Triad River Tours

Staff

Luke Everest Baugh (Guide)

• 28 years river experience (22 as a certified professional guide in Idaho, Oregon, West Virginia, Washington)

• Wilderness First Aid (Remote Medical)

• Swiftwater Rescue Instructor (Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a focus on social stratification and racial conflict

• Masters Degree in Business with a focus on equity and sustainability

• Guides: Sauk, Skagit

Notable Quote: "The only reason we go to the river is to get off the boat ramp"

Place where quote was registered: Every single day at every put in and take out on the river.

Raised around the rivers of the Bitterroots in the small Northern Idaho town of Orofino, Luke grew up spending time on the Lochsa, Selway, Clearwater, Snake, Salmon, Tucannon, and Grande Ronde Rivers. He took his first guide training trip in 1994 and became a licensed whitewater rafting guide in 2000. Luke was privileged to have been mentored by some respected names in the rafting business such as Dave Cook, Mike and Connie Kennedy, Roy Akins, Doug Dennis, Jon (A.K) Barker, and his older brother Jess Baugh who currently operates Mountain River Outfitters out of Riggins, Idaho. Luke has led over 50  wilderness multi-day rafting expeditions, spending the majority of his time as a lead guide for Idaho Afloat and Mountain River Outfitters in Hells Canyon of the Snake River and the Salmon "River of No Return" wilderness. He has been a trained swiftwater rescue technician since 2003 and is an instructor for the Swiftwater Safety Institute. Luke has trained and certified many rafting guides for several outfitters on multiple rivers. A natural teacher, Luke is also a registered Yoga teacher, a father, and an uncle. He has a BA in Sociology and a Masters degree in business with a focus on environmental and economic sustainability in the outdoor recreation industry. 

Emma Smith (Guide)

●     First Aid/ CPR certified

●      SRT-1 through Swiftwater Safety Institute

●      Completing Bachelors degree in Environmental Policy at Western Washington University

Emma grew up in the brown rolling hills of Northern California and it was not until she moved here to Washington did she find her passion for river geology and the privilege to raft these beautiful landmarks. She began exploring her love for river adventure in her teen years where she spent much of her time exploring all of the views Washington has to offer. If she is not on the river she is in water in one form or another as she is also a beach lifeguard, swim instructor, and water polo player. Emma’s love of the environment and drive for adventure gives her confidence and excitement coming into her first year in the professional world of rafting. She is also pursuing a degree in environmental policy as through years of outside expedition she has found interest in the preservation and conservation of the land we are so lucky to operate on.

Rob Beck (Guide)

• 5 years professional whitewater guiding

• Wilderness First Responder

• Swiftwater Rescue Certified

• Bachelors in Conservation Biology at BYU

• Masters of Science candidate in Marine Science

• Photographer/Videographer

• Guides: Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Sauk, Skagit

Favorite movie: Lion King (the cartoon one)

Growing up in Hawaii I always wanted to be in the water surfing or paddling.  So when I went to college in Utah, I discovered that reading and running whitewater added a new dimension to my goal of becoming a waterman.  At the same time, I found that science is also a strong tool for understanding and protecting the natural world which is how I ended up in Western Washington for my graduate studies.  Since being here, I am grateful to be able to learn from and acknowledge the stewardship and wisdom of the indigenous tribes on whose ancestral lands and waters we recreate upon including the Nooksack, Lummi, Skagit, Upper Skagit, Sauk, Stillaguamish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie peoples, Hys'qe.

Patrick Do (Guide)

• 5 years river experience

• Wilderness First Aid & CPR certified

• ACA Swiftwater Rescue Level 4 certified

• SSI Swiftwater SRT Pro-1 certified

• ACA Level 3 River Kayak Instructor certified

• ACA Level 3 River Packraft Instructor certified

• Guides: Sauk, Skagit, Snoqualmie, Skykomish

Notable Quote: “Life starts happening on the otherside of comfort”
Time of quote: Advice before leaving for 2-years in Australia and New Zealand

Patrick's goal to complete all the Great Walk in New Zealand had him face the reality and risk of ourdoors sports. When on a solo multi-day trip through Whanganui Journey he capsized and had a close call on day 2. Upon returning to the United States in 2020 he spent a month with Nantahala Outdoor Center were he found his love with paddling. Over the last three years he has paddle across Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee, California, and Chile. Home is Washington where he volunteers his free time to help build the community through W Today, he specializes in packrafting and enjoys all the adventures it has to offer and dreams of connecting routes across landscapes.

Emily Freudenberger (Guide)

• Three years of Commercial Guiding Experience

• Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician WRI

• WFA/CPR certified by Remote Medical Institute

• Interdisciplinary Concentration from Fairhaven College at WWU. Therapeutic Recreation: Healing at the Confluence of Mind, Body, and Place.

• Notable Quote: “We’re all just tributaries to the same river, man”

I grew up learning from the landscapes in the Flathead Valley, Montana, where I was first introduced to a life saturated in joyful wilderness. Since then, I have never stopped hooting ‘n hollering my way through snowy trees, jagged peaks, or juicing rivers. I didn’t discover whitewater until the summer of 2020, and after my first run down Grand Canyon in 2021, I have been unrelenting in my pursuit of life-changing rivers and the communities they always seem to foster. I am creating an interdisciplinary degree at WWU combining aspects of therapeutic recreation, somatic psychology, and ecology. I believe in tutus and glitter, mountain peak dance parties, river karma, and saying yes.

Triad Alumni

We would not be where we are without those that came before us. Shout out to the following guides, who are all friends of our company and are always welcome. Thanks for all of their work in the past. Take care river friends; you're welcome anytime.

Ian Harkins (Guide)

• 20 years river experience (11 as a certified guide in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Colorado, California, Washington).

• First Aid/CPR certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Level 4 certified by American Canoe Association

• Business, General Management degree from Appalachian State University

• Guides: Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Sauk

Notable Quote: “It’ll be fine”

Time of quote: after realizing he forgot the tent in his truck while putting on for a two day winter canoe trip with his girlfriend.

Ian started his love affair with rivers as a young boy in Georgia canoeing the Chattahoochee and Chattooga Rivers. He started kayaking at the age of 12, and has been hooked since then. Ian attended college at Appalachian State University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Business with a focus on General Management. He began raft guiding at the age of 19 on the Chattooga River, and his since guided around the country on rivers such as the Gauley, Kern, and Arkansas. Ian and a group of friends spent three weeks last summer rafting down the Grand Canyon, where he got engaged to his fiancé Riley, the beautiful love of his life. A recent transplant from Georgia, Ian is excited to see what the state of Washington is all about!

 Blake Henderson (Guide)

• 26 Years River Experience (14 as certified professional guide in California, Utah, and Washington)

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certified, CPR/First Aid Certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• Bachelors Degree in Business Management

• Guides: Snoqualmie, Skykomish

Notable quote: "I am one hell of a safety tuber"

Place where quote was mentioned: Along the Sauk River after rescuing another boater while running a preliminary scouting trip in mid winter in an inner tube while wearing nothing but shorts.

Blake was born in Seattle, Washington, and spent much of his youth rafting, fly fishing, and exploring the rivers and creeks of the North Cascades. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from Washington State University, his love for the outdoors led him to Lake Tahoe where he began guiding whitewater professionally on the rivers of Northern California. He has paddled rivers throughout the Western United States and Canada, including two descents of the Grand Canyon in 2013 and 2015. He has also honed his skills as a guide for REI Adventures in the national parks of Utah, and as a private ski instructor in the Lake Tahoe area. He became a certified Wilderness First Responder in May of 2013. Blake returned to Washington in 2014 as a highly trained and skilled whitewater professional, and has spent the last 8 summers as a guide and manager for Triad on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and Sauk rivers. He has always felt a special connection with the mountains and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, and has a passion for sharing these spectacular places and experiences with others.

Clara Kennedy (Guide)

• 4 years of River Experience ( 3 years commercial guiding )

• CPR & First Aid

• SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Rescue certified by SSI

• Notable Quote: “Maybe”

• Guides: Sauk, Skagit

Clara Kennedy first started guiding on Clear Creek in the mountains of Colorado, her love for the rivers and mountains has since taken her to the Skagit and Sauk rivers of Washington where she now calls home. Clara enjoys a variety of outdoor activities depending on the season and also enjoys yoga, and writing. This is Clara's second summer with Triad River Tours and is looking forward to sharing her passion for rafting with you out on the rivers.

Joe Cruikshank (Guide)

·       25 years of guiding experience

·       11 years of Search & Rescue involvement with more than 170 deployments

·       Wilderness First Aid

·       Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Institute)

·       Currently Guides – Snoqualmie

Joe grew up in Bellingham Washington with a view of the ocean and the mountains with rivers connecting the two. The draw of nature has led Joe to exploration and adventures in river running, backpacking, climbing, caving, canyoning and SAR. Joe has guided the Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, Tieton, Skykomish, Nooksack and Methow rivers. 

Douglas Adron Cuomo

• Certified professional guide since 2020 (Colorado and Washington)

• Swift water rescue SRT-1Pro certification

• First Aid/CPR Certification

• Associates degree in Fire Science

• 3 years experience in Fire/EMS
  
  Notable quote:" “The human body moves in spirals because it follows the golden spiral just like everything else in nature.”

Doug fell in love with rivers, after being offered a job as a river guide in Colorado, during the summer of 2020 while his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy was shut down due to the pandemic. To him navigating the river is the same study of connection/movement as in grappling except it is set in the awe inspiring arena of earth's natural beauty. He believes that the connection to nature is necessary for a healthy life and now works to share that connection with others.

Chris Thomas (Guide)

• 6 years of River experience (4 years of commercially guiding)

• CPR & First Aid with previous Backcountry medical experience

• Swiftwater rescue certified by swiftwater safety institute

• Class 4 guide
  

  Notable quote "She'll ride"

Chris Thomas started rafting in the mountains of Colorado on the cache la Poudre and Clear Creek. After rafting much of Colorado and the surrounding area he has made his way to the northwest and found a new home with Triad River Tours and his favorite river the Sauk. He has a deep love for the outdoors and spends his free time backpacking, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and of course rafting.

Brinly Harward (Guide)

• 2 years kayaking experience (First season as a commercial raft guide)

• Advanced EMT certified and a Basic Life Support (CPR) certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 through SwiftWater Safety Institute)

• Bachelors in Human Nutrition and Premedical Studies

• Guides: Skagit

Notable quote: “I can back up a trailer as long as the trailer continues to go straight”

Brin was born and raised in the dry desert of Utah. She somehow got the taste of whitewater 2 years when she got the opportunity to raft down the Grand Canyon. Ever since then, she can’t get the taste of whitewater out of her mouth. During her off-season, she lives down in Southern Utah pursuing a degree in Human Nutrition and Premedical Studies. She enjoys working as Ski Patrol in her college town. For fun, Brin likes to spend time snowboarding and mountain biking. The stoke for adrenaline is real. She enjoys adventure trip leading for her university. “My favorite thing about the outdoors is teaching other people to appreciate it.”

Taylor Caldwell (Guide)

Guides: Sauk, Snoqulamie

Taylor grew up near the rafting town of Coloma, CA. Although she lived just twenty minutes from the South Fork of the American River, Taylor did not start rafting until after college. Shortly after earning a B.A. in Journalism from University of Nevada-Reno, Taylor had to move home to take care of her family. While home, she was invited to join a river guide school, where she was introduced to the supportive whitewater community and the healing power of the river. This began a lifelong love for the river and her pathway to becoming a professional guide on the South Fork American, Truckee, and Deschutes rivers. The beautiful and wild landscape of the cascades led Taylor to move to Washington state, where she hopes to continue to help others form their own lifelong connection to the river.

Finn Smith (Guide)

• Swiftwater Technician (SRT-1 through Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• Wilderness First Responder

Notable Quote: “Don’t worry, I have long arms.” Time of Quote: Practicing raft recovery

Finn Smith grew up in Colorado where he came to love the outdoors. Throughout his life he has explored many ways to enjoy mother nature, from backpacking to rock climbing. Finn has made his way to the river and now is guiding for Triad. He has previous guiding experience in Zion, Utah working as a canyoneer guide. Finn is currently enrolled at Utah State University studying Outdoor Product Design and Development to further his knowledge and skills of creating outdoor gear.

Psy and Everest

• Very little commercial experience compared to Gary, but still experienced at some things (like fetching)

• Natural born stick and ball rescuers.

• Both German Shepherds, but Everest is white.

• In training but not yet certified.

• In charge of security at headquarters (a historical railroad caboose in Marblemount, WA).

• Fences? We don’t need no stinking fences!

Joshua Cedar Larsen (Guide)

• 22 years river experience (10 as a certified professional guide in Washington)

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR/First Aid Certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Certified Instructor by Swiftwater Safety Institute

• Accomplished Class 5 Kayaker

• Graduate of World Class Kayak Academy (Class of 2011; S. America)

• Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science

• Masters Degree Candidate (MBA)

• Guides: Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Sauk, Skagit, Nooksack

Notable quote: "this is definitely NOT class 5"

Notable quote since getting his dog: “do you want to watch my dog while I go kayaking?”

Joshua Larsen learned to kayak in the famous rivers of West Virginia, and since then has paddled all over the world, as well as North America.  He is a graduate of the World Class Kayak Academy.  From Colorado, he comes to the North Cascades after spending the last few years in Salt Lake City, Utah where he kayaked the high mountain rivers of the Wasatch Mountains.  He holds a bacherlors degree in Environmental Science, where his passion for rivers is enforced through his pursuit for a career that involves raising awareness about sustainability and preserving our natural treasures.  He is currently pursuing his masters degree in business, in hopes to use his passion for the outdoors to create opportunities for others to find freedom in wild places.

As a close student of the river, he hopes to share the intimate relationship he has grown to have with it by helping others in the community re-establish their own connection with the beautiful rivers of the Cascades. 

Kenny Frank (Guide)

• 12 years of river experience (4 as a certified guide)

• Wilderness First Responder & First Aid/CPR certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• Bachelors Degree in Geology

Notable quote: (silence)

Place where quote was mentioned: Everywhere because Kenny is the silent type. Note that on every trip we somehow manage to "kill Kenny" but he is magically reborn at the beginning of every following trip (in sequence).

Kenny Frank is an experienced private boater on many expedition style rivers, and is a first year commercial paddling guide at Triad River Tours. Kenny has floated rivers all over the western US and as far south as Ecuador. He grew up on the Salmon River in his home state of Idaho and has paddled numerous other rivers including the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and the Selway River in Idaho. He is a highly experienced boater and has advanced knowledge of river rescue and first aid. Kenny is currently studying geology at Western Washington University and is excited to share his knowledge about the geology surrounding Washington’s rivers.  Above all, Kenny is passionate about sharing the beauty and natural wonder of the river.  

Ryan Gillian (Guide)

• 25 years of river experience (21 as a certified guide)

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• Bachelors Degree in Outdoor Recreation Management

Notable Quote: "I prefer to spend my time kayaking underwater"

Where registered: At the end of the work day when Ryan gets into his "sinker" squirtboat kayak specifically designed to sink to the bottom of the river where he performs "mystery moves"

Ryan Gillian is one of the most accomplished and experienced guides you will find on the river. A veteran of several rivers, as well as a ski patrolmen, Ryan has spent his life as a career outdoorsman. After working for decades as a wildland firefighter for the United States Forest Service, he became one of our lead guides in 2016. Ryan is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and is the supervisor and auditor for all of our medical and emergency evacuation systems. His lines on the river are impeccably smooth, and he always has a knack for giving his guests the very best ride. 

Seth Adams (Guide)

• 27 years river experience (12 as professional guide/trip leader in West Virginia, Washington and Chile)

• Critical Care Registered Nurse, Basic Life Support (CPR) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certified

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The son of two river guides, Seth has been on the water since a very young age.  He grew up on the New and Gauley Rivers in his home state of West Virginia, and started professionally guiding them at the age of 18.  Whitewater has taken him many places, now including the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Seth now splits his time between working as a critical care travel nurse and getting on the river as much as possible.  He will continue to make the trek back to WV every fall to guide the Gauley River during the scheduled whitewater releases of Gauley Season.  

Dylan Benson (Guide)

• 3 years experience Kayaking (First season as a commercial guide)

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 through SwiftWater Safety Institute)

• Pursuing a degree on Outdoor Recreation through Western Washington University 

Notable Quote: “When the weathers looking grey, the rivers are getting good"

Growing up in New Mexico, water was something we cherished and looked forward to, when it the rain came we celebrated. Beginning in middle school I began whitewater kayaking, learning from my dads best friend. He took me out and showed me the way of the river. This love for the river grew as I got to go on a week long rafting trip down the San Juan river in Utah. When I moved to Washington my love for the outdoors only increased. The Pacific Northwest is a hub for some of the best kayaking and rafting in the United States. I wanted to get out and explore what Washington had to offer. It is my love for the outdoors that made me decide to pursue a degree in Outdoor Recreation, because I want to be able to share my love for the outdoors with others. Combining my passion for the river and my desire to help persevere and educate people of the beautiful place we live has led me to work for Triad.

 Conor Gorospe (Guide)

• Wilderness First Responder (National Outdoor Leadership School)

• Pursuing Bachelor Degree in Environmental Science at Western Washington University

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 by Rescue 3 and Swiftwater Safety Institute) 

From Tacoma Washington, I currently attend school at Western Washington University working towards a degree in Environmental Science. I grew up canoeing the south sound with my father, learning the art of multi-day trips on the water. I’m an avid climber, mountaineer, and experienced trail runner and spend most of time when not in school or on the water, climbing in Squamish or working towards various alpine goals. I’ve spent considerable time on the river over the past several years in both rafts and kayaks. Notably I found while running the Grand Canyon that dutch ovens are the crucible by which all cooking methods are judged against. I’m excited to be a part of this team and look forward to running rivers with all of you.

Danica Bito (Guide)

• 6 years of river experience (3 as a certified guide)

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 Swiftwater Safety Institute)

• First Aid/CPR Certified

Notable Quote: "Of course I can do the splits, I’m a dancer"

Danica fell in love with the river at the age of thirteen. It began with annual Father's Day adventures as she and her dad sought out the biggest and best rivers in the Pacific Northwest. After ten years of feeling the thrill, she looked around at the guides and realized, "I want to be one of you." She found her home with Triad River Tours in 2017, and it was all downstream from there. Sharing the magic of the river became a passion. When Danica isn't adventuring through the Cascades, she's in Seattle teaching dance, performing with AJnC Dance Theater, Take3 Dance Project, and Michele Miller/Catapult Dance, training in Bak Sil Lum Kung Fu and Taiji, and working towards a degree in physical therapy.

Josh O’Connor (Guide)

• SRT-1 through Swiftwater Safety Institute

• WFR (Wilderness First Aid)

• Outdoor Leadership Certified

While growing up in Northern Arizona, the stunning landscape and mystery provided by the Grand Canyon immediately attracted me to the river. Going on my first commercial trip when I was 9 down the Canyon had me stoked thinking one day I could also guide people down America's gorgeous rivers. Now I go to Northern Arizona University and am pursuing degrees in biomedical science and math, as well as minors in chemistry and disability studies. I like to spend my time climbing, snowboarding, and traveling: pretty much anything to get me up in the mountains anywhere around the world. I am super stoked to start work on the river this season and start learning this awesome craft of river guiding.

Riley Comeaux (Guide)

• SRT-1 through Swiftwater Safety Institute

• WFR (Wilderness First Aid)

I am from Woodinville, Washington, and am currently attending Western Washington University, pursuing a major of Kinesiology with a focus in Nutritional Science. I have practically grown up on rivers, as my father is a long-time white water enthusiast. I rafted my first river at the age of 4, and was taking the sticks by the time I was 10. Over the years of adventuring outside, I have developed a strong passion for the preservation of our environment and the natural beauties nature has to offer. I am focused on safety and have certifications in Swift Water Rescue and Wilderness First Aid. I am planning on getting my Wilderness First Responder certification in the Fall of 2019. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of Triad this year and be able to show others the magnificent beauty held by our rivers here in Washington.

Favorite Quote: “Health is wealth!”

Steve Baddeley (Guide)

• Wilderness First Responder (Wilderness Medical Training Center)

• CPR/AED

• Conflict Prevention/Intervention (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training)

• SRT-1through Swiftwater Safety Institute

Growing up amongst the tall trees near the Skykomish River, Steve procured a profound love of adventuring in the wilderness. Having spent time guiding ocean-bound canoe trips in Alaska for troubled youth, he fell in love with the joys of paddling, seeing firsthand how adventure can help bring people together. Off the water, his passions include creating art, snowboarding, and climbing mountains. He has freshly earned his BA in Outdoor Recreation and BS in Psychology, and is ready to crush it on the river!

Neal Lynberg (Guide)

• 1 season of non-professional river experience

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1)

• BA in Event Production and Entrepreneurship

Neal moved up to Washington from California five years back. Coming to a place so full of water really inspired his love for rivers, and he has spent the last few summers doing overnight rafting trips down the Nooksack with friends. Although the gear and protocol wasn’t exactly professional, these adventures served as a good introduction to reading and riding rivers. Now, heading into guide training, Neal is excited to learn the professional aspects of river guiding while bringing his positive energy and ideas for innovation to the Triad Table. Just finishing up his BA of Interdisciplinary Studies at Western Washington University focused on Event Production and Entrepreneurship, Neal is excited to use his skills and connections to bring music and art to the Triad experience.

Japhy Carpenter-Dorworth (Guide)

• 10 years of river experience(3 as a professional guide)

• Experienced Class 5 whitewater kayaker

• Graduate of Word Class Kayak Academy (Class of 2014:Chile, Equdor, Peru, Nepal, Canada)

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR/First Aid Certified (WFR by National Outdoor Leadership School)

Notable quote: "There is no money to be made in kayaking, in fact that's how I spent all mine!"

When registered: during triad interview 

Raised by two River Rats in the small town of Mt Shasta, Californa. Japhy was exposed to the whitewater of Northern California and Southern Oregon from the time he was a toddler. Now at age 19 he has paddled the some of the stoutest drops and in some of the most remote places in the world. He was first introduced to the river via private rafting expeditions on Jefferson classics such as the Klamath, Rouge and Trinity rivers. At age 9 he picked up whitewater kayaking and attended Sundance Kayak school and later on in High school World Class Kayak Academy. He is always trying to push his limits and progress his ability when it comes to whitewater and has competed in numerous class 5 kayaking competitions on the west coast as well as internationally. Although he now pursues a degree as a physical therapists assistant, his passion for whitewater and love for the outdoors will never let him stop pursuing a career as a professional guide and professional kayaking athlete.

Nicholas Allen (Guide)

• 12 years river experience (8 as a certified professional guide in Montana and Washington)

• CPR/First Aid Certified

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry

Notable quote: "I'm from Montana, the land of pink fluffy clouds and gnarly whitewater"

Place where quote was registered: At the beginning of a very long river trip

Nick is a capable and experienced river guide who comes to us from the rivers of Eastern Idaho and Montana, where he logged over 45 swiftwater rescues and 300 trips prior to coming on staff with Triad River Tours. He has guided professionally on the Stillwater, the Yellowstone, and is a welcomed addition to our Sauk and Skagit River crew. He strives to positively engage with his guests at all times to create a light and fun experience.

Morgan Lacey Flake (Photographer)

Aaron Fortin (Photographer)

Gary (Rescue Dog)

• 5 Years Commercial Safety Dog Experience

• Certifications that are 7X that of a human guide and thus he's very certified

• Can swim like Michael Phelps (but exclusively in the "doggy paddle" position)

• Has hundreds of trips down Boulder Drop on the Skykomish and has wagged his tail every time

If you have spent much time on the Skykomish River you have surely tangled with the likes of Gary. Everyone's best friend and a dog that would never let a swimmer down in a rescue (by wagging his tail and barking at you from the safety cat boat), Gary defies the odds and proves that you can truly run Class 5 whitewater without thumbs. When you arrive to the river and you see Gary in his vintage PFD, you know you're in good hands/paws. While he's not one to take whitewater lightly, Gary's incredible balance while perched on a safety cataraft is, to this day, unrivaled. In his past 50 trips down Boulder Drop Gary has not taken a swim (not that he couldn't dog paddle through that). Technically sound and always ready for a bigwater day on the Sky, Gary is the only non human guide at Triad to be nominated for employee of the month honors 3 times in a row.