When Kenny Kirker started college, he envisioned his studies leading to a traditional career path. But his plans took an unexpected turn after an outdoor education class ignited his interest in the natural world. Today, Kirker works as a raft guide at Glacier Raft Co., using his passion for nature and his education to give guests a memorable experience on the waters of Glacier National Park.
Growing up in Southern California, Kirker was fascinated by nature. He started out studying biology at a college in Southern Utah. During his later years he discovered outdoor recreation. This new interest grabbed his attention more than the traditional science path he had been on, steering him toward a career that was quite different from his original plans.
“I found the outdoor rec stuff and I fell in love,” says Kirker.
In his early career, Kirker worked as a wilderness therapy guide, spending time hiking and camping with troubled teenagers in therapeutic outdoor environments. This experience not only sharpened his guiding abilities but also strengthened his love for the outdoors. However, the demanding nature of wilderness therapy led him to pursue a more fulfilling style of guiding.
“I realized I really liked guiding in the outdoors and I wanted to do it in a more fun way than what the wilderness therapy was giving me,” says Kirker.
At Glacier Raft Co., Kirker is known for more than just his rafting skills — he's passionate about sharing his knowledge of local plants and animals. With his background in biology and outdoor education, he enhances the rafting experience by integrating information about the ecosystems they explore on the journey. Whether he's spotting a bald eagle in flight or discussing the habits of river otters, Kirker's love for nature shines through.
“I like getting to be the interface between people and nature and help facilitate that experience,” says Kirker.
Kirker's days on the river are always different, shaped by the wide range of guests he guides. Some are full of curiosity, asking lots of questions about their surroundings, while others prefer to quietly take in the stunning scenery. No matter the group's vibe, Kirker aims to create a memorable experience for everyone, often sharing tales of local wildlife and Glacier National Park's rich history.
“When people ask me about certain nature facts, I can go really in-depth on certain things,” shares Kirker.
His encounters with animals range from the common sightings of deer and fish to the rare thrill of spotting a bear or a moose.
“Pretty much everything that lives in Glacier, I have seen from the river, except maybe a wolverine,” says Kirker. “Those are really hard to see, but I saw a wolf one time."
Rafting in Glacier National Park presents its fair share of challenges. Seasons with high water can restrict trips, while low-water periods turn thrilling white-water rides into relaxed floats. Each season tests guides adaptability and resilience.
Despite these challenges, Kirker relishes the unique opportunities each day brings, from the thrill of navigating rapids to the serene beauty of the park's untouched landscapes.
"We are doing our best to follow leave-no-trace principles and educate the clients that are with us on that, especially on full-day trips and overnight trips, like how to properly dispose of garbage and secure food and things like that,” says Kirker.
While guiding, Kirker often finds himself in unexpected situations. Recently, he rescued a dog that had been chased by either a wolf or a bear and was stranded between the river and a cliff. Kirker led his raft with eight passengers across the river to save the shivering dog, which had been missing for almost 24 hours.
"That dog story was actually one of the coolest things that's happened to me in recent memory on the river,” recalls Kirker with a laugh.
Despite acknowledging the job's physical demands, Kirker sees himself in the guiding industry long-term. Whether moving into management or exploring new rivers for multi-day trips, his goal remains sharing the wonders of nature with others. Currently, Kirker finds fulfilment as a guiding force at Glacier Raft Co., where his love for nature and passion for education inspire those around him.
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