MEET Jared

Jared MartinExpeditions Alaska backpacking guide
Jared Martin

“They call me leftover man. Never have to bury or carry leftovers in bear country when I’m around.”

 

 

Jared Martin, Expeditions Alaska backpacking and paddle guide

Jared's Philosophy

Community is a triangulation of people and a place. Each person connecting to another, to a place, and to others in place and through place.

All About Me

I’ve lived on the tropical beaches of Maui, paddled the Kuna Yala in Panama, hiked the Sierra Nevada and visited the temple in Jerusalem. But I found my sacred home here in Alaska.

My journey began in Oakland CA. Through the public school and transit systems I learned to navigate wild harsh environments and find connections with people in unexpected places. As my hair and beard have grown I’ve taken these skills from the concrete jungle into the wild places of Alaska.

I began my guiding career kayaking the Prince William Sound with clients; exploring the glaciers and fjords, discovering whales and amazing sea life around every point.

My fellow guides nicknamed me “Grandma of the Valdez Glacier” which reflects my risk management philosophy pretty well.

Safety is my number one priority. Besides that I love reading landscapes for deep history and meaning, cooking up something unexpected, and secret socks.

Sharing wilderness and wildness with others is my passion and joy. I’ve learned so much from my clients through the years and look forward to sharing and learning together with you on the next adventure.

The Rundown

Credentials

WFR since 2015
CPR/AED
ACA Level 1/2 Sea Kayak Instructor
NPS Chainsaw Certified Working Faller

Focus in the Field

Stay together
Learn the flowers
Go light

~ Gary Snyder

On Time ...

Geologic time includes right now. This is something another client once said to me while we watched a glacier calve. So often we are disconnected from the epochs and grand scales of this planet, but glaciers are so dynamic and incredible that we can experience geologic time scales within in our minute lifespans. This right here is why I guide. To feel small and connected is a beautiful thing.

Client Quotes

“I don’t want to be the kind of person who walks around and doesn’t understand what’s beneath my feet.”

~ My favorite client ever.

Carl Says

Jared first worked for us in 2018, and we’re all excited he’s coming back to Expeditions Alaska after a few years doing his thing.

Another guide who came to us recommended by other guides. This I’m lucky to have folks working with us who care so much about this company that they constantly bring better and better people into the fold.

Safety and experience are his focus. You’ll have a grand trip with Jared.