Bob Jordan, the owner and outfitter at Wild River Adventures for the last 28 years, recently passed the captain’s paddle to new owners Justin and Alexa Woods.

The West Glacier company is one of the oldest rafting and fishing outfitters in Montana. Jordan and a few friends purchased the business from George Mumalo, who began taking guests down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in 1974.

Jordan recalled that during his first few seasons in business, he was on the water almost every day and then worked well into the evening doing the books and making reservations.

“It was a good thing we enjoyed the lifestyle, because we were barely making ends meet in the early years,” he said.

Interest in rafting and fly fishing grew dramatically in the 1990s and continues to be popular activities for visitors to the Glacier National Park area. Last year, the four West Glacier rafting companies provided services to more than 38,000 guests.

Jordan credits much of the business’ success to his staff, many of whom have been part of the company since the early years.

“I always hoped that I could sell the business to one of our employees,” he said. “I believe Justin and Alexa will ensure that the company continues to grow and prosper in the years to come.”

Justin, who grew up in the area, has worked for Wild River since 2001 and is well acquainted with the operational side of the business. Currently, he is a captain/paramedic with the Whitefish Fire Department, who moonlights a few times a month as a flight medic on the ALERT helicopter team.

Alexa has served in the Air National Guard since 2002 and still remains active with the 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Base. She’s looking forward to working full time for the company both on the river and in the front office.

Jordan says he’ll continue to be involved with the company as their fishing outfitter and help out as needed.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time on the river and discovering what it feels like to take a weekend off in the summer for the first time in many years,” he said.