Alaska Guide Charlie Kress

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Charlie Kress Austin-Lehman Tour Guide

Guide: Charlie Kress
Short Bio: Born in Billings, MT and raised in Kalispell, MT, Charlie's love for the great outdoors was practically innate. While living in the beautiful Flathead Valley (Kalispell) she was able to take advantage of Glacier Park, hiking and cross-country skiing. She received her Bachelor's Degree from University of Montana-Western in Dillon, MT and her Master's Degree from MSU-Billings in Education. Charlie adores working with young people and teaches World History/Psychology at Skyview High School in Billings. While at Skyview, she has guided high school students to London, Scotland and Washington D.C. When school is out of session, Charlie spends her summers hiking, biking, camping and river guiding. She lives in Billings with her dogs.

Trips Guided by Charlie:

Charlie's Guide Survey:

What's your favorite vacation destination?
I seem to like warm places in the winter and cool places in the summer. I don't really have one place. I was in Guantanoma Bay, Cuba for spring break — it is my new favorite place.

What's your favorite hike?
In Yellowstone — Lost Lake
15 minutes from my house — running the rimrocks
Overall, anything in Glacier National Park — that is where I got my start hiking

What's your favorite bike ride?
Mountain Bike — A great trail about an hour north of Sun Valley, ID. It goes straight up and then straight down.
Road Bike — MS150 from Red Lodge, Absorkee then back to Billings — 100 miles total

What's your favorite trip to guide?
Yellowstone, of course! I grew up traveling to Yellowstone Park every summer. No matter how much time a person spends in Yellowstone, there is always something new to learn.

Charlie Kress horsback riding

What do you do that makes a guest's vacation special?
You'll have to come on one of my trips to find out!

Favorite Movie: Forest Gump

Favorite Book: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Favorite Song: Settlin' by Sugarland

Describe the most amazing experience you've had while guiding a trip:

My favorite part of every trip is seeing the animals with my guests. It still gives me goose bumps when one of my guests sees an animal they have never seen. It reminds me of how lucky I am to live so close to Yellowstone Park.

When did you first catch the travel bug?

I am not really sure when it happened. Currently I have been inspired by my "real job" to travel. I teach World History so I always want to go some place that I have recently taught. I am always telling my students that we need to take a field trip to such-and-such a place.

What are your hobbies?
I think I am like every other Montanan in that I enjoy doing all outdoor activities whatever the season. I spend much of my time with my dogs. I also enjoy reading and working my yard.

Travel + Leisure
World's Best
ALA was recognized as one of the top Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters in the World in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Read the Press Release >

Outside Magazine
2012 Hall of Fame Travel Awards
ALA was inducted in Outside Magazine's 2012 Hall of Fame Travel Awards for our groundbreaking Cuba Tours. Read More...

National Geographic Traveler
50 Tours of a Lifetime
The editors of National Geographic Traveler single out ALA's Cuba tour as one of their top tours in 2012. See the complete list>