Rio Hibarger

Middle Fork Salmon Guide and Sweep Boat Driver

Rio HibargerDon't let the name fool you! Rio Jose Hibarger was born and raised on a farm in Arkansas. His father is a country doctor and his mother is a farmer. Rio's childhood recreation was riding hogs.

He started river guiding in Colorado when he was 16, and at the ripe old age of 29 has guided rafts and kayaks in Uganda, Zambia, Argentina, Nepal, New Zealand, and Australia. At the end of the 2003 rafting season, he rode his bike from Idaho to Olympia, Washington via Canada.

Rio Riding a Jersey Milk CowIn 2005 Rio went to Cuba as a student and immersed himself in the culture as only he can. While in Cuba, one of his new friends wrote a song about his life. The chorus is:

'Rio's mama taught him to shoot a gun, skin a rabbit, how to get things done. He got tired of eatin' squirrel so he traveled around the world.'

Guests remember Rio for his amazing stories about growing up in Arkansas and traveling to some unique places. They also remember his great food, hard work, and his relentless competition in games like horseshoes and Koob.

Rio used to spend his winters living in his sailboat until it burn down when his friend was boat-sitting. He is thinking of dropping out of school, building a boat, and sailing around the world. Money? It has never mattered to Rio.