About Idaho Wilderness Company

Connecting You to Idaho’s Most Pristine Wilderness

From the East Coast to Idaho’s Wilds—Decades of Guiding and Adventure

The Zettel Family

The Zettel family’s story is one of resilience, adventure, and connection to Idaho’s wild beauty. From raising two sons, Steven and Joel, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Salmon River to building a life centered on guiding and outfitting, their journey reflects the heart of Idaho Wilderness Company. Despite life’s challenges, their bond remains unshakable, driven by a shared passion for the outdoors, community, and adventure.

Through Steven’s remarkable achievements in wrestling and guiding, and Joel’s inspiring personality and determination, the Zettel family continues to leave an indelible mark on all who meet them. Their story is a testament to the power of family, nature, and perseverance.

I must also share

On December 27 of 2014, my wife and mother of our two boys passed away after her 14 year battle with breast cancer. Since her passing I have been asked countless times if there was going to be any kind of a fund set up in her name.

After much consideration I have come to the conclusion that no one will feel the loss more, nor be as negatively impacted, as our youngest son, Joel. If you’ve ever met Joel you know he is as special as they come. Two characteristics about Joel that have never changed are: He has never met a stranger; and he has never met a woman that didn’t love him.

Although Joel has Down Syndrome, we have never treated him as such, nor has he lived life less. We have always held him to high standards and pushed him to be the best he could be, and Joel has responded by accomplishing amazing things.

my oldest son, steven

Born in 1997, Steven was raised in wall tents, on the river and mostly in construction dust. He spent the first 13 years of his life living through two major home remodels. He was a strong academic student, ran cross country, participated in most of the youth athletics available in Challis, and moved to Post Falls, ID for the last two years of High School to improve his wrestling skills. He was accepted into Grand Canyon University in 2015.

Steven is first and foremost a wrestler. He is now an 8 time Idaho State champion, including a High School State Championship as a freshman. His wrestling passion greatly influenced his choice of colleges. Following in his father’s footsteps, Steven is an IWC guide as well as a licensed guide in Alaska, where he guides for Lance Kronberger, owner of Freelance Outdoor Adventures.

my youngest son, joel

Although a year younger, Joel has survived all the same outfitter lifestyle challenges as his brother Steven. Joel has never met a stranger and if you have ever spent time with Joel on the river or at camp, then you have memories of this special little boy that will last a lifetime.

If you have never met Joel, you can only hope that someday you will be fortunate enough to share some time with him. He plays football and, as always, he is a “wrestler”. He never misses a social event and will probably be Governor some day. We invite you to visit Joel’s website at meandjoel.com and become the ‘me’.

my wife, jessica

Jessica, best known as Jess, arrived on the IWC scene years ago as a river guest and steadily became a close friend of the Zettel’s and the IWC family. She visited the Challis area over the years, participating in Middle Fork Float Trips and twice running the River of No Return Endurance Run 108K, 70+ mile endurance run through the hills around Challis, including nearly 20,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, all in the same day. She is one tough cookie. Born and raised in the heart of Virginia horse country, she has always had a soft spot for the wild and out-of-the-way places. Several years ago, she left her travels in the desert of Southern Utah and moved to Challis to ride our horses, pack our mules, row our boats, fish, hunt and hike, and play camp cook. Oh, and take care of Steve! Steve and Jess were married in June of 2019 and have shared many a 2-man sleeping bag evening ever since. When you call the office, arrive in Stanley or Challis, enter the cook tent at deer camp, hand over your duffel for an Elk hunt, share the spotting rock at Sheep Camp, or attend a weeklong “Women in the Wilderness” retreat—it is likely that Jess will be the one taking care of you.

Are you ready to experience the vacation of a lifetime?