). The amazing thing was not that I thought going for the swim was so cool, but that dad and I kept it a secret from mom for almost 10 years. During the summer of 2006 I became the youngest licensed class IV river guide in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Often, I get asked if I'm the heir apparent to the family business. Nah, dad sent me away to Hawaii to get my bachelor's in cinematography so I can direct and produce movies. Watch out George Lucas.

Andy Curry: Born and raised right here in beautiful downtown BZ Corner Washington Andy is a 24 year veteran of professional guiding on the White Salmon River, six with Zoller's on the Klickitat, White Salmon, and Snake River in Hell’s Canyon. Without a doubt Andy is one of the most entertaining individuals you could ever hang out with on the river, and he’s fun to hang out with off the river too!

Russ Cole Jr: The son of Russ and Joetta Cole and a 7-year professional of the White Salmon, Klickitat and Snake Rivers. Jr. held a record with Zoller’s for running 143 trips in a single season in 2005. During the Spring of 2007, Jr. took notice of one special rookie guide, Angie Duke, and it was love at first splash! Five months later Jr. traded in bachelorhood when he married Angie.

Derek Roy: Derek is heading into his 4th professional season of guiding after an amazing 2009 rookie year. During the winter Derek (sort of) attends college but truly chases the dream of getting paid to extreme ski. Derek’s enthusiasm is contagious and if you get lucky enough to have him as your guide, you will see that he treats life like a kid in a candy shop with dad’s Visa card. Hey Derek… you dad called and wants his visa card back!

Sean “Woody”: Every now and then a youngster comes along who has been running rivers with their parents and gaining professional skills without knowing it. Woody is just that kind of guy. After many family whitewater vacations on great rivers such as the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Rogue, Woody came looking for some summer work in 2006. Like clockwork, Woody returns summer after summer to the White Salmon River to infuse his boyish charm and whitewater skills into every run down the river. Woody also holds a special record here on the White Salmon River for running Husum Falls twice in less than five seconds. You’re going to have to ask him about that one. It is true… I’ve got pictures.

Snake River Fun Fact #7:
The Snake River flows through Hell’s Canyon and the Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area. The Hells Canyon National Recreation area lies in both Oregon and Idaho and includes portions of the Nez Perce, Payette and Wallowa-Whitman national forests. The total acreage of the Hell’s Canyon National Recreation area is 652,488 and within that area is the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness of 21,500 acres.