Chilkat Guides

Chilkat Guides was founded by Bart Henderson, a river guide since 1969 with more than 35,000 river miles, after he led the first guided descent of the Tatshenshini River. From Haines the company runs everything from half-day floats to 14-day wilderness expeditions on the Tatshenshini, Alsek, Kongakut, and Tsirku rivers, with a staff of over 100 in season.

Today Eli Fierer — a guide with more than 14 years of experience and EMT certification — is co-owner and general manager, with 30-year guide Sean Gaffney as president. Rafting remains the core focus, with an emphasis on safety and professionalism, and the company has run a guide school led by Scott Ramsey since 2004.