Our Glacier National Park guides are highly trained in everything from swift water rescue to Wilderness First Aid to the history, flora, and fauna of Glacier National Park and its surrounding areas. Whether or not you “need” Glacier National Park guides for rafting, hiking, fishing, or biking, they’ll make your experience so much richer. Some of our guides have been with us since the mid 80s, and all of them take enormous pride in being Glacier National Park guides. Did we mention they’re incredible backcountry cooks, too?
Meet The Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Co Team!
ALLISON BUCKNER
Age:
Born the same year Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls was the top song.
Home Town:
Bozeman, MT
Description:
I have been visiting Glacier and the Flathead since I was a youngin’ and have been in love with this area since. That said, I am so excited and lucky to be raft guiding in one of my favorite places this season! As a recent nursing graduate and a bit of an adrenaline junky, I am always seeking out my next adventure, be it exploring new places or pursuing a career in critical care. Although: if meeting new people and hearing their stories could be a profession in itself, sign me up. I love learning about her life experiences and simply enjoying hardy laughs with anyone who is kind enough to laugh at my terrible jokes
Favorite Place:
How to decide!? Although, the stretch of the Highline trail that’s right above the Going-to-the-Sun Highway, where you need to hold onto the hope in the cliffside as you hike and maybe insert a few mountain goats in there too … ya, that’s a great place to be.
JENNIFER BULS
Age:
Born just after the Blues Brothers made the first appearance on SNL.
Home Town:
GREAT FALLS, MT (Now Columbia Falls MT)
Description:
Jennifer joined us in 2002, and has been guiding us down the river and on the trails ever since. Jen is one of our most vivacious Glacier National Park guides and has a true passion for the park. She has also guided in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the Cabinet Mountains, and on the Clark Fork River. Her education is in Forest Resource Management, and boy does she know her plants. When she is not guiding, you can find her rafting on other rivers or rippin’ up the slopes on her snowboard in the winter. She also works at our local gear shop and does she know her gear! Jennifer is also certified as a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Favorite Place:
Stoney Indian Pass. She loves the cool breeze after a good climb. Join us for a backpacking trip and you too could feel the cool breeze!
HALEY CHERRY
Age:
Born the same year American Idol aired its first episode!
Home Town:
WHITING, MAINE
Description:
Haley fell in love with Glacier the summer of 2021 during her first season working out here! Her first day on the job she was told that, "Glacier has a way of sinking its teeth into you" and boy were they right! She's been coming back ever since. In the winter she studies elementary education at the University of Maine. She loves to bike, ski, hike... anything outdoors. Oh, and if you're ever out on a hike or backpacking trip with Haley, she LOVES Taylor Swift, making for plenty of trail sing-a-long options.
Favorite Place:
Boulder Pass
Favorite Trip:
Glacier Challenges and the Thursday Day Hike to Piegan Pass
JUDITH CHRISTIANSEN
Age:
The Beatle’s album “Abbey Road” was released the year she was born.
Home Town:
GERMANY (Now Whitefish, MT)
Description:
Judith knows the answer! How, where, who, what, and when – if you need anything involving the office, Judith can help you out. Judith began working as a lead guide on the rivers and trails with her strength in geology. Over the years she decided she preferred the lively pace of the office and now manages the grand scheduling of all the Glacier National Park guides. She still enjoys leading a few day hiking trips a year, especially if the group speaks German. Track her down for the answers, or do your best to catch this hiking, bicycling, and skiing ball of energy.
Favorite Place:
Nyack/Coal Creek District: SW Glacier Park. Why? “It’s very secluded – nobody there, beautiful scenery, great spot to watch for mountain goats at the head of Beaver Woman Lake. The Nyack Loop makes for a great 3-4 day backpacking trip.” Maybe if one hikes like Judith you can complete the loop in 4 days, but it’s more likely that once in the Nyack you’re going to want to take your time and enjoy it. We explore the Nyack region from time to time on our 4 day and 6 day backpacking trips.
TARA CLUNE
Age:
The Hammer Dance became popular the year I was born. And I haven't stopped since.
Home Town:
MOUNT KISCO, NY
Description:
Tara first came to Glacier on a road trip in 2020 on a quest to visit all of the National Parks in the US. She fell in love with Glacier's beauty and has fun facts about all of Glacier's famous Glaciers. Ask her about her superlatives while in the backcountry with her!
Favorite Place:
The Trail between Browns Pass and Boulder Pass
Favorite Trip:
The Chinese Wall in The Bob Marshall Wilderness
NICOLETTE DEASON
Age:
Born the same year Groundhog Day came out.
Home Town:
Minnesota
Description:
While studying Geography and GIS in college, Nicolette took a summer job in Glacier National Park and found it life altering that she could look at more than Minnesota’s small glacial moraines. Her favorite part about guiding is giving people unfamiliar with rafting the opportunity to see Glacier’s beautiful and unique landscapes. Don’t forget to ask Nicolette for a geology talk, or a list of the best restaurants in town, before you leave her boat!
Favorite Quote:
"Live to see, not to be seen."
Favorite Place:
Two Medicine . . . and anywhere that has enough silence to hold a moment!
Favorite Trip:
Full Day Whitewater – best lunch ever, DUH!
TYLER DEFOR
Age:
Same day Sir Paul McCartney was born 56 years later.
Home Town:
Mankato, Minnesota
Description:
Tyler is a raft guide here at Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. When he is not rafting he likes to search for Stoneflys. Don't even ask, because he has no desire to go to the moon. He claims that nobody can beat him in a game of Mario Kart Double Dash. It took him a full 18 years to do a backflip on a trampoline, but he continues to do backflips to make sure our guests have the very best raft trip imaginable. In the winter, he loves riding around in powder on two planks of wood. He's got all the fun facts and would love to tell ya about some Grinnell Argillite.
Favorite Quote:
"That's the way she goes boys. Sometimes she goes, sometimes she doesn't cause that's the way she goes." - Trailer Park Boys
Favorite Place:
Favorite place is biking down The Going to the Sun Road
Favorite Trip:
Favorite trip is the full day rafting - it's a full day of fun.
CARTER EASH
Age:
Born the same day that Alice Cooper fell off the stage during a concert in Vancouver, breaking six ribs.
Home Town:
Glenwood Springs, Colorado (now residing in Columbia Falls)
Description:
Carter joined the Glacier National Park guides in 2011. He spends the rest of his year inspiring and teaching our youth as a middle school teacher in Columbia Falls. In his free time he plays guitar and likes to travel.
Favorite Quote:
“Be kind. Tell the truth. Eat good food.”
Favorite Place:
Many Glacier because of the grand peaks and pristine lakes.” Join us on a custom day hike or on our Glacier Challenge trip and explore this great valley for yourself.
Favorite Trip:
New Zealand and the Grand Canyon
DANIELLE EBAUGH
Age:
Born the same week that “Waterfalls” by TLC was the #1 hit of the nation!
Home Town:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Description:
Danielle grew up in the beautiful high desert of New Mexico and took the “roundabout” way to a career in guiding. She studied Business Administration at the University of New Mexico, worked as a marketing director and event manager for 3 years and then decided to move into the outdoor rec world - and hasn’t looked back! She spent her first season guiding camping trips and day hikes all over the lower 48 and Canada, as well as 2 seasons as a sea kayaking guide. Some of her favorite places to lead tours are the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Grand Teton, Yosemite, the Apostle Islands, Everglades and of course - Glacier. Although she considers herself a desert dweller, Montana’s gorgeous scenery and moody rain are quickly becoming a favorite. When she’s not a tour guide she loves being a tourist, travel is what she’s most passionate about.
Favorite Quote:
“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it” - Roald Dahl
Favorite Place:
The Belly River - such a gorgeous valley!
Favorite Trip:
Anything backpacking. I love cooking a good camp meal!
BRIGID FRAY
Age:
Never ask a lady her age.
Home Town:
Oroville, WA
Description:
Brigid is an incredible fishing guide and all around mountain woman. She studied International Business and Spanish at Central Washington University. After college she landed in Whitefish, intending to spend only a winter as a ski bum. Within months she got a job at the Great Northern Bar and eventually joined the Whitefish Mountain Ski Patrol. Over 20 years later, she has established roots, friends, multiple adventures and careers. She spends her winters doing what she loves – any type of adventuring involving snow. Her summers are spent mountain biking, hiking, paddleboarding, floating rivers, and of course fly-fishing. Brigid is currently enrolled in the Integrated Agricultural Program at Flathead Valley Community College. What better way to spend your summers... growing and sharing produce, and adventuring in the Flathead Valley?
Favorite Quote:
“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!”
Favorite Place:
Smith River, Montana
Favorite Trip:
Siyeh/Piegan Loop
MEL GEISLER
Age:
Born the same year Bill Clinton was impeached.
Home Town:
Damariscotta, Maine
Description:
Mel is one of our fabulous hiking guides. He grew up in Maine, graduating college in 2021 with a degree in Environmental policy from UMaine. Since then, he has spent his summers hiking part of the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Montana. Let's just say Mel likes walking. A lot. He is also an enthusiast of sleeping on the ground, sliding on snow, and he likes to play the guitar when he has some free time.
Favorite Quote:
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” - Edward Abbey
Favorite Place:
The CDT from East Glacier to Chief Mountain, because of the memories! Specifically Triple divide pass.
DENNY GIGNOUX
Age:
Born the same year we first landed on the moon.
Home Town:
Whitefish, MT
Description:
Denny knows Glacier! Denny started here as a guide in 1993, and has since become one of our owners. We challenge you to stump one of our best naturalists. In addition to knowing his stuff, you’ll love Denny’s entertaining tales and savvy cooking. When not in Glacier, you might spy this backpacker in South America, Nepal, guiding polar bear viewing trips in Canada, helping his wife Caeli with Climate Ride, or working as a ski patroller at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Denny also works to make sure each backpacking trip runs smoothly.
Favorite Place:
Summit of Iceberg Peak. “All of it – closer to the elements, weather, touching the sky!” How to get there: Join us on one of our 3 day chalet treks and we’ll get a close up view of this peak from the trail.
HALI HARTLEY
Age:
Born on National Unicorn Day
Home Town:
Wichita, KS
Description:
Hali is a lover of the outdoors and is probably really excited to talk to you about plants. She feels passionately about educating her guests about the importance of practicing Leave No Trace Principals when visiting Glacier National Park. Before working in Glacier, Hali worked in four other National Parks - Yellowstone, Denali, Grand Canyon and Zion, Glacier is by far her favorite. When hiking with Hali, you're going to learn a little, and laugh a lot. She loves to dazzle her guests with her inventive trail songs, and encourages you to get a little weird too. When Hali is not hiking the trails throughout the beautiful park, she is teaching Yoga/Breathwork, hosting workshops and retreats. She believe that yoga and hiking go hand and hand. Listen to your body, move at a pace that feels good, and focus on your breath. Nothing is more healing than the kind of tired you feel from a little fresh air and a little bit of too much sun.
Favorite Quote:
“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Favorite Place:
In a hammock amongst a group of aspen trees. Which can be found in both Utah and Montana.
Favorite Trip:
Her favorite memory of the summer is hiking Cracker Lake in Many Glacier with a group of girl friends.
BILL HARTMAN
Age:
Boris Leonidovich Pasternak won the Nobel Prize in Literature the year he was born.
Home Town:
New Market, Iowa (pop. 193 on a busy Saturday night)
Description:
What can we say about Bill? He started here in 2004, and has been our Chief Getitstartedkeepitgoing Guy. He is certified in a plethora of things that most of us have never heard of. We just know that he’s great at maintaining vehicles and ski lifts. When he is not working hard in the shop, he spends as much of his time near the river as possible. Bill returned to school after 30 years and completed a degree in English/Creative Writing. Nice job Bill!
Favorite Quote:
"A road diverged in a woods and I, took the road less traveled and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Favorite Place:
As close to the river as he can get.
LUCAS HENZLER
Age:
Born the same day as John Hancock, but 258 years later!
Home Town:
Prior Lake, MN
Description:
Lucas is a hiking guide here at GGMR. Over the last several years, his focus has been on botany and wildlife in the Intermountain west. He started guiding in New Zealand as an adventure cave guide in 2019. Now back in Montana, he is excited to share his passion for these landscapes with people from around the world.
Favorite Quote:
I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me. - Bob Dylan
Favorite Place:
Meadows around the Belly River
RYAN HUDSON
Age:
Born the same month that the movie Field of Dreams was released.
Home Town:
Douglasville, GA
Description:
Ryan joined us as a hiking and rafting guide in 2013. Super sweet and excited about the park, he loves sharing Glacier with guests — when he is not running, mountain biking, cross-stitching, and SUP’ing across Glacier’s longest lakes. In his off-season he has coordinated climbing expeditions for young people and been a surf instructor in New Zealand. Ryan is the star of our group. When he was young, he was the star of a Purity Dairy milk commercial and a speaking role in a made for TV movie, ” The Brooke Ellison Story.”
Favorite Quote:
“I cannot be awake for nothing looks to me as it did before, or else, I am awake for the first time and all before has been a mean sleep.” Walt Whitman
Favorite Place:
"That’s a secret, but I will say Boulder Peak has great views towards my favorite place.” Anyone have a guess?"
ETHAN JEANETTE
Age:
Born the same day Fallin’ by Alicia Keys was the #1 hit song in the U.S.
Home Town:
Boulder, CO
Description:
Ethan is a stellar rafting guide for us here at Glacier Guides Montana Raft. He is currently studying snow science at MSU Bozeman and can make a mean cast iron breakfast skillet. Ethan enjoys rafting, climbing and, like any true Bozeman-ite, skiing.
Favorite Quote:
“You have one life, live it.” -Shane McConkey
Favorite Place:
Elizabeth Lake in Glacier National Park
Favorite Trip:
Favorite river trip is bear creek to cascadilla on the Middle Fork
LILIAN LANGSTON
Age:
Born the same year the Super Nintendo was released in the United States. Also shares a birthday with 2 great Georges. (Clooney and George Orson Welles)
Home Town:
Red Lodge, Montana
Description:
Lilian is the marketing and communications director at Glacier Guides (known as L2 around the office). She is Montana born, raised and never leaving. She got her journalism and film degrees from The University of Montana. Her love for the mountains started when she was very young, skiing and hiking all over the Beartooth Mountains and in her favorite secret place in Montana (she will never tell!). One of her favorite memories is when she traveled to the Indian Himalayas and backpacked for 3 weeks her last year in college. She loves hiking, skiing, days on the river, days on the lake, time spent with her dog, Zero and her fiance Andrew and anything she can do outside. She can be seen around Glacier Guides HQ with a phone in her hand and a constant smile on her face.
Favorite Quote:
“Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” Oscar Wilde
Favorite Place:
Glenns Lake Foot!
Favorite Trip:
The Chalet Trips are something spectacular!
JENNIFER LICHTER
Age:
25
Home Town:
La Crosse, WI
Description:
Jennifer is one of our top notch hiking guides. She was raised in Wisconsin and found herself in the mountains of Glacier accidently while traveling across the states post graduating college in Ohio. She's always loved the outdoors and spent an entire summer hiking and backpacking through Glacier National Park when she decided to make the mountains and Flathead Valley her new home! She is also a professional trail runner (MEGA talent over here) and spends many hours a day exploring all the trails that the valley has to offer. She's come to respect and love the area, and love sharing with others all that it has to offer.
Favorite Quote:
Climb a mountain, hug a tree!
Favorite Place:
I love the hike to Iceberg Lake as it is breathtaking, and also anything that The Belly has to offer for backpacking...you really can't go wrong anywhere you go. There is beauty everywhere!
KIM LICHTER
Age:
24
Home Town:
La Crosse, WI
Description:
Kim is the sister of Jennifer. She loves to travel and go to as many national parks as possible so when her sister Jennifer told her about working for the guides and having unlimited access in and out of Glacier National Park, She couldn't resist. In her time off from working in the kitchen and the Lodge, she spends her evenings and days off hiking and rafting.
Favorite Quote:
"No matter where life takes me, find me with a smile" Mac Miller
Favorite Trip:
Cosley Lake on the northeast corner of the park.
CHERI LEBLEU
Age:
Born the same year as Woodstock.
Home Town:
Upstate NY (Now Whitefish, MT)
Description:
Cheri started as one of our Glacier National Park guides in 2001 after working at the Glacier Institute. Her knowledge of botany makes her a great gal to have around when hiking through one of the many flower filled meadows. She is also known for her culinary and coffee brewing skills, which come in handy now that she runs our kitchen. When not in Glacier, Cheri might be home visiting her native Adirondacks, teaching herbalist classes at our local community college, or hanging out with her two adorable children.
Favorite Place:
Hole-in-the-Wall” backcountry campground
Favorite Trip:
We love to visit the Hole-in-the-Wall on our backpacking trips.
KURT LEWIS
Description:
Fishing guide Kurt Lewis is an angler to the core and has been guiding these rivers over 20 years. He currently holds the prestigious title of being “The Oldest Guide on the River.” He is patient, knowledgeable, and thinks like a fish. Kurt is always full of humorous stories and local lore that contribute to making your day on the river memorable and fun. When Kurt isn’t guiding, he’s fishing, tying flies, and thinking about fishing. Feel free to request him for your North or Middle Fork of the Flathead River fishing adventure!
TOM MATELICH
Age:
Born the year Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch’s song Good Vibrations was a number 1 hit.
Home Town:
Great Falls, MT
Description:
Like most people, I was born a baby. I was the youngest of four boys in a household consistently headed for the great Montanan outdoors every weekend. Camping, fishing, and hiking with the fam really kindled my fire to be outside, especially when my brother pushed me in the fire pit because I was winning tag. But alas, that’s a story for another time. I worked for MT DNRC for two and a half years straight out of college before trading in the big boy pants for a pair of Chacos and hiking sticks. “I’ve never broken any bones and my first cup of coffee ever consumed was last year on a Glacier Guides and Montana Raft trip.”
Favorite Quote:
"No one told me to do it, it just needed to be done."
Favorite Place:
Going to the Sun Road on bicycle before it opens in spring.
KEITH MEEHAN
Age:
Born during the Watergate scandel
Home Town:
Weymouth, MA (Now Columbia Falls, MT)
Description:
As one of our river and hiking Glacier National Park guides since 1996, Keith loves Glacier. When not exploring, Keith is out there teaching our local 5th graders. We need more teachers like him! When asked about how he feels about Glacier: “On the river or on the trail, I Glacier, therefore I am!” is all he says.
Favorite Place:
Summit of Mt. Stimson (Southwestern/Nyack region). Why Stimson? “Glacier’s 2nd highest mountain has been taunting me for 6 years now. I see this gorgeous, elusive, and remote peak on the river every day during our full day and overnight rafting trips, as well any time I’m up in the high country looking its way. Been turned around by bears climbing it once, but someday soon I’ll be sitting on the top with the most amazing view. Half the beauty of experiencing a favorite place is the giddy anticipation of getting there.”
DAVE MOENCH
Age:
Born the same year of the first Simpsons short episode.
Home Town:
Placitas, New Mexico (now resides in Whitefish, MT)
Description:
Originally from New Mexico, Dave has guided outdoor recreation across the country and globe. After completing a degree in Adventure Tourism Management from Humboldt State University, he spent years in Vermont and Colorado before settling down in Whitefish. Dave spends his winters in Northern Japan guiding backcountry ski trips and eating as much sushi as possible. On his days off Dave usually finds himself on his mountain bike or drinking a beer on a sunny porch in town.
Favorite Place:
Boulder Pass/Hole In The Wall
JOE O’CONNOR
Age:
Born the same year Happy Gilmore slap-shotted himself into a Golden Jacket
Home Town:
San Clemente, CA
Description:
I was born and raised near the beach but now spend my free time at higher elevations camping, fishing, climbing, and hiking. I was first introduced to Glacier National Park on a solo road trip in 2018 – came for the views, stayed for the fish and winter powdah. Fishing and snowboarding fill up my free time. Need that second home rented for the winter? I got you covered!
Favorite Quote:
“you fuzzy little man peach” old gregg
Favorite Place:
Keep exploring, maybe you will find it 😉
KIRSTY PALMER
Age:
On the day Kirsty was born, Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go was a runaway bestseller.
Home Town:
Born in Edmonds, Washington; Grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon
Description:
Kirsty is a day hiking and backpacking Glacier National Park guide, and a former Sperry Chalet employee. She tells herself that astrology isn’t real, but doesn’t always believe herself. She likes to write bad, facetious horoscopes in her free time. If she won the lottery, she’d pay off her student loans and travel. In the off season, Kirsty often works at McMurdo Station, Antarctica! She’s been there seasonally since 2013. Kirsty realized she has synaesthesia after reading a bio of Vladimir Nabokov a few years ago – she sees letters and numbers as colors.
Favorite Place:
“Lake Ellen Wilson.” Join us on a four or six day backpack trip for a chance to go to this very special lake!
CLAIRE PETERSON
Age:
Born the same year Cher graced us with her top pop single "Believe"
Home Town:
Fullerton, CA
Description:
After graduating college in San Diego, I traded the saltwater for freshwater and took a job working with the Montana Conservation Corps. I developed a passion for everything wild in Montana and found my way to Glacier Guides leading day hikes. I love sharing my passion and knowledge for the outdoors with others, and showing off all the beauty Glacier has to offer. When I'm not hiking, you can find me looking for mountain goats, chasing pow, and spending time in the sun.
Favorite Quote:
"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business" -- Tim Robbins
Favorite Trip:
Gunsight Lake to Ellen Wilson and out at Sperry Chalet
SCOTT RACINE
Age:
The number-one hit song in the U.S. on the day of Scott’s birth was Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
Home Town:
Indianapolis, Indiana
Description:
Scott is a day hiking and backpacking Glacier National Park guide. If he won the lottery, he would spend his time traveling and might open up his own brewery. In the offseason, Scott teaches biotechnology at a local community college in Indiana. Scott has also been a guide in Yosemite National Park.
Favorite Place:
Hole in the Wall – beautiful views and really cool place for a campground!
MAKETE ROESCH
Age:
Born the year that “Fraggle Rock” premiered on HBO as one of the premium cable network’s first original programs.
Home Town:
Originally Saint Louis, MO (now Whitefish, MT and beyond).
Description:
Mákete first came to Glacier in the summer of 2004 to volunteer on a Grizzly Bear population study. He has since spent many years working in Glacier on research projects involving bears, amphibians, and soils/geology. He has also studied Lynx in NW Montana, Wolves in Yellowstone, and big carnivores in Zambia. One of his other great passions is music, and he spent several years traveling the world playing music on the streets, venues, and festival stages. He also loves dad jokes.
Favorite Quote:
"Gratitude unites us."
Favorite Place:
That’s a tough one! To be honest, my favorite places in the park are far off-trail and too sacred to be named. My favorite on-trail locations are the high passes, such as Boulder and Gunsight.
VINCE ROUBITCHEK
Age:
Born in March the year that Pedro Delgado of Spain won the Tour de France.
Home Town:
Mt. Prospect, IL
Description:
Vince is one of our rafting and hiking Glacier National Park guides – he loves being outside. This Eagle Scout does not do a whole lot of sitting. In his time off he likes to snowboard and travel – he has been known to bike across whole countries.
Favorite Quote:
“Seize the carp.”
Favorite Place:
Lake Francis. “Go check it out and you’ll understand.”
Favorite Trip:
Granite Park Chalet!
CASEY SCHNEIDER
Age:
Born the year the Strokes released their first album, Is This It.
Home Town:
Whitefish, MT
Description:
I’m pretty lucky: I grew up with Glacier National Park in my backyard, so I’ve developed a unique appreciation for all it has to offer. When I’m not scrambling some peak or floating down a river, I enjoy playing guitar, hanging out with my dog Cosley (he’s named after a lake in the Belly River Valley), and moonwalking.
Favorite Quote:
“Do all that you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are.” Nkosi Johnson
Favorite Place:
Atsina Lake
RUSS SCHNEIDER
Age:
Born when Stevie Wonder released the funkiest song of all time, Superstition
Home Town:
Helena, MT
Description:
Russ was a Backpacking, Fishing, Hiking, and Rafting guide with Glacier Guides and Montana Raft from 1994 to 2002 and has been back as a fishing guide since 2019. Russ is the author of Fishing Glacier National Park, Hiking the Columbia River Gorge, and the co-author of Hiking Montana and Backpacking Tips with his father Bill Schneider who was the co-founder of FalconGuides. When Russ is not fishing, floating, hiking, writing or biking he is probably crunching numbers on an outside consulting project or doing some community thing. Russ is known for his custom Rapid Robert style wooden drift boat and his appreciation for native park fisheries.
Favorite Quote:
“The key to life is to build communities around things you care about-whether that is your family or your hobby or your cause.”
Favorite Place:
Can’t disclose all my secret spots…but definitely in the park.
JORDAN SMITH
Age:
Born the same year that the best sitcom ever – “Friends” – came out.
Home Town:
Mukilteo, Washington
Description:
Jordan has worked as a backpacking, biking, and day hiking guide since 2015. When not climbing all around Glacier, you can find her backcountry skiing, mountain biking, or teaching a yoga class in northwestern Montana. She may look tiny, but don’t worry, she’s been known to carry over 100 lbs of gear while backpacking!
Favorite Quote:
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller
Favorite Place:
The ice cream shop in Apgar village. The ice cream shop in Many Glacier is a close second 🙂
ADAM SODANO
Age:
Born the same day Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated. Reincarnation?
Home Town:
Medford, MA
Description:
Adam was born in a small hospital room in Massachusetts with a full head of curly locks. In his youth, he was occasionally seen scrambling around the rock-and-root-infested trails of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Looking for taller peaks and larger skies, Adam moved to Colorado in 2014 to pursue a degree in the sociology of humor. Unfortunately, explaining humor is like dissecting a frog: you understand it better, but the frog dies in the process. After four years of killing the frog, Adam tried telling the same old jokes to a different audience each season. His seventh grade students never laughed. The boat punks didn’t laugh either. The ski lift operators didn’t laugh. Farmers market vendors didn’t even chuckle. Neither did the landscapers, berry pickers, or sushi chefs. So we find him now at Glacier Guides, trying to get at least a smile out of his guests.
Favorite Quote:
“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” – George Burns
Favorite Place:
Two Bear Farm, Whitefish MT
JEFF ‘BUTTE’ SOYLAND
Age:
Born the day after the Concorde’s first supersonic flight.
Home Town:
BUTTE, MT (Now Columbia Falls, MT)
Description:
Behold the River God! Jeff co-manages our river operations and is always ready to pitch in. Whether behind the oars or driving the bus, this savvy veteran gets the job done. When not here in Glacier, you can find Jeff floating the Grand Canyon, exploring Costa Rica, saving injured souls via the Ski Patrol in nearby Whitefish, MT, or chasing one of his two boys around. Butte is a busy guy!
Favorite Place:
Floral Park near Sperry Glacier. Why Floral Park? “Because it’s rarely visited, very recently glaciated, and pristine!”
JACOB STARNER
Age:
Korean age is 22.
Home Town:
Grand Rapids, MI
Description:
Jacob grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and he has always striven to have adventures like Frodo and Sam in Lord of the Rings. Jacob says that Glacier Guides has been an awesome opportunity to expand his skills and form a deep spiritual connection to the park. On his free time, he likes to bag peaks - the most epic of which thus far has been Rainbow Peak. Currently, he studies economics at Michigan State (the real MSU). A few fun facts: He love the song "We Didn't Start The Fire" and is fluent in Korean.
Favorite Quote:
Love Flowers Best in Openness and Freedom
Favorite Place:
Lake Margaret! Cosley must’ve had a baddy to name this lake after her.
Favorite Trip:
Anything with a peak.
COURTNEY STONE (Retired)
Age:
Born just after the Mt. St. Helens explosion, the ash clouds of which came as far east as Glacier National Park!
Home Town:
Originally from the Southeast, Courtney has called Montana home her entire adult life. She’s received love letters and hate mail in St. Mary, Babb, Chief Mountain Junction, Duck Lake, Cut Bank, Missoula, Whitefish, and now Columbia Falls.
Description:
Southern expatriate. Montana devotee since 1989. As Communications and Marketing Director for Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, Courtney strives daily to meet our mission of providing exceptional active travel vacations and experiences in and around Glacier National Park, while preserving and protecting Glacier’s unique ecosystem using the best available ecologically sound practices. Otherwise, you’ll find her hiking, backpacking, rafting, skiing, or cleaning up the trail of glitter her kids leave in the wake of their own daily adventures.
Favorite Quote:
We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ―Joseph Campbell
Favorite Place:
Many Glacier … the most gorgeous day hiking in the world, and it all leads to the most fabulous porch in the world, at the Many Glacier Hotel … where they serve incredible huckleberry margaritas. Best place ever after a hike to Iceberg Lake!
ADAM TEW
Age:
35
Home Town:
Rural area north of Livingston called Shields Valley
Description:
Adam spent a decade working in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for the USFS leading trail crews and packing mule strings. Now, he switches back and forth between raft guiding with Glacier Guides on the Flathead River and on the Rio Grande in the Big Bend of Far West Texas.
Favorite Quote:
If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.
Favorite Place:
That obscure little place south of highway 2
BRITT THIESSEN
Age:
35
Home Town:
Jerome, ID - The Whitewater State!
Description:
Britt is a raft manager at Glacier Guides. He is a Whitewater enthusiast! National Top Ramen cook off champion, so good he doesn't even need the flavor packet. To tall for his paco pad...cold feet forever. Britt started raft guiding in California and worked his way back to his home state. Constant pursuit of high water, Lochsa!! Love it or leave it. Britt has a background as an instructor of Swiftwater and Rope Rescue. Board games over videogames, Settlers of Catan is life. He says he is forever curious and always excited to learn something new. When it's to dark to raft, he likes to read and is very excited to be part of the Glacier Guides team!
Favorite Quote:
"Easy, guys... I put my pants on just like the rest of you - one leg at a time. Except, when my pants are on, I make gold records." - Christopher Walken, Blue Oyster Cult, SNL
Favorite Place:
Happy Place:) Anywhere there is water.
Favorite Trip:
Best trips are the Desert River of SW Idaho and Western Oregon. Jarbidge, Bruneau, Owyhee.
LILLIAN THOMAS
Home Town:
Who really cares? I’ve been in Montana for 10 years now – home is where the heart is.
Description:
Life is good, especially when I get to hike and revel in such a perfectly beautiful place as Glacier National Park. I’ve also worked at the Y for 10 years and I love helping people and building community. In addition, I’ve been involved in conservation projects, which I find meaningful. It’s important to try to save the world! And it’s fun to learn more about natural history, especially when I get to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature. Finally: eating good grub is part of what it’s all about for me.
Favorite Place:
The water, the woods, and the mountains.
KIANDRA WAGGONER
Age:
Born in August of the year that Guy Lafluer won both the Hart and the Art Ross trophies.
Home Town:
ANN ARBOR, MI
Description:
Kiandra has been guiding since 2002. A river soul at heart, Glacier National Park has made her a hiking, mountain climbing and backpacking enthusiast since gravitating here in 2004. Her positive, cheerful attitude is enjoyed by all, and everyone looks forward to doing a trip with her. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a focus on Sports Management and Communication, English and History. She has extended her education to learn the history, geology, ecology, and area knowledge that makes NW Montana so unique. She started on the water at a young age, canoeing the Canadian bush with her family regularly. With the community she has here locally now, she's been fortunate enough to explore boating trips from South America to Alaska, including many of the great western rivers. In her off time, she enjoys photography, traveling to new places and the good 'ol hockey game. Kiandra is also our resident hockey fanatic–Go Blue and Go Leafs Go!
Favorite Quote:
“Do one thing every day that scares you”. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Favorite Place:
“It changes every time I go into the Park. There are too many beautiful places to just pick one. Try any of them and you will see.”
KENN WAGGONER
Age:
Born just one week after Richard Simmons.
Home Town:
Ann Arbor, MI
Description:
Kenn came to us in 2012 from Michigan. His main goal was to explore the rivers and lakes around Glacier Park and be around his daughter, who is one of our Glacier National Park guides. When Ken’s not driving guests to and from the trailhead or river put in, he is out exploring. Or maybe watching Michigan hockey! Kenn graduated from Eastern Michigan University with majors in earth science and coastal environments. He has been to all 50 states and canoed over 10,000 miles of Canadian rivers.
Favorite Quote:
“There’s a land where the mountains are nameless, and the rivers all run god knows where. There are lives that are erring and aimlesss, and deaths that just hang by a hair.” -Robert Service
Favorite Place:
The Canadian border on North Fork River…it’s a small river with good isolation and great wildlife. Join us on our Wilderness Float to see this beautiful area.
CAITI WOODS
Age:
Born the same year that The Little Mermaid was released.
Home Town:
Coram, Montana – Caiti is as local as it gets!
Description:
Caiti is technically our Assistant Office Manager, but in our hearts she is the Director of Fun + Frivolity. Our theme parties are famous in large part due to Caiti! Her creativity is legendary – as her profile picture underlines. If Caiti isn’t giving out Glacier advice on the phone or planning a fabulous soiree, you can find her on the river with her sweet dog, Numa.
Favorite Quote:
Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul. – The Grateful Dead
Favorite Place:
“My favorite place is a secret that I might share with you if you call the office to plan a trip, but my other happy place is the foot of Lake McDonald at sunrise or sunset. I’m a sucker for alpenglow!
