Our Story

Galena Lodge is owned by the Blaine County Recreation District and operated by a concession agreement with Erin Zell and Don Shepler under a permit with the Sawtooth National Forest.

What that really means is that we are a hands on small business focused on elevating our guests' recreational and outdoor experiences with quality food, service and rental equipment.

Erin and Don have operated Galena since 2006 with the help of an incredible staff and the support of the BCRD. While not Idaho natives, we have lived in the Wood River Valley for over 20 years, so this wonderful community truly feels like home. Our backgrounds in food and restaurants and our passion for all things outdoors have been a natural, if unlikely fit, to operating a business in the middle of an expansive National Forest. We look forward to offering satisfying outdoor experiences to our new and returning customers from near and far!

Chelan and Kyle joined the team as managers in June of 2020 and have been loving the challenge and life style of helping run the lodge. They had both previously worked seasonally at Galena in the ski shop, restaurant, kitchen, and as director (Kyle) of the Youth Adventure Camp. Being from Washington and Idaho respectively, they are also avid outdoor enthusiasts and happy to call the Wood River Valley home. In May of 2023 Don and Erin will pass the concession to Chelan and Kyle.