Meet The Team
We’re a team of guides, leaders, and behind-the-scenes problem solvers brought together by a shared love for wild places and a commitment to doing things right. From planning to guiding to the smallest operational details, we care deeply about creating Alaska experiences that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable.
“Great trips don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people who care.”
Kyle McDowellFounder of KBA
Kyle McDowell is an Alaska-based wilderness professional and founder of Kenai Backcountry Adventures. For well over two decades, he has explored and guided throughout Alaska’s mountains, glaciers, rivers, and remote backcountry, helping shape the high standard of safety, professionalism, and guest experience KBA is known for.
Kyle’s background includes mountaineering, glacier travel, bear safety, river travel, and remote expedition logistics. He is known for strong leadership, calm decision-making, and a deep respect for Alaska’s wild places. Beyond his work at Kenai Backcountry Adventures, Kyle spends as much time as he can paragliding, flying, and introducing his children to the wild places that have shaped his life.
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.
Bio coming soon!
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!
I’m a Andre, I’m from Florida and after graduating, I was unsure what to do and ended up working seasonal work.
After experiencing my first true winter in Colorado I decided I wanted to see Alaska too while I was at it. I fell in love with it my 2023 season. I have since returned to Florida to earn my EMT certification to inevitably return to Alaska.
In my free time I like to go climbing, hiking and shoot photography.
Hi, my name is Branwen and I am from Talkeetna, Alaska. I love Alaska and am so excited to share this amazing state through KBA this summer!
I am studying environmental studies and political science in Colorado. I absolutely love all things outdoors and exploring new places. I spent this winter in Thailand doing research in Northern villages and Southern islands but am so excited to get back to the mountains this summer!
Native to the Great Lakes state, (Michigan!) Caroline grew up surrounded by water and raised on a love for the outdoors! A college internship brought Caroline up to the Kenai Peninsula back in 2023 and she continues to return each summer! In her off-seasons, Caroline snowbirds in the most obvious location: downeast Maine! Some of her favorite outdoor hobbies include completing junior ranger workbooks in National Park Service sites, backpacking, attempting to send big whitewater in little boats, and hugging rocks, trees, people, you name it! Some of her other favorite hobbies include grooving to live music, creating nature crafts and getting quite competitive when it comes to playing cribbage!
Bio coming soon!
Growing up I’ve always spent more time climbing trees and playing outside than I did inside. Originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota I moved up to Duluth for college and fell in love with the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. In my free time I enjoy trail running, hiking to find waterfalls, fly fishing, and listening to live music!
In the past few years I’ve gotten a degree in Ecology, did a 60 day solo road trip out west and completed a few marathons. Now I’m in Alaska and am excited to explore more of it with you!
Growing up, I was always that kid climbing trees, skipping rocks, and playing outside until it was dark out. Now in my adulthood, I’ve found a passion for nature photography, which only deepened my connection with the outdoors. It’s brought me to some incredible places – rafting through the Grand Canyon, hiking the mountains of New Zealand, sharing special moments with wildlife, and exploring the landscapes of Alaska under the northern lights. Getting to share Alaska’s natural wonders with people from all over makes it even more exciting!
Bio coming soon!
Hello, my name is Kyle Wiegand. I am an outdoors enthusiast and I am never happier than when I’m on the water. I have spent the last couple summers in Alaska, and can’t stay away from the place. I have lived in many places, and nowhere quite compares. Rafting is my forté, but I have countless miles kayaking all over the united states as well. I spend my spare time playing guitar and on lengthy hiking excursions. My favorite hiking trip was Mt. McGinnis, in Juneau, Alaska, which came with a hilarious story that I’ll never forget. I am ecstatic to be back in Alaska and look forward to the adventures this summer will bring.
Bio coming soon!
Hello there, I’m Nick. I spent a decade as a Paramedic in St. Petersburg, Florida, before realizing there was more to life than the daily grind. Since then, I have pursued my passions through new hobbies and amazing locations, including a summer raft guiding on the Ocoee River in Tennessee and a season on the Rio Chili in Arequipa, Peru. Most recently, I spent two years in Zion National Park leading trips through the Narrows, up Angel’s Landing, and through beautiful slot canyons. After spending this past winter learning to ski while working as a lift operator in Aspen, I am excited for the summer ahead. I firmly believe that life begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and I find great fulfillment in helping others explore that space.
Bio coming soon!
