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.

Meet Michelle: Our Kitchen Queen
Michelle has been a vital part of the Half Moon Bar Lodge family for five wonderful seasons.
As our Breakfast Chef—affectionately known as the Kitchen Queen-she starts every morning right. Michelle holds a degree in Baking and Pastry. She is a true Pastry Explorer who creates all of our delicious desserts and famous homemade ice creams. Her ultimate dream? Winning a James Beard Award someday for a unique ice cream flavor she has yet to invent!
Michelle truly brings the farm-to-table vibe to life. When she is not helping tend the lodge garden, you can find her harvesting fresh ingredients for your meals. She has truly blossomed here at Half Moon. She deeply values our small, hardworking team. Michelle has completely fallen in love with the Rogue River, the rafting community culture, and the pure joy this property brings to everyone who visits.

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!

Office Wizard and Crazy Plant Lady

Sam is an integral part of the organizational backbone and problem-solving force behind Half Moon Bar Lodge. As both office wizard and on-site lodge wizard, Sam keeps daily operations running smoothly while somehow always finding creative solutions to whatever challenge comes next. Whether supporting staff, coordinating logistics, or jumping in wherever help is needed, she’s known for doing it all with determination, humor, and heart.

Like her boss Mike, Sam is also a chainsaw-wielding tree hugger — equally comfortable managing lodge operations as she is building gardens, tackling projects, and caring deeply for the wild beauty surrounding the Rogue River.