MEET Carl

Carl, guide
Carl Donohue

“You want your trip to be your trip, your adventure, your experience; not someone else’s. My personal promise to you is that I will deliver exactly that. Attention to the personal detail is what I offer; your trip is my priority.”

 

 

CARL'S PHILOSOPHY

Your trip is the focus of what I have to offer. The singular goal is to present an experience that will, above all else, provide you with a sense of the majesty and beauty that is only found deep within North America’s greatest resource, its wilderness.

All About Me

Far too many years ago I moved from my home in Australia to the United States, guitar in one hand, a camera in the other, and a backpack over my shoulder.

25 years ago I made my first Alaska Expedition. A two-month adventure that explored some of the grandest and wildest lands I’d ever traveled. This is the place I now call home.

That expedition sparked my passion for Alaska. This passion drives my commitment to you: that I will do an extraordinary job planning, leading and guiding your adventure.

I’ve built an impeccable reputation as a conservationist, a principled guide, a naturalist and an acclaimed wildlife photographer. I provide an exceptional guiding service, maintaining an unwavering adherence to Leave No Trace Wilderness Travel Ethics.

We laugh a lot. Fun is important. My light-hearted, cheerful character, combined with my extensive experience and knowledgeable approach to backcountry travel will deliver a stellar Alaska excursion for you and your family.

The proof is in performance. Guests often return for these excursions with me again and again. Not just once, or even twice, but 4 and 5 times (the highest number currently is eight ten return trips for unequaled Alaskan adventures).

The real draw here, however, is Alaska; there’s nothing about who I am or what I might possibly offer that can match that.

Cheers,

Carl Donohue
Expeditions Alaska Owner/Guide

What The People Are Saying

2022
Carl is nothing short of an absolute professional
We recently returned home from his grizzlies in the fall trip. The trip was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life, you really can’t beat walking 50 yards away from grizzly bears. 10/10 recommend working with this company! I hope to go on another trip in the future.
Photographers Katmai National Park Alaska.
Chelsea H

Fat Bears in the Fall

1 Trip with EA so far
2015
Would only book with him, when I return
Anyone wishing to see the real Alaska, book with Expeditions Alaska. There is a wide range of trips and activities, which would suit anyone. After nearly 20 years of guiding, there is not much Carl doesn't know about Alaska. He has a quick wit, and is a pleasure to share the Alaskan wilderness with.
Guided trip backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Alaska.
Ian, aka Lois
2 Trips with EA
I can't say enough about Carl as a guide and his company Expeditions Alaska
This is my second trip with Carl and both trips were well done, food was outstanding, accommodations more than adequate, and the experience unbelievable. If you are looking for an epic experience I would highly recommend Carl and Expeditions Alaska.

The Rundown

Experience

As the guide of these expeditions, my goal is to provide you a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience. My extensive experience guiding in the outdoors reaches from the peaks of the North American Rockies to the desert outback of the Australian bush. The Andes mountains and rivers of Central Patagonia in Southern America to the arctic coast in the north.

I’ve done solo treks through some of the most remote wilderness in North America, photographing and exploring along the way, and have the skills and experience to safely lead even novice hikers.

Courses and training include Wilderness First Responder, Glacial Travel and Crevasse Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue and Outdoor skills and leadership.

Safety

is paramount. I am a fully trained and qualified Wilderness First Responder, certified through the Wilderness Medical Training Center. I carry a full First Aid, a Basic Life Support kit, and a satellite phone for emergencies. I also carry a secondary form of satellite-based communications as a backup.

I choose routes for guided backpacking trips that don’t involve anything too technical or dangerous. I work hard to ensure our route is the safest possible. Having an evacuation plan is an essential element of trip safety, and I always go through a full safety talk at the beginning of each trip with the guests – prevention is the best First Aid tool we have.

I’m not afraid to say ‘no’, and to turn back if need be. My experience as a wildlife photographer gives me helpful knowledge about animal behavior, which is important traveling through bear habitat.

The Outdoors

I’m a passionate lover of the outdoors and the wild and spend a good deal of time every year in the backcountry, spring, summer, fall and winter. A reverence for what is wild, for the primordial, is embedded in the way I see the world. I suppose this stems from my early years growing up in the bush in Australia.

After college, I came to the US where I spent years hiking the Southern Appalachian mountains while pursuing my other life as a professional musician in Atlanta, GA. I was hooked on Alaska after my first trip here more than 25 years ago, and I’ve been exploring and guiding in the Great Land ever since.

Artist

My love of the natural world is what I offer through this guiding service. I draw inspiration as an artist from the wilderness and its wealth of wisdom.

My photography has been bought and published by magazines and textbooks across the US and abroad, from Backpacker Magazine, Popular Photography to National Geographic Maps, etc.

Years photographing nature have taught me a deeper patience and observant attention that I use to engage, and I enjoy sharing what that brings to each trip.

Testimonial

Steve N, Sanford Plateau, Alaska.” .. a top-notch guide (and person) with a highly contagious enthusiasm for the rugged Alaskan wilderness.” – Steve New, PA.