Uncomfortably Famous: The Buzz Holmstrom Story
“Some people have said I conquered the Colorado. I don’t say so. It has never been conquered, and never will I think. Anyone it allows to go through its canyons and see its wonders should feel thankful and privileged.”
Key Takeaways
- Buzz Holmstrom’s Legacy: In 1937, Buzz Holmstrom became the first person to complete a solo trip down the entire Green and Colorado Rivers, marking a historic moment in river expedition history.
- A Humble Adventurer: Despite national fame, Holmstrom remained modest—believing the Colorado River could never be truly conquered, only respected and experienced with gratitude.
- A Mysterious End: Holmstrom’s life ended tragically and mysteriously in 1946 near the Grande Ronde River, leaving lasting intrigue among river historians and enthusiasts.
- A Tribute Through Adventure: Winding Waters River Expeditions offers a historical river journey,
The Buzz Holmstrom Story, where travelers can relive Holmstrom’s pioneering spirit through guided storytelling and exploration.
- Preserving River History: Events like these celebrate the pioneers of whitewater navigation, inspiring today’s adventurers to explore with respect for nature’s power and legacy.
Near noon on Thanksgiving Day 1937, Buzz Holmstrom rowed his hand-made wooden boat across the still water behind Boulder Dam. The November sun was warm, and the afternoon winds had yet to make an appearance. As Holmstrom neared the looming shadow of the massive structure, he took one last stroke and allowed the bow of his boat to bump into the concrete face, an act unimaginable today. He cocked his head skyward toward the distant lip of the dam as if to quietly announce, “I’m here!”
In that moment the modest Holmstrom, a gas station attendant from Coquille, Oregon, became the first person to complete a solo (52-day) voyage on the 1,100-mile Green and Colorado Rivers. Within days the story of his amazing voyage was in newspapers and on radio stations across the country. Holmstrom, much to his dismay, became uncomfortably famous.
Nine years later, on the evening of May 18, 1946, Holmstrom’s body was found on a game trail downriver from the confluence of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers – Rondowa. For decades the sad mystery of what happened on the banks of the Grande Ronde River plagued all those who knew Holmstrom.
June 27-29, 2014, join Winding Waters Rivers Expeditions and author/river guide Vince Welch for The Buzz Holmstrom Story: A Historical Journey on the Grand Ronde this spring. Each night Welch, co-author of The Doing of the Thing – the Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holmstrom , will recount aspects of Holmstrom’s life, epic voyage through Grand Canyon, and untimely death.
(Mountaineers Books (Seattle, Washington) recently published Welch’s latest effort The Last Voyageur – Amos Burg and The Rivers of the West , an account of another Oregon river runner who left his mark on the history of fast water navigation.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Buzz Holmstrom — the humble Oregon river runner whose solo journey on the Colorado River became one of the most remarkable feats in river-running history.
Who was Buzz Holmstrom?
Buzz Holmstrom was a gas station attendant from Coquille, Oregon, who became a pioneering river runner. In 1937, he completed the first solo voyage down the Green and Colorado Rivers, covering over 1,100 miles in a handmade wooden boat.
What made Buzz Holmstrom’s 1937 river journey historic?
Holmstrom’s 1937 expedition was the first solo descent of the Green and Colorado Rivers, ending at Boulder Dam. His achievement was remarkable because he navigated treacherous waters alone in a self-built boat without modern equipment, relying only on skill, endurance, and respect for the river.
Why was Buzz Holmstrom called “uncomfortably famous”?
After completing his solo river run, Holmstrom’s story spread rapidly through newspapers and radio. Though admired nationwide, he was a humble man who disliked attention. His sudden fame made him uneasy, leading to the phrase “uncomfortably famous.”
How did Buzz Holmstrom die?
Holmstrom’s body was found on May 18, 1946, along the Grande Ronde River in Oregon. His death remains a mystery, with theories ranging from accident to suicide. The unanswered questions surrounding his passing have intrigued historians and river enthusiasts for decades.
What was Buzz Holmstrom’s philosophy about river running?
Holmstrom believed the Colorado River could never truly be “conquered.” He saw himself not as a conqueror but as a grateful guest allowed to witness the canyon’s beauty. His humble and reverent view of nature continues to inspire river runners today.
Who is Vince Welch, and how is he connected to Buzz Holmstrom’s story?
Vince Welch is a river guide and author who co-wrote The Doing of the Thing – The Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holmstrom. He leads historical river trips that explore Holmstrom’s life, achievements, and legacy.
What is “The Buzz Holmstrom Story: A Historical Journey”?
It’s a guided river expedition organized by Winding Waters River Expeditions and Vince Welch. The trip retraces Holmstrom’s path along the Grande Ronde River, featuring nightly storytelling sessions that bring his life and adventures to life.
Are there any books about Buzz Holmstrom?
Yes. The Doing of the Thing – The Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holmstrom by Vince Welch and colleagues chronicles his adventures. It’s considered the definitive account of his remarkable life and river-running legacy.
What other river explorers are connected to this story?
Author Vince Welch also wrote The Last Voyageur – Amos Burg and The Rivers of the West, about another legendary Oregon river runner. Both Holmstrom and Burg are celebrated for their pioneering spirit and contributions to the history of Western river navigation.
How can I join a trip or learn more about Buzz Holmstrom?
You can learn more or join a historical river trip through Winding Waters River Expeditions, which organizes special journeys celebrating river history and exploration. These trips offer a unique chance to experience the same wild waters Holmstrom once navigated.
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