Are you an active boomer traveler that prefers off-the-beaten-path adventure? If you nodded your head yes, then keep reading to learn more about how to visit Mackay Bar Ranch in the Idaho backcountry. Even getting there is an adventure!
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Arrive via jet boat ride on the Salmon River
The Mackay Bar Ranch jet boat whizzes up the main channel of the Salmon River after leaving Vinegar Creek boat ramp near Riggins, Idaho. Alan and I are cruising along with another couple for the hour ride to Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch.
The jet boat slows down to maneuver beyond a group of rafters and then slows down again when Buck Dewey (jet boat driver and co-owner of Mackay Bar Ranch) spots a black bear lumbering across the hillside. And then there’s the turn into the rapids and the big “whoo-hoo” from us as a wave of water sprays over the boat.
Where is Mackay Bar Ranch?
We’re on our way to experience life off the grid on the shores of the Salmon River in Idaho. Situated in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness—at 2,366,757 acres, it’s the largest contiguous wilderness area in the continental U.S. Mackay Bar Ranch is definitely an off-the-beaten-path summer trip.
I know what you’re thinking. How did Donna (the travel princess) and Alan ever decide to visit a guest ranch in the middle of a huge wilderness region of Idaho?
From the deck of our Montana home, Alan and I look at the Bitterroot Mountains, part of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness—1,340,502 acres of rugged mountains, lakes, and nature that’s adjacent to the Frank Church Wilderness. In fact, the crest of those mountains that we look at is the dividing line between Montana and Idaho. Exploring the area requires trekking skills that Alan and I don’t possess.
Ever since we moved to the Bitterroot, I’ve been obsessed with what’s hidden in those mountains that I look at every day. And, since I’m not a backpacker or experienced outdoorswoman, I accepted the challenge to find a way to explore the area based upon my boomer capabilities. Yes, there’s a reason Alan calls me, “determined Donna.”
Reading local news articles, I noticed stories about private in-holdings in the wilderness, complete with off the grid, rustic lodges. Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch is one of them (check out the reviews here). Alan found Mackay Bar during one of his travel dreaming Internet searches, which happens quite often at our house.
After several telephone conversations with Joni Dewey (Buck’s wife and co-owner of the ranch), we were able to synchronize our trip with that of another couple to share in the cost of jet boat transportation to and from the ranch. The cost for one couple is prohibitive.
Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch caters to group adventures, although they’ve recently started hosting themed weekends. I recommend finding 4 to 6 like-minded boomer friends for a trip worthy of any bucket list.
Boomer Travel Tip
We use the Idaho Road and Recreation Atlas from Benchmark to plan our Idaho adventures.
Comfortable lodging on the Salmon River
So that’s how we found ourselves stepping onto the sandy beach at Mackay Bar to spend two nights in the Frank Church Wilderness, about as far off-the-beaten-path as you can get.
Our log cabin may not have been luxurious like the ones we experience at Triple Creek Ranch, but it was more than comfortable and well decorated with rustic furnishings. The cozy accommodations included a queen bed, an alcove with a twin bed and a bath with pretty copper sink and a shower. A narrow ladder led to a loft with two more twin beds.
Being off the grid, there is no air conditioning but we stayed comfortable on a warm, July visit by closing the blinds in the morning and using an electric fan to cool off in the late afternoon. Guests also have the option of staying in a room with a private bath or a wall tent with private outhouse.
Power is generated by hydro and usage is limited but adequate. Wifi is also available but sporadic as well. But who needs to be online with wild nature just outside the window?
Enjoy a Mackay Bar dinner with fellow adventurers
After a day of exploring, guests play volleyball on the spacious lawn or enjoy watching rafters in the river from comfortable beach chairs planted on the sandy beach. A deck with shade break and tree canopy is stocked with cookies, tea and water for an afternoon of relaxing. Appetizers are served here before dinner along with wine or beer.
Meals are served family style in the main lodge. Alan and I enjoyed dining with a rafting group one night. They traveled on the river during the day with stops at historic lodges at night.
We listened to their adventure stories over chicken cordon bleu, marinated slaw, baked beans, potato salad and the best bread pudding that I’ve ever tasted.
Things to do at Mackay Bar Ranch
Our stay at Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch included a day of jet boating up the Salmon River to explore historic sites in the Frank Church Wilderness. And Alan enjoyed a horseback ride with Buck Dewey the morning before we reluctantly zoomed back down the Salmon River to civilization.
Hunting and steelhead fishing are activity options for the avid outdoorsman (or woman). The ranch is also a popular wedding venue for those who like their celebration in the outdoors.
This is a boomer travel experience worth repeating. Next time, Alan and I are thinking about contracting with the mail plane to fly into the airstrip at Mackay Bar Ranch.
Or there’s the option of a long ATV ride through the forest. I bet you can guess which is Alan’s choice. Me? I’ll pick the plane.
More western guest ranches for the active boomer traveler
Alan and I enjoy guest ranches that offer fun adventures with a touch (or more than a touch) of luxury. Try our favorites:
- Plan a winter getaway to Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana
- Enjoy the beauty of Montana’s Madison River Valley at Grey Cliffs Ranch
- Experience luxurious fun at the Resort at Paws Up
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