Our Escape Artists

Our goal is to creatively help people escape from the chaos and stress of everyday life and appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of our region. This task is an art form like painting or poetry - one must always work to master his/her craft.

For a truly superior traveling experience in the Pacific Northwest & British Columbia, you deserve the expertise and passion of our local guides at EverGreen Escapes. Our specialist Driver / Guides are trained to impeccable levels to provide first-class service as they escort you through the most magnificent highlights of our region and impart their invaluable local knowledge of history, wild & marine life, as well as, flora and fauna and sustainability.

Many of our guides are ecologists, marine biologists or have taught natural history both in the field and in the classroom.

Depending on your tailor made itinerary, we will match you with a guide that we feel best fits your destination, interest and activity.

DAN MOORE
My mission is to create an exciting and comfortable learning environment in which people feel inspired AND a sense of accomplishment. A tour with me is about the overall experience, not just the bits of information you’ll learn I grew up in Minneapolis MN and spent a large percentage of my childhood out exploring the wilderness and wild areas around home and afar. In 1996, after graduating from college in St. Paul MN (Macalester College), I left to spend most of a year in South America – trekking and researching tropical forests in Bolivia, Peru and Brazil. It is here that I discovered the importance of creating positive experiences for people in the outdoors - you can’t love what you don’t know, and people won’t protect what they don’t love. I came back to the US in 1997 to get a graduate degree in Environmental Education from the University of MN at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and shortly after completing that I moved to Seattle. When I’m not leading tours and team building programs for Evergreen Escapes, I work behind the scenes designing programs and helping to run the business. In my spare time I play guitar in a Neil Young tribute band.

KIERON WEIDNER
As a kid I was constantly in the outdoors. Twelve years in Boy Scouts and growing up in rural Wisconsin provided plenty of opportunities to explore all kinds of outdoor recreation. By the time I graduated high school I already had logged hundreds of hours enjoying nature; canoeing in Canada, hiking the Rockies, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing and just about anything else you can do outside. I earned my degree in Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. My coursework focused Environmental Studies, Ecology and Conservation. During college I spent a semester studying Tropical Ecology and traveling in Costa Rica. Upon graduation I completed a UN sponsored, grad-level program in Europe called Ecosystem Management in Cultural Landscapes - during which I learned how cultural and political factors affect natural resource management. After college I further broadened my knowledge of the natural world via internships with the BLM and National Park Service, and two years work as a Restoration Crew Supervisor for the WA Dept of Ecology. I have lived, worked and played in a full spectrum of environments from deserts to rain forests. In addition to learning the natural history of a place, it has also been my hobby to explore the recreational opportunities that exist there as well. I love to share my knowledge and thirst for adventure with any who are willing to take the road less traveled and gain some enlightenment through nature.

NICK THORPE
A New England native, I ventured out to the West coast in 2003 to attend the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR and quickly fell in love with the lifestyle, the land, and the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. After graduating with a dual degree in International Environmental Studies and French (pour vous qui sont des françophones, ça me fait grand plaisir de server de guide pour vous) in 2006 I moved up to Seattle. Since then I have spent time with several local non-profit organizations working on issues to promote and support the active sustainable agriculture communities of Washington. Curerntly, when not guiding trips with Evergreen Escapes, I work with the Washington Toxics Coalition and Toxipedia on several research campaigns and projects to reduce pesticide and chemical use in the state. I try to fill my weekends and any spare time exploring the endless hiking and backpacking options of the Cascades and Olympics and seeing live music up and down the West Coast.

JEFF CARTER
Born overseas (in Spain), I caught the travel bug early on in life. Since then, I've traveled around the world, lived for two years in Niger, Africa (as a Peace Corps volunteer) and continue to explore as often as possible. I grew up in Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania, lived in Michigan (while earning a graduate degree and working in environmental education) and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1999. Since then, I've worked as a seasonal sea kayak guide in the San Juan Islands and outreach specialist in salmon recovery and marine resources. I've hiked, skied, biked and paddled throughout the Northwest and enjoy sharing my knowledge of this beautiful area with others.

PENNY ROSE
I was fortunate enough to be born into my vocation – literally. I was born as the daughter of a ranger in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. My formative years were spent living in a State Park in Pennsylvania. I have turned my childhood wanderings through the woods into a full time job at the largest park in the City of Seattle – Discovery Park. I have spent several years leading programs in the meadow, beach, forest or wetlands for children of all ages (2 to 92) in Seattle’s crown jewel park – allowing visitors to discover their own joy in nature. While my natural history knowledge is extensive and well rounded from the intertidal zone to creatures of the night, my first passion is birds. As a Master Birder I have led trips throughout Washington State. An ideal birding trip with me is the chance for everyone to see a diversity of species, discover something new about bird habitats and perhaps “get” a life bird.

CHRISTINE T. MACKAY
Chris Mackay has dedicated her life to working and volunteering in environmental education, community development and eco-tourism. She spent 9 summers working as a wilderness guide in Colorado, 5 summers as a marine biology guide in the San Juan Islands and 5 years guiding her own outdoor adventure company out of Seattle called Bearfoot Backpacker. Her Native American background brings a unique perspective to her guiding and you will learn a great deal about Native perspectives, lore and ethno botany on one of her escapes. Lover of all things natural, her passion for the outdoors is palpable. Chris’s love of international travel and her concern about the negative effects of tourism on culture and environment, led her to co-found Crooked Trails in 1998. Crooked Trails is a non-profit community based tourism organization based in Seattle WA dedicated to offering clients a way to “travel with a purpose”. Chris holds an MA in Natural Science Education and a BA in Geography and Biology. Chris’s ability to engage and impassion her audience has led to speaking engagements at clubs, international conferences, bookstores, universities and schools.

FIONA CLARK
I grew up in the north of England, where I spent much of my childhood and teenage years climbing trees and exploring the Yorkshire Moors. I am passionate about travel, both local and global, and believe that travel can provide deeply transformational experiences. I have also lived in East Africa for five years, where I worked on public outreach for projects aimed at protecting sea turtles, dolphins, and coral reefs. I originally moved to Seattle to get my Ph.D. in Environmental Communication. In the process, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and decided to stay. While I love all aspects of natural history, I am particularly interested in Pacific Northwest mammals and in animal tracking.

TYLER DAVIS
A native Seattlite, I've been exploring the Pacific Northwest since my earliest childhood memories, escaping at every opportunity to experience the beauty that this area has to offer. My childhood endeavors to turn over every rock or log and find the creepiest of crawlies blossomed into a desire to learn as much as possible about the flora and fauna of the region as I grew older. My ever-developing passion for ecology and conservation took me to Cornell University, where I obtained a B.S. in Natural Resources with a focus in ecology. While Cornell was a perfect fit for me, four years on the East Coast taught me what I've always known: that I'm a Pacific Northwesterner at heart and Seattle will always be my home. Thus, after a variety of field jobs around the world - from searching for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in the swamps of the Southern Mississippi to studying Superb Starlings in central Kenya - I'm glad to be back in the Pacific Northwest, escaping to and exploring some of the most beautiful environments the world has to offer by bike, ski, kayak, boot . . . you name it! I'm even more excited to share what I know with others - and have the opportunity to make a positive impact - through hands-on, exciting, sustainable adventure ecotourism.

TAMMY LELAND
Born and raised in the Montana, Tammy’s craze for mountain adventure was ignited by the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. For the past 22 years she has climbed, scaled, scrambled, skied, criss-crossed, trudged, trekked, hiked, biked and kayaked some of the Pacific Northwest’s classic adventures and hidden gems. Tammy has had a variety of careers all involving education and the environment: She has been the owner of an outdoor adventure company in Seattle, a program developer and educator, a coordinator for college environmental education, a back country crew leader for restoration and trail work in the North cascades and Alaska, a geologist in the Olympic National Park, wilderness guide in the Pacific Northwest and currently the co-founder and international program director of Crooked Trails, a nonprofit international travel company. She has earned a reputation as a passionate adventurer and traveler.  Wandering over 5 continents she spent her time learning from different cultures around the world. From these travels and her studies she has gleamed important lessons about sustainable tourism and began offering practical guidance as a tourism consultant and environmental educator.Tammy holds a Master’s of Environmental Education from Western Washington University and a Bachelors of Science. in Geology from the University of Washington. She wrote her masters thesis on the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of travel and developed an industry workshop on responsible travel.

RYAN SHEAFFER
Ryan has turned his lifelong passion of sports, the outdoors, health and wellness into a full-time career as a guide and trainer. Upon receiving his degree in marketing from the University of Portland, Ryan thought that sports marketing would be his chosen path. While working for the United States Tennis Association, Ryan realized the one thing missing was his love of coaching and teaching others. Over the years he has coached youth basketball and football teams, as well as teaching tennis to people of all ages and abilities. Most recently, Ryan has worked as a guide, personal trainer and outdoor fitness coach. Some of Ryan's own accomplishments include competing as a Division I collegiate tennis player, completing multiple marathons, reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier twice and participating in a variety of endurance competitions. His upcoming goals are to summit Mt. Rainier for a third time, qualify for the Boston Marathon and compete in the Canadian Ironman. Ryan is a native to the Northwest and enjoys showing others the limitless opportunities that exist in our region. His focus is to help people build a healthy and strong body, mind and soul. In his spare time, Ryan loves to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

ALICE GIFFORD
Part sea lion, part Southern belle, one-quarter river rat, a dash bushwalker and a Nor’wester at heart – my background is diverse in the places I’ve called home. Growing up with an active and supportive family, I explored the marshes and creeks of Savannah, Georgia each winter and frolicked barefoot on the coast of Maine each summer, discovering sea creatures, swimming and sailing. School took to me to Manhattan, Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand, but the Pacific Northwest was calling my name! Since relocating to Seattle in 2004, I have assisted with small group and corporate team-building trainings, guided sea kayaking trips in the San Juan Islands, overland tours in Copper Canyon, Mexico and cruised the Galapagos Islands. Discovering my place in nature and realizing our responsibility to protect what we love has motivated me to create positive and sustainable travel experiences.

MATT SCHONWALD
I moved out west from New York City in 1988 to go to college and have been climbing and skiing in the NW ever since. My passion for exploring led me to study, travel and work in Europe, Asia, North & South America, but I made the Pacific Northwest my home. Over the last 10 years, I shared my passion for remote and wild mountain areas, guiding climbing and ski trips in the Cascades, Alaska, Canada, South America, Nepal, Europe and Antarctica. I am currently a certified Ski Mountaineering Guide with AMGA and working on my MBA in Sustainable Business at the Bainbridge Graduate Institute. When not testing gravity, I enjoy exploring Seattle with my wife and daughter.

DAN SALVATORA
Grew up in Pennsylvania but realized early on that I yearned for the West. Graduated from the University of Utah in Recreation and Leisure Studies and continued to pursue my love of the outdoors. I quickly realized that my true passion was to live in the mountains and teach downhill and cross country skiing which I did in Park City, Utah and Sun Valley, Idaho. I continued my studies abroad and then taught skiing in Courchevel, France before arriving in Washington State. I owned my own tour company for many years and guided over 250 tours in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Central America, and Europe. Most recently I have focused my business acumen on hospitality /travel sales and marketing. My 30 year love affair with Seattle continues and my passion of exploring and sharing my knowledge of the Pacific Northwest excites me every day.

JOHN GREENGO
I’m a life long resident of Seattle and have been a photographer for more than 20 years. Having spent a good portion of my teenage years biking and running through the streets and parks of the city it's hard to find anyone who knows Seattle better than I do. It was at this time that I picked up the photography bug, got a degree in it, and has been pursuing it ever since. After several years dealing directly with the world of photographic equipment I have become something of a guru on photographic gear. I have recently been working in close association with Art Wolfe and the production of the public TV series “Travel’s to the Edge.” I’m part of the small traveling crew that get to go to the coolest places on the planet and take photos - a nice gig if you can get it. Between traveling to exotic destinations I spend my time enjoying Seattle and teaching photography. My photography classes are consistently sold out and my students leave the class eager and excited about chasing their photographic dreams.

RICHARD ADAMS
I moved to the Seattle area from Southern England, initially for a year. I discovered Washington scenery, Washington wine, and Washington people. That was 13 years ago and I’m still here…. and I still feel like a tourist. In 2007 I traded a 30 year career with THE two computer technology companies of the 20th century for a more leisurely lifestyle. Since then I’ve become familiar with the major peaks of Washington, including summits of the volcanoes Rainier, St Helens, Adams and most of the I90 corridor peaks. I’ve also significantly expanded my Washington wine knowledge through extensive field and home research.

With Evergreen Escapes, I’m delighted to find clients with whom to share those passions…. and equally delighted to work with such a diversely skilled group of guides to expand my own experience and knowledge in this quite remarkable part of the world.

SIMON BUZZARD
Simon comes from a diverse background spanning three continents and found his footing in the wilderness at an early age. He grew up in Oregon, Southern Africa and Europe and has travelled extensively since then. Finally landing in Seattle two years ago he became inspired by the abundance of natural wonders available to explore right from the city: the Cascades Mountains with their craggy peaks and steep volcanoes, the Puget Sound with it's abundance of wonderful sea life and unique islands, and the Olympic Peninsula with its mossy temperate rain forests and dramatic coastline. Simon's passion is to help people enrich themselves by exploring wildlands and investigating the diverse ecological communities that humans are a part of. His diverse cultural, academic and professional experience in Outdoor Leadership and International Studies combine to ensure that each Escape is a top-notch, tailor-made adventure.

BEN HACKETT
I was born on the windy banks of the Columbia Gorge in Hood River, Oregon. Since then my life has been dominated by the elements of wind and water. I raced competitively for the University of Oregon on Flying Juniors, sailing all over the West Coast from the San Francisco Bay to Lake Washington. As an instructor, I began leading trips throughout the world-class San Juan and Gulf Islands. It was there where I fell in love again with the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Daily sightings of Dall's Poirpose, Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals and the occasional Killer whale. Recently I have been taking my sailing career to greater geographic areas. The Summer of 2009 led me throughout the Eastern Caribbean including the islands of St. Maarten, St. Barts, St. Eustatius and the beautiful remote island of Saba. Here I captained the 47' Nautitech Catamaran Antigone for three months. I look forward to guiding and instructing for anyone who is in the Northwest, locals and visitors.