Looking for a new place to chase elk, deer, bear, mountain lion or wolves, or even do some fishing in the offseason? Want to do it in the heart of Idaho's backcountry, far from towns or even road access? Check out Selway Wilderness Outfitters. Specializing in guided hunts and wilderness excursions, the team at Selway Wilderness Outfitters have years of experience in the field as guides, hunters and all-around outdoorsmen, and can offer an unforgettable experience no matter what you're looking for.
So what sets Selway Wilderness Outfitters apart from other spots? For starters, its about as truly backcountry as you'll find in the lower 48. You cannot drive there; instead, you'll fly into the Running Creek Ranch Airport, which is surrounded by landscapes that set the standard for untouched. Selway Wilderness Outfitters will help coordinate flights with Mission Mountain Flying Services LLC for an easy arrival. In fact, the service is so convenient that if you land in Missoula, you can simply walk across from the commercial terminal and load right into the bush plane. As you fly in, you may even spot some of the game you'll be chasing, and you're sure to catch quite a few glimpses of pristine scenery laced with shimmering trout streams.
Once you arrive, you'll find that camp offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. You'll be staying in one of a collection of cozy log cabins, replete with beds/bedding, wood stoves and solar lighting, along with a main lodge in which you'll enjoy home-cooked meals whipped up by Marquee Williams, a talented cook and the heart of the whole operation. The accommodations might almost make you feel like you're stepping back in time on the frontier—right up to the point you head over to the bathhouse and find hot showers, a flushing toilet and a vanity. The solar power which runs all these amenities can also be used to charge phones, cameras, Garmins and other such small electronic devices. All these accommodations were freshly updated and remodeled with painstaking care over the course of the last year.
On to the most important part though—how's the hunting? Lead outfitter Dan Williams, who I've had the pleasure of hunting alongside twice (read more about those experiences here and here; in the first of these, though his name is unmentioned, he lead the party that saved our skins) is an outdoorsman of rare caliber and dedication. Barely a day goes by I don't get a photo or video of Dan running his dogs and, when the season permits, treeing bears. Dan spends most every free moment he has out there in the Selway, working on the property, scouting for game or running dogs to see what's around. Black bear and mountain lion abound, and Dan's dogs are old hands at picking up a scent. If you're ready to tackle the truly rugged Idaho backcountry, Dan and his dogs will put you on game without doubt. As to deer and elk, there's a good chance you'll wake up in camp one day to a herd grazing right out your front door. While the big boys are obviously not quite so brazen, there are plenty of them lurking up the nearby draws and hollows, and Dan knows all their favorite spots.
In the offseason, Selway Wilderness Outfitters transforms into a destination retreat for the whole family. With the ability to tailor the experience to adventurers of all ages and experience levels, vacation packages are offered as weekend, 3-day or 5-day trips. This year (2025) available from July 1 to August 15, trip opportunities include hikes through stunning vistas, fishing on crystal clear streams, and trail rides through pristine wilderness. Fishing is walk-and-wade, providing a perfect setting for both dedicated anglers and corporate groups looking for team-building opportunities.
For more information on prices, dates, and anything else you might be curious about, check out selwayoutfitters.com where you can read more about the ranch, see some stunning photos of the place and the surroundings, or reach out to Dan and Marquee directly.
Most Popular
