Owner, Visionary, Storyteller & On-Sight Manager

It was Mike’s crazy idea to buy and restore Half Moon Bar Lodge. He had a “vision” and son of a gun, he was right. Over three years, he designed, researched, hand-built, cleaned, probably cried a bit, and then researched some more to make the most comfortable wilderness experience for all guests. He made pieces of furniture from salvaged trees, selected period-correct fixtures, and used sustainable materials during construction. His handmade natural edge furniture is in every space of the lodge. When you visit the lodge, you can find Mike driving our jet boat, proudly harvesting from the garden, fixing something, or telling river stories to anyone who will listen.

Owner, Infrastructure, Reality Checker

A software engineer by day, Ben moonlights as our off-site partner and keeps our IT systems up and running. Whether he’s in Seattle or visiting the lodge, he keeps tabs on our solar production, managing our IT systems, working on the website, or building something for the lodge. You can thank Ben for having electricity all night and maybe a little WIFI, if you decide to partake. Ben is married to Jen Ross, also an owner of the lodge. When the family isn’t at the lodge, they take their kids traveling to experience different cultures, food, and see the world in a new way. We don’t totally understand why you wouldn’t want to spend every waking minute at the Lodge, but to each their own, we guess.

Morning Chef, Pastry Explorer, Resident Early Bird

Michelle holds a culinary degree in pastry arts from Auguste Escoffier Culinary Institute, but lucky for us, she loves seasonal work and the places it takes her. After spending time in Sun Valley in Idaho and Glacier National Park in Montana, we scooped her up and haven’t let go yet. In her time off, she explores the property and concocts new ways to use the fresh fruit from the garden. You’re welcome to ask her about the hundreds of Grateful Dead concerts she’s attended, but don’t you dare ask for her biscuit or angel food cake recipes -- those are a lodge secret!

Officer of Sticks, Aspiring Influencer, Connoisseur of Leather

Born in Los Angeles, Roma embraced the outdoor lifestyle as a porch dog at Half Moon Bar Lodge. On high alert for the tram, Roma will be one of the first to greet you with an enthusiastic welcome. She’s always looking to make a new best friend (in addition to lodge cat Ming) and any leftovers they will give up. If none come around, she’ll settle for ripe garden strawberries (she knows ripe from not ripe!) or deer droppings. Roma can show you the way to the best fishing holes and spots to watch the river. She loves sticks, surfing the jet boat with a life jacket, co-piloting the four-wheeler, and playing disc golf (don't worry, she has her own disc). Roma has seen the possible dog-brand partnerships on Instagram, but is still a little cameras shy. Use #romathelodgedog to support her blossoming career.

Care takers, Master Volunteers, Cocktail Connoisseurs

Karen and Ernie are winter caretakers and lead our volunteer crews. They have been immersed in the Pacific Northwest whitewater community for decades. When not at Half Moon, or rafting somewhere, they spend time caretaking and watching over other wilderness lodges on the Rogue, Snake and Salmon rivers. Karen and Ernie have been involved in every facet of our renovation. Ernie is a master at making sure all the little details are completed to the highest standards. You will see his attention to detail everywhere. Karen is often just a blur, checking on everyone, coordinating resources and reminding us of what’s planned. Everyone loves Karen and she watches over Ernie. Its a big job!