Hi, I’m Craig
I grew up in Western Washington, and the outdoors has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. The Cascades were where it all started—long days on the trail, exploring with family and friends, discovering what it felt like to move through real wilderness.
Over the years, I chased that feeling through hiking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and mountaineering. I spent more than two decades on the Olympic Peninsula, learning its rivers and ridgelines, but the pull of the Cascades never really left.
Today, I live in the small town of Glacier, Washington at the foot of Mt. Baker, surrounded by some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the lower 48. These mountains are incredibly special—unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. They challenge me, steady me, and remind me to slow down, look around, and be fully present.
What drives me now is simple: I want to share the beauty and power of this place with others. At the heart of it, I believe in getting outside, exploring boldly, and living with intention. Nature has a way of clearing the noise and reconnecting us to what matters—and I want to help others experience that same sense of awe, clarity, and aliveness.
I guide because I believe time in the mountains can change a person.
The North Cascades have shaped me over the years—teaching patience, humility, resilience, and presence. They’ve been a constant teacher through every chapter of my life, and eventually I realized I wanted to create opportunities for others to experience that same depth.
Guiding gives people the chance to step away from noise and step into something honest and grounding: alpine air, big views, simple moments, and the clarity that comes from being fully immersed in wild places.
I love watching what happens out there—when someone realizes they’re stronger than they thought, braver than they expected, or more connected to the landscape than they’ve felt in years. Those moments matter.
I guide because these mountains matter—and because the way they change people matters too.
Why I Guide
My Guiding Philosophy
Guiding in the North Cascades is about more than leading people from Point A to Point B. It’s about creating an experience that’s intentional, safe, meaningful, and memorable. My approach is built on four core principles:
1. Safety First, Always
Good days in the mountains start with good decisions. I prioritize conservative judgment, clear communication, and situational awareness. My goal is to create an environment where guests feel supported, confident, and able to enjoy the experience fully.
2. Respect for Wild Places
The North Cascades are one of the last truly wild mountain ranges in the lower 48. I guide with deep respect for the land—minimizing impact, honoring park guidelines, and helping guests form their own connection to the landscape through stewardship and awareness.
3. Experience Over Speed
These trips aren’t about racing through miles. They’re about savoring the moments that make the backcountry special—quiet ridgelines, sunrise on a glacier, the sound of a flowing creek, shared meals, and conversations that only seem to happen in wild places. We move at a human pace, not a hurried one.
4. Growth Through Challenge
The mountains have a way of revealing strength, clarity, and confidence. I encourage guests to lean into the challenge—not to push recklessly, but to discover what they’re capable of. My role is to support and encourage without pressure.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Join us in one of America’s last true mountain wildernesses.