The Spirit of River Exploration with Clint Fries

Clint Fries is a deeply experienced river guide and expedition
leader with over two decades of professional guiding across some
of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Known
for his calm presence, intuitive leadership, and profound respect
for wild places, Clint has become a trusted figure in the world
of wilderness travel.


For the past several years, Clint has guided multi-day rafting
expeditions in Alaska with MT Sobek, one of the country’s
most respected adventure travel companies. His work has taken him
deep into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where he leads
trips down the pristine Hulahula River—a rarely traveled
corridor that winds from the Brooks Range through the tundra to
the Beaufort Sea. Guiding in the Arctic demands more than just
technical skill; it requires logistical precision, environmental
sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing
conditions. Clint brings all three, along with a quiet confidence
that reassures both first-time adventurers and seasoned
travelers.


Clients often remark on Clint’s ability to make even the most
rugged landscapes feel like home. Whether navigating braided
channels, managing wildlife encounters, or helping guests find
comfort and joy in the wild, he leads with humility and insight.
His years of experience have made him fluent in the rhythm of
rivers—from the heat of Latin America to the icy silence of
Alaska’s far north.


Clint’s path to guiding was shaped by a lifelong curiosity about
the natural world. He studied at Earlham College, an
institution known for its commitment to social justice and
experiential learning, and participated in immersive field
programs that laid the foundation for his career. He now lives in
Capitola, California, but spends much of the year off-grid—on
rivers, in mountains, and in the company of wild water.


More than just a guide, Clint is a teacher, a storyteller, and a
quiet advocate for the wild. He believes that the best journeys
aren’t about conquering nature—they’re about listening to it.
Through each expedition, he invites guests to slow down, pay
attention, and discover a deeper connection to the land and to
themselves.


Show notes:


00:02:36 - Journey from Wilderness to Exploration


00:06:52 - Value of Excellence in Guiding


00:09:30 - Expedition Overview: Hula Hula Adventure


00:11:19 - Exploring the Arctic Tundra


00:13:50 - Muskox and Arctic River Adventures


00:17:23 - Exploring Tundra and Wildlife


00:21:23 - Dealing with Mosquito Pressure


00:22:42 - Experience with Caribou in the Arctic


00:25:31 - Wilderness Adventure and Bear Encounters


00:28:11 - Epic Hiking and River Adventures


00:30:31 - Exploring the Stunning Alaskan Wilderness


00:33:43 - Challenges of Guiding on Alsec River


00:36:05 - Embracing Nature as Healing Medicine


00:38:25 - Fostering Connection with Nature





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