Clint Fries is a deeply experienced river guide and expedition leader with over two decades of professional guiding across some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Known for his calm presence, intuitive leadership, and profound respect for wild places, Clint has become a trusted figure in the world of wilderness travel.

For the past several years, Clint has guided multi-day rafting expeditions in Alaska with MT Sobek, one of the country’s most respected adventure travel companies. His work has taken him deep into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where he leads trips down the pristine Hulahula River—a rarely traveled corridor that winds from the Brooks Range through the tundra to the Beaufort Sea. Guiding in the Arctic demands more than just technical skill; it requires logistical precision, environmental sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Clint brings all three, along with a quiet confidence that reassures both first-time adventurers and seasoned travelers.

Clients often remark on Clint’s ability to make even the most rugged landscapes feel like home. Whether navigating braided channels, managing wildlife encounters, or helping guests find comfort and joy in the wild, he leads with humility and insight. His years of experience have made him fluent in the rhythm of rivers—from the heat of Latin America to the icy silence of Alaska’s far north.

Clint’s path to guiding was shaped by a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. He studied at Earlham College, an institution known for its commitment to social justice and experiential learning, and participated in immersive field programs that laid the foundation for his career. He now lives in Capitola, California, but spends much of the year off-grid—on rivers, in mountains, and in the company of wild water.

More than just a guide, Clint is a teacher, a storyteller, and a quiet advocate for the wild. He believes that the best journeys aren’t about conquering nature—they’re about listening to it. Through each expedition, he invites guests to slow down, pay attention, and discover a deeper connection to the land and to themselves.

Show notes:

00:02:36 - Journey from Wilderness to Exploration

00:06:52 - Value of Excellence in Guiding

00:09:30 - Expedition Overview: Hula Hula Adventure

00:11:19 - Exploring the Arctic Tundra

00:13:50 - Muskox and Arctic River Adventures

00:17:23 - Exploring Tundra and Wildlife

00:21:23 - Dealing with Mosquito Pressure

00:22:42 - Experience with Caribou in the Arctic

00:25:31 - Wilderness Adventure and Bear Encounters

00:28:11 - Epic Hiking and River Adventures

00:30:31 - Exploring the Stunning Alaskan Wilderness

00:33:43 - Challenges of Guiding on Alsec River

00:36:05 - Embracing Nature as Healing Medicine

00:38:25 - Fostering Connection with Nature

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Bridget Crocker is a trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. A leading whitewater rafting guide in far-flung regions of Zambia, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, India, and the Western United States. During this interview, she discusses her new memoir The Rivers Daughter. Support your local bookstore and pickup a copy today!

Bridget is also a contributing author to Lonely Planet guidebooks and Travel Anthology and the Best Women's Travel Writing series from Travelers' Tales. Her work has been featured in magazines including Westways, Men's Journal, National Geographic Adventure, Trail Runner, Paddler, Outside, Vela, and Patagonia's blog, The Cleanest Line, among others. She lives in Malibu, California.

Show notes:

00:04:36 - Connecting with Nature and Overcoming Challenges

00:09:04 - Overcoming Insecurity in Guide School

00:10:27 - Facing Fear on the Snake River

00:12:29 - Empowerment and Challenges in River Guiding

00:15:46 - Shifting Power Dynamics in Society

00:20:03 - Empowering Women Beyond Sexual Power

00:22:54 - Navigating Power Dynamics as Women

00:24:44 - Connecting Through Nyami Nyami and Zambezi

00:28:21 - Lessons on Allyship and Empowerment

00:30:35 - Understanding Grief Behind Rage

00:32:55 - Overcoming Obstacles in Relationships

00:36:53 - Embracing Change and Courage

00:40:29 - Embracing Change and New Experiences

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#travel #adventure #adventuretravel #podcast #travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #whitewater #whitewaterrafting #whitewaterkayaking #riverguide #theriversdaughter #rivers #womenwholead #zambezi #kernriver #snakeriver #bridgetcrocker #traillesstraveled #jacksonhole

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Kevin McDermott—a.k.a. “Thirsty" has been guiding since he was 16 years old. He has 30+ years of experience guiding in Alaska, has climbed Denali and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor. When he isn't guiding in the Arctic, you might find him on the Alsek, Tatshenshini, Middlefork Salmon or the Grand Canyon. He lives in Arizona with his wife, Darla, and enjoys working on Land Cruisers in his spare time.

Show notes:

00:03:33 - Discovering a Passion for the Outdoors

00:06:15 - Early Guiding Experiences in Alaska

00:09:32 - Discovering Alaska Through Rafting

00:12:15 - Exploring the Arctic Tundra

00:15:19 - Exploring the Arctic Landscape

00:18:31 - Understanding Winter River Dynamics

00:20:26 - Spring River Conditions and Challenges

00:22:37 - Wildlife and Mosquitoes in the Arctic

00:26:28 - Exploring Glaciers and Wildlife

00:29:33 - Climbing Denali: Challenges and Triumphs

00:33:41 - Reading Glacial Rivers in Alaska

00:38:37 - Understanding Nature Beyond Identification

Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are bringing in less than $100/month. Thanks for considering!

#arcticnationalwildliferefuge #hulahulariver #alaska #travel #adventure #storytelling #alsek #tatshenshini #whitewaterrafting #rafting #adventurepodcast #travelpodcast #arcticrefuge #grandcanyon

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