Ben Hawkins
River Guide
Originally from Austin, Texas, Ben grew up with a curiosity for the outdoors that eventually led him far beyond his home state. He found his path in guiding and has been on the water since around 2010, working across Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and Costa Rica. He first fell in love with whitewater while kayaking with Outward Bound in Costa Rica and has been hooked ever since.
Ben has a deep appreciation for wild places and the people you meet along the way, shaped by early travels to Africa where he experienced everything from safaris to meeting Jane Goodall. He’s especially drawn to the Middle Fork of the Salmon, a river he returns to year after year. Known for his easygoing nature (and his skills as a self-proclaimed Dutch oven master), Ben brings experience, perspective, and a genuine love for the river to every trip. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him exploring the Tetons on his splitboard, fishing, or hanging out with his dog, Shorty.