Meet Our Team
Explore. Journey. Transform.
Hi, I’m Brandon. I’ve been an outdoor guide for over 15 years; guiding folks on whitewater rafting, packrafting, glacier hiking, bear viewing, sea kayaking, backpacking, snowmobiling, ice climbing and multiday expeditions.
I’ve traveled quite a bit while working on cruise ships down in the caribbean and Australia. When I’m not working I am usually playing outside on rivers whitewater kayaking or exploring in the mountains. I’ve been guiding with Kenai Backcountry Adventures for the past 4 years and absolutely love it.
Colin Murphy was raised in Indiana and grew to love the outdoors through camping with family and reaching the rank of Eagle in Boy Scouts. Colin followed his passion for adventuring outdoors out west for college and has been climbing mountains and skiing down them since.
You can find Colin splitboarding, fly fishing, mountain biking, climbing, or doing one of many other hobbies on any given free day in all seasons! As someone who grew up in the midwest and found these sports later in life, he is passionate about helping others find their way into the outdoor recreation community. Colin’s favorite past job was as a wilderness canoe guide and Colin works winters as a Ski/Snowboard Patroller.
I’m from Northern California and as soon as I could walk, I was exploring the Redwood forests and Sierra Nevadas nearby my home. My biologist father would survey birds as I would teach myself to climb, backpack, and fall in love with the natural world.
For the past few years I’ve gotten a degree in theoretical math, worked as a raft guide on Colorado ’s Arkansas River, and most recently spent my Winter as a ski patroller at Wolf Creek in Colorado.
Emily grew up outside of Philadelphia but moved west to pursue her passion of the outdoors. As an outdoor adventure guide, Emily’s favorite activities are hiking and backpacking.
With degrees in teaching and geography from Kutztown University, she believes that being outside is the best classroom. Emily is a certified Wilderness First Responder and this will be her sixth season guiding.
Over the course of my young life I’ve been slowly making my way Westward. Born and raised in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, my earliest memories are of exploring the woods and creeks of the Appalachians and catching every kind of reptile or critter I could get my little hands on.
Since then I’ve continually gone West for adventure, living in Colorado, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming and working as a guide in Washington and Wyoming. And now here I am at the Last Frontier and so far West that I’m almost East again, and I could not be more excited.
Meet your friendly neighborhood mountain guide, glacier whisperer, and sunset lover. Natalie has years of experience in the mountains and as a ski patroller with a solid foundation in climbing and glacier travel.
She grew up climbing volcanoes in Washington and rock climbing in Colorado but lives for a good cup of coffee with a stunning panoramic view. Having completed many thru hikes and ski traverses she is committed to responsible mountain travel, unforgettable experiences, and making the questionable hairdo worth it!
Rebecca grew up exploring the Colorado Rockies and has been chasing adventures ever since. Whether it’s bikepacking around the country, hiking in the mountains, or skiing blower powder in the backcountry, you can find Rebecca outside during any season.
As a former teacher and instructor, she enjoys creating an environment where she can share her knowledge and passion for the outdoors and inspire others to connect with nature. In the winter, she works as a ski patroller, slaying pow (and providing emergency care) in Utah. Oh, and she LOVES a good cup of tea!
I am an adventurous soul; a high-altitude trekker, scuba diver, committed yogi and world traveler. Spend five minutes with me and my admiration of the beauty of nature and zest for life will start to rub off on you.
I was raised in the Arizona desert hiking, fishing and camping frequently. As a young girl I was not interested in Barbie dolls or makeup, instead I collected rocks, played with dinosaurs and was never afraid of getting a little muddy.
This is my second season with Kenai Backcountry Adventures and I am excited to share with you some incredible features around Seward.
My life’s passion is thriving in the natural world and sharing my passion for it with others. For the past 10 years I have personally been going on multi-day backcountry trips with minimal gear throughout the continental US (Temperate NE Forest, Maasai Mara, Sub-Arctic Boreal Forest Winter, Chihuahua Desert, Eastern Mojave Desert) and most recently the Colombian Amazon.
The majority of my backcountry experience is centered around wilderness survival with little more than a cutting tool and the clothes I wore, sourcing my shelter, water, and food from what these landscapes provided me. Beyond this, my love for fly-fishing has taken me pursuing fishing adventures throughout the Northeast US, Western Canada, as well as fishing throughout Central/South America. When not in the bush, I enjoy reading historic novels, writing poetry/stories, and nature photography/astrophotography.
Caroline grew up in San Francisco, surrounded by ample opportunities for adventuring outside. However, it wasn’t until she moved to the opposite coast that she fell in love with life in the mountains.
When she’s not out climbing the country’s deadliest mountain, Caroline can be found acting on stage, solving math puzzles, tossing a frisbee with friends, or cuddling with her family dog, Bailey. Caroline is excited to explore all that Alaska has to offer with you this summer!
I am a backpacker and camper with ten years experience teaching outdoor skills. My work background has mostly been with several summer camps and outdoor education programs as everything from lifeguard, to backpacking guide, and program director.
Before that I grew up camping on my family’s farm in Wisconsin and have had a lifelong passion for being outdoors or in the water. If you can’t find me outside I am probably indoors watching a movie!
Hey, I’m Lochan! I’m a guide this summer for KBA, really excited to help you explore the Kenai area! I was born in France, in Chamonix Mont Blanc, and moved to Ireland when I was 12.
I’m studying psychology and have a deep love for music, but I’m always ready to have a chat about any number of subjects. My other passion is of course the outdoors where I have basically spent my whole life, and am super excited to do even more this summer 🙂
I grew up in central Missouri where my passion for being outdoors started at an early age. My pursuit of mountain and forest exploration has taken me from the Ozark mountains and introduced me to the Alps, the Rockies, the Eastern Sierra, and led me to find a home in Alaska.
In the winter, I work as a ski instructor while spending my time backcountry skiing and rock climbing. When I am not playing outside, you can find me running, drawing, or talking to loved ones
Kyle McDowell is a highly experienced mountain guide and bear guide/guard based in Alaska. He has spent many years exploring and guiding clients through the rugged and remote terrain of the Alaskan wilderness.
McDowell’s passion for the mountains began at a young age, and he has been climbing and guiding in Alaska for well over a decade. He is an accomplished and certified guide and has completed the rigorous training and testing required to become a professional guide. He is also a Wilderness First Responder, which means he is trained to handle medical emergencies that may arise while on a trip in the backcountry.
McDowell’s extensive knowledge of the Alaskan mountains and his skills as a guide make him a valuable asset to any expedition. He is able to safely navigate clients through the challenging terrain and provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience. McDowell is well-versed in all types of mountaineering, including rock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry skiing & splitboarding, and is able to tailor his trips to suit the needs and abilities of his clients.
In addition to his technical skills and knowledge, McDowell is known for his positive attitude and excellent leadership abilities. He is able to create a safe and enjoyable environment for his clients, and is able to effectively communicate and provide guidance throughout the trip.
McDowell’s trips are designed to be challenging, but also safe and rewarding. He has a deep respect for the mountains and the wilderness, and is committed to preserving the natural environment. He is also dedicated to ensuring that his clients have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
For anyone looking for a professional and experienced guide for their next Alaskan mountaineering adventure, Kyle McDowell is an excellent choice. His skills, knowledge, and passion for the mountains make him a valuable asset to any expedition.
CRENDENTIALS
- Wilderness First Responder
- Certified Firearms Instructor – Multiple Disciplines/Categories
- Certified Bear Guard / Wilderness Safety Guide
- US Coast Guard Captains License – OUPV “Six Pack”
- Vessel Operations – Training & Instruction
- Ski-Mountaineering / Mountaineering – Instructor Level
- Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue – Instructor Level
- Mechanized Guide – Helicopter & Airplane
- American Avalanche Level 2
- Swiftwater Rescue Training
- Whitewater Rescue Technician
- Packrafting Training – Instructor Level *Alaska-Focus*
- Certified Kenai River Guide
- Alaska Dept of Fish & Game Licensed Fishing Guide
- USHPA P2 Paraglider Pilot
- FAA Fixed Wing Aircraft Student Private Pilot
