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Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail gave me my first real glimpse of a life outdoors. I learned that my soul belongs in the wilderness, and I could not/would not ever be fulfilled in a traditional indoor career. That clarity led me to begin my journey as a wilderness therapy field guide in Utah during the pandemic. I spent several years in the high desert wilderness, walking alongside others and growing together with only the packs on our backs and a tarp to sleep on. We “cowboy camped” without tents, without bathrooms, and without cellphones. I stayed up every night gazing at the vast darkness of the Utah sky, I never closed my eyes until I saw at least one shooting star (Spoiler alert- I never had to stay up long!). In 2021, I transferred to Oregon— where the trees, rivers, and mountains quickly became home. I continued wilderness therapy guiding until the company I worked for suddenly and unexpectedly closed. Still rooted in my love for Oregon, I pieced together part-time work to take on a role as a guide with REI Experiences.
For three incredible years, I had the honor of guiding alongside incredibly inspiring coworkers. Our Portland REI team was the kind of dream team you rarely find—dedicated to our participants, to our own growth, and to one another. We lived a culture of supportive feedback and continually worked to make ourselves, our teammates, and our programs better with each trip. We were deeply committed to risk management and creating empowering, inclusive experiences for guests at all skill levels, and I loved the feeling of working with people that I knew I could trust with my life. While I was mostly based in the Portland area, I also spent a season guiding beginner’s backpacking trips in Yellowstone National Park.
In November 2024, I was deeply honored to receive the prestigious REI Guide of the Year award. Just over a month later our team was blindsided by REI’s decision to eradicate the guided Experiences team nationwide.
But when one door closes…
Why We Exist
I formed Trails Diverged as a way to allow myself and fellow displaced co-guides to continue guiding AND improve the guiding industry. I am driven to continue creating transformative experiences for our guests. I believe that highly trained guides are necessary for wilderness safety; our guides are trained Wilderness First Responders with thousands of hours and miles of field experience on both land and water.
What We Offer
Based in the Portland, Oregon area, we offer:
- Guided Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Mountain Biking
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Corporate Retreats & Team Building
- Educational Experiences (Outdoor “Classroom Style”)
- Wilderness Preparation Skills Classes
- Backpacking 101 for Beginners
- Gear Rental for your own independent adventures
What Sets Us Apart
At Trails Diverged, safety, preparedness, compassion, and connection are at the core of everything we do. Our team is passionate about fostering connection, promoting public land stewardship, and teaching wilderness safety.
Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Response, are adept at risk assessment, and always carry supplies/tools for emergency response. We are committed to mitigating the risks inherently associated with wilderness activities through ongoing training and real-life experience. With decades of combined experience, our team is prepared, present, and passionate—so you can feel safe, supported, and seen.
We specialize in welcoming beginners by creating space to be vulnerable and explore new activities. Founder Trish knows what it feels like to be new, nervous, and out of place. That’s why we’ve created a culture of patience, respect, and encouragement. When you step outside your comfort zone, you’ll never feel rushed, judged, or left behind. We meet you where you are and walk beside you as you build skills and confidence.
Our tours also include natural and historical storytelling, offering rich insights into the landscapes we traverse. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about connecting deeply to the places we explore.
Our Mission
We’re not just another guiding company. We’re here to improve the industry.
We believe:
- Guides deserve better. Highly trained professionals should be paid fairly and given the support they need to thrive.
- Beginners deserve respect. Everyone starts somewhere, and vulnerability should be met with compassion.
- The outdoors is for everyone. We’re committed to inclusion, education, and accessibility in outdoor spaces.
Though guiding may seem like just another “part-time job,” it’s a full-hearted commitment. Our guides are up before the sun, packing gear, preparing routes, checking safety protocols, and setting the stage for your unforgettable experiences. We truly love what we do, and we love sharing our favorite places with our guests. We believe it’s possible to love what you do and be compensated fairly, so we’re setting a new standard for guide pay, and training incentives.
When I’m Not Guiding…
I’m always asked what I do when I’m not guiding… All of the same things I do when I guide! I often recharge on solo adventures (with over 3,500 recorded solo backpacking miles). Volunteerism also fills my heart space; I currently volunteer with my local Search and Rescue team, and trail building/maintenance with other local non-profits. Guiding is a lifestyle and calling; and I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by other outdoor-lovers that continue to inspire me.
Come Outside with Us
Hike – Mountain Bike – Kayak – Paddleboard – Backpack – Snowshoe – Learn
Join us for an adventure that’s empowering, educational, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned trekker, Trails Diverged is here to support your journey.
