Meet the Hughes River Expeditions Crew

Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. outfits whitewater rafting trips on Idaho and eastern Oregon rivers, and 2010 will be our 34th year. The outfitting service is owned and operated by husband and wife, Jerry Hughes (62) and Carole Finley (61). Jerry and Carole live with their family near Cambridge, Idaho (population 383), where Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. has its office and warehouse.

Jerry Hughes is a native Idahoan who made his first rafting trip in 1963. 2010 is Jerry's 45th year of working in this region as a professional guide. Jerry earned a Bachelor Degree in Business and a Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of Idaho.

Carole Finley was raised in northern Idaho. Carole is an experienced river guide, and has worked in the river outfitting business for 37 years. Carole received degrees in History and Economics at the University of Idaho.

To view a few pictures of Jerry, Carole, and some of the crew from the "early days" of Hughes River Exeditions, visit our HRE Photo Gallery.

The Hughes guide crew is shaped by a wonderful array of skills, backgrounds, and personalities. Many have worked with Hughes River Expeditions for 10 or more seasons. They are there to answer any questions you may have on your trip.

The mix includes pro ski patrollers, a college professor, lawyers, international guides, college students, high school teachers/coaches/administrators, a surgical nurse, graduate students, a naval officer (he only manages to make a couple of trips annually), an accountant, a chef, and a world class competitive kayaker. Ages range from 18 to 62.

The guides do the camp work and cooking, and the river menu is fantastic. Meals feature steaks, BBQ chicken & ribs, fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of salads, and Dutch oven baking. There is unlimited potable water, and plenty of ice. You are welcome to bring any favorite beverages, and we provide a complimentary supply of fruit drinks, soda, beer and wine.