Juneau Shore Excursions for HAL Travelers| Alaska's Premier Guiding Company

Meet our Guides

Our Staff

Our guides are what make our company so extraordinary. Take a tour with us and you’ll be inspired by your guide’s passion and knowledge. Our guides spend all day everyday in the rainforest of Southeast Alaska. They truly value the opportunity to share this precious place with you, here, where daily life and breath-taking nature still exist hand in hand.

A guide’s knowledge stems from simple, pure enthusiasm and appreciation for this magnificent place we call home. Coming from varied experiences and walks of life, each guide completes our annual Spring training. They immerse themselves in workshops, trail sessions, discussions, and books about Juneau’s natural and cultural histories. Many guides also complete a course with the National Association of Interpretation to become Certified Interpretive Guides. Each guide then adds his or her specific areas of interest, expertise, style and personal stories.

Truly believing in the privilege and importance of sharing Southeast Alaska’s nature with other people, many of our guides hit the local trails and waterways with visitors year after year. Our small company is a close-knit family of outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, whale whisperers and local history buffs. We hope you will connect with our family, in some small yet significant way, by Stepping Into Alaska with one of our guides below...

	Angelyn Bennion, Naturalist Guide I love being outside! My background in recreation management has given me vast opportunities to lead various hikes and activities in Idaho, Utah, and now Juneau! I fell in love with the mountains, rainforest, whales and RAIN of Southeast Alaska and can't wait to come back for another summer of it!
	Ashley Suape, Naturalist Guide / Dock Rep Born and raised in Anchorage I am a little cup of optimism and will surely rub off on you. I graduated with a degree in Outdoor Leadership and have spent the last 5 years in Southeast Alaska. I love the outdoors-it keeps me happy and sane. There is something about being outside that provides this natural healing on the mind, body and soul and I want to share that with everyone that I can.
	Bob Janes, Owner / Operator I have resided in Juneau since 1965. With my wife Dawn, we founded our little interpretive company in 1994 "as a way to keep fit and stay in touch with nature's lessons". In the summer, you're likely to find me roaming the trails with my camera, piloting a safari vessel, or sharing stories about Juneau with visitors on the dock.
	Brandon Hauser, Lead Naturalist Photo Guide I was raised in the White Mountains of New Hampshire until my graduation from the Brooks Institute of Photography. I then moved north to Juneau, Alaska to work with a local photographer. The ice, mountains, and varied creatures of the wild have held my absolute attention since then. My work has appeared in Alaska Magazine as well as other publications and in the historic records of the Juneau Douglas and Anchorage City Museums. You can view some of my most recent work at: www.brandonhauser.com.
	Bryan Krogstad, Boat Captain While I currently spend my time studying to receive my Masters in Social Work, I look forward to my summers fly fishing, riding my bike and spending time with you on the water, where every day is a new adventure!
	Cam Byrnes, Naturalist Photo Guide Born "outside" I moved to Alaska in 1974 and have never wanted to make my home anywhere else. I have been involved with photography for 40 years and have been leading tours in Juneau for 15 years. The two go together perfectly. Leading tours lets me share this wonderful place with our guests and keeps me on the trails and on the water during our long summer days. I like to travel and take pictures around the world but I'll never run out of things to photograph here in Juneau.
	Collin Pilcher, Boat Captain I've been on Southeast waters since I was born and have a great appreciation and knowledge of the area. Whether fishing with my grandparents, acting as a first mate or deckhand for various charter vessels, or operating my own personal vessel to fish for the elusive King Salmon, you'll find me on the water.
	Dan Hopson, Naturalist Guide I came to Alaska from New York State in 1970 and unexpectedly landed a job with Alaska Department of Fish & Game the first day off the ferry. Along the way my classical guitar-playing evolved from a hobby to a gig traveling around Alaska with a violinist to private guitar teaching and eventually to a teaching position at University of Alaska Southeast and regular weekend performances at the Baranof Hotel. Somehow the balance of naturalist/ trail-guiding and classical guitar works for me and life in Alaska has never been dull.
	David McMaster, Naturalist Photo Guide I began taking photos at the age of 15 and have always known that photography would be a part of my life. I spent many years in Nevada and Oregon but in discovering Alaska, knew my family and I had found home. These days I spend my winters as a snowboard instructor and the summers out on the trails and the water -- always with camera in hand.
	Dawn Wolfe, Owner / Operator My two week vacation to Juneau in 1980 still hasn't ended. I've somehow managed to become the company's administrative lifeline. When not playing softball, working in the yard, or enjoying the outdoors with our twins, I'm likely to be planning our next company party, or buried in piles of paperwork at our downtown office.
	Elisabeth Wertheimer, Operations Manager / Naturalist Guide I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. While my passion for travel has taken me to several continents the beauty of Southeast always calls me home. I find joy in my work upon a guide's return when I get to see their smile and hear the tales of their most recent tour. I'm still aspiring to create "the perfect schedule." When not at the office you can find me, summer or winter, running, hiking, or skiing the ridges surrounding Juneau or in front of a good fire, book in hand.
	Gabe Dunham, Scheduler / Naturalist Guide I have Alaska in my blood. Born and raised up here I've spent my life commercial fishing and training sled dogs. I enjoy the views from the mountain tops or out on the open ocean, summer or winter you'll find me outside.
	Gary Judkins, Boat Captain People know me as the "whale whisperer," and I enjoy proving them right. I've spent years on the waters of Southeast Alaska and look forward to the start of each summer when I can share my home and stories.
	Jami Likins, Naturalist Guide Although I did not choose it, I am a fourth generation Juneauite, having grown up in the heart of town on South Franklin Street. I was presented with Juneau's "Guide of the Year" award following the 2003 season. All I can say is I try to fill my tours with stories and perspective brought only by a lifelong Alaskan. Hope to see you out there.
	Jennifer Emerling, Naturalist Photo Guide Wanderlust struck me at a young age while on road trips with my father in the American West. I've never been cured, so I followed my wanderlust to Alaska last year and I can not wait to return for a second season! When I'm not photographing the steep mountains and grassy wetlands in Juneau, you can find me still road-tripping and working on documentary projects in Colorado and California. I also enjoy a good roller derby game, hiking, and spur-of-the-moment adventures. You can see my most recent work and travels on my blog: jenniferemerling.com/blog
	Jeremy Gieser, Director of Tours and Marketing After leading cruisetours through the interior of the state during college, I fell in love with Alaska. Shortly thereafter, Juneau became my home. Since then each season brings fresh perspective, new challenges and opportunities for growth. In some small way I hope you have an heart-to-heart experience with Alaska, as this place has the power to provide a deeper meaning and a natural balance to living.
	Jim Hammond, Naturalist Photo Guide I was sent on assignment to Alaska in 1975. I`ve yet to recover from that trip. After all these years, 3 passports and 7 continents I am still in search of that perfect photograph. You`re invited to join me.
	Linda Nicklin, Training Manager / Naturalist Guide As a naturalist, educator and writer I really enjoy helping to ensure the quality of our tours by providing guide training in naturally history and interpretive skills. When not working for the company, I teach NAI interpretive skills courses, author books and act as a naturalist in various parts of the world. I also work with a humpback whale research project in Maui called Whale Trust. I endeavor to bring inspiration to all our interpretive programs. I have also recently authored a National Geographic childrens book, "Face to Face with Dolphins".
	Liz Stahl, Naturalist Photo Guide I was born a California girl, lived in the country and was a card carrying member of save the whales from when I was about 8 years old 'till I was about 25. Married with two sons, we moved to Alaska in 2005. I was selling my pictures at the local Public Market when my work was noticed and it opened the door to this great job. Its what keeps me smilin' in Juneau. When I'm not working I love to travel, shoot photographs, read and crochet.
	Mikeala Rodriguez, Dock Rep / Naturalist Guide I have been involved in a lovely whirlwind romance with Juneau since age 3. While not gallivanting in Spanish-speaking countries I spend my winters studying Biology at Scripps College of Claremont, CA and my summers at home with the folks. Eventual plans include learning traditional medicine, eventually getting a MD, and practicing rural medicine in gorgeous Alaska.
	Molly George, Jack of all Trades I grew up in St. Louis. My Juneau favorites: Long summer days with evening kayaking and long winter nights curled up with good books. My husband and I reside in New Zealand during Alaska's winter furthering our education and prolonging the summer.
	Richard Stokes, Lead Naturalist Guide As a retired chemist, I have worked with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and I enjoy sharing a bit of my local knowledge. My summer days on the trails have lowered my cholesterol 30 points and kept my weight at a lean and mean (well, never mind).
	Scott Ranger, Naturalist Guide I came to visit my daughter and son in law in the summer of 2008 for a month. It rained the whole time and I've been in love with the place ever since! I love to share my passion for the natural environment with others -- whether running a nature center, working as a Park Ranger, or hiking the trail with guests. If I'm not hiking the trails in Juneau you can find me in Georgia editing the newsletter for the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society or heading up a team for Habitat Humanity in southern Africa with my wife.
	Sierra Gadaire, Dock Rep Being born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, I enjoy sharing the enthusiasms I have for my my home. For example, an appreciation for rain, an entirely waterproof wardrobe, the ability to tell the difference between a black bear and a brown bear AND where they live, as well an odd penchant for X-tra Tuffs. When I'm not living the dream on the docks in the summer time, you can find me at the University of Puget Sound where I am studying English and Chemistry, and being part of our nationally ranked women's rowing team.
	Stacy La Mascus, Naturalist Photo Guide Although I grew up in Southern California, I have always longed for a place where I could explore the woods for hours..and then I found Alaska! As a science geek-turned-photojournalist, I fell in love with guiding because it allows me to learn, teach, inspire, photograph, and be immersed in nature. The fulfillment and happiness that I feel for life radiates from me on my tours and I hope you can catch the vision of why this place is so special. Read about my adventures at glacialguffaw.blogspot.com!
	Theresa Walden, Nature Center Manager Hike or tram up Mount Roberts and you`ll find me at the Nature Center from May through September. I`ve hiked the trails in Juneau for over 30 years and love to share my knowledge of the natural beauty of the mountain with locals and visitors alike. We`ll tailor trail information to fit your ability and time on the mountain and we`ll have hot apple cider waiting when you return. The Nature Center is one of Juneau`s favorite places to shop too. See you at the top.