Mackay Bar Outfitters and Guest Ranch

Idaho's Salmon River Vacation Destination and Lodging at Mackay Bar Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness..

Couples Events

OUR 2018 COUPLES EVENT IS FULL.  SUBSCRIBE TO ALERTS FOR FUTURE COUPLES EVENTS
We’re now taking reservations for our 2019 2nd Annual Backcountry Wine Tasting, History and Hot Spring Rendevous.   

 

 

We have created our first ever Couples Weekend Event.  You’ll spend a luscious weekend sipping wines from Sawtooth Winery, soaking your bones in Barth Hotsprings and rejuvenating your sense of adventure and perspective.   The beautiful sights and sounds will lull you into ZEN moments as you become immersed deep in the heart of Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness.

 Backcountry Wine Tasting, History Hop & Hot Springs Rendezvous
Friday, July 6, 2018 through Sunday, July 8th, 2018

Our couples only event package includes:

  • Jetboat transport to/from Ranch
  • Jet boat tour on July 7th (to Barth Hotsprings).
  • Your jet boat tour will cover over 110 roundtrip river miles.
  • 2 dinners with appetizers, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch,
  • Private couples lodging,
  • Wine sommelier to help with wine pairing and tasting throughout the weekend
  • Your choice of wines and beer throughout the weekend
  • Hiking, fishing (we supply poles and bait), yard games, beach relaxation time.
  • Room for 7 couples (14 guests total).
  • We have 3 private cabins and 4 private rooms (all with private bathrooms) available.

 

 

Itinerary:

Buck Dewey, Outfitter

Day 1 (7/6/2018): Pickup at 2pm (MST) at Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp (26 miles/1 hour from Riggins Idaho). On our way to the ranch (26 mile jet boat ride) we will stop at Polly Bemis Ranch to explore. Once we arrive at Mackay Bar Ranch, we will whisk you to your private room or cabin for you to unload luggage, etc. This afternoon will be relaxation in the hammock, on the beach, private hike up the South Fork if you wish. 5:30 pm will be appetizers and wine tasting with your private sommelier from your local Idaho winery – Sawtooth Winery.  7pm will be dinner, paired with your favorite local wines from Sawtooth Winery.

Day 2 (7/7/2018): Your own private wilderness hike if you choose prior to an 8 AM breakfast and coffee. After Breakfast (around 9:30), we will load up in the twin engine jet boat and venture upriver, another 29 miles, seeing many historical sites along the way: Buckskin Bills Musuem, Reho Wolfes Homestead, and Cambells Ferry. We will eat lunch (paired with more wine) on the beach. We will continue upriver arriving at the remote and magical Barth Hotsprings. Barth Hotsprings is a natural wonder – with crystal clear 100 degree waters pouring off a shear rock face into a rock infinity pool overlooking the wild and scenic Salmon River. After soaking in the tub and swimming in the magnificent Salmon River waters, we will boat back down river to the ranch where appetizers and Dinner will be waiting for you (again, paired with more of your favorite wines)!

Day 3 (7/8/2018): 7:30 Am horseback ride up the South Fork of the Salmon for those that choose to partake.  9am breakfast . We will depart the Ranch for the final jet boat ride (around 10:30 a.m.) arriving back to Vinegar Creek around noon MST.

 Rates:

$1595 per couple for Rooms
$1695 per couple for Cabins

CLOSED.  Call to reserve your slot for 2019.

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The PERFECT wedding venue!

When we first got engaged we quickly started looking into wedding venues. Being from California, we’d been to many winery weddings. Although fun and beautiful, we felt like we wanted to do something different and decided it would be fun to get hitched at a backcountry lodge.

We are really into rivers and had done a few trips in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. We’d always loved the remoteness, beauty, and serenity of the Salmon River and had passed by a few ranches that looked like they’d be fun to visit with a big group. It wasn’t long before we connected with Joni at Mackay Bar, put down a deposit, and lined up a perfect date in September.

There are many reasons to do a wedding at Mackay Bar, but here are our top 10…. (Read full review)

KTELLIOT1 – Reviewed January 5, 2017 TripAdvisor.com

You’ll Want To Stay Longer!

From the moment we boarded the boat heading to Mackay Bar, until we said goodbye, this trip was one of the best mini-vacations we all have ever had! Buck and Joni, as well as their entire staff and Dax, were always giving their guests full attention, touring by boat the unbelievable historical areas, viewing wildlife and fishing along the way while on the river. There was horseback riding, hiking, or just plain lounging and relaxing. The food was incredible! – The meals were incredibly gourmet, and portions were always more than one could eat! The cabins were very clean, well cared for and very comfortable. We also found some great hats, shirts and outerwear to remember the Mackay Bar experience. If you are looking for a place to unplug/unwind and the ability to get some adventure, this is it! We stayed only two nights, but we are planning on returning soon, for an additional night or two….. better make your reservations now cuz we are coming back!

To Dax, Joni & Buck, we will see soon. It is great to see your family carry on the heritage of the Salmon River Drainage. Thank you for ya’ll’s awesomeness. James & Michele

mejrs208 – Reviewed December 5, 2017 TripAdvisor.com

Mackay Bar Is Incredible!

Buck, Joni, Aubrey, Mike, Aunt Sue, Dax, Tank and Hank! You guys were amazing! Outstanding, clean, comfortable quarters and boats. Food was better than A+. Didn’t have to worry about anything during our stay. The views, landscape, mountains, river, wildlife and adventure were second to none. I give them my highest recommendation!

willow6868 – Reviewed October 23, 2017 – TripAdvisor.com