Behind every great river trip is a great team. Meet the guides, drivers, support staff, and office crew who help make High Country Expeditions a memorable part of your Oregon adventure.
Meet Our Guide Crew
Georg founded High Country Expeditions in 1999 and has spent the past 27 years sharing his passion for Oregon’s rivers with guests from around the world. Along the way, he raised three daughters who grew up around the river and now guide for High Country, as well as a son who is currently in grade school.
When Georg is not on the river or helping lead High Country, he enjoys spending time with his partner, Nicole, exploring Oregon, attending live music, and ski patrolling at Hoodoo, their favorite local mountain.
His passion for rivers, boating, and teaching others remains as strong as ever, and he takes great pride in helping create safe, meaningful, and memorable adventures for every guest.
Heyo! My name is Grant Ellis. I grew up in Grand Haven, MI, and moved out to Eugene about four years ago to chase my love for the outdoors. I've been guiding for High Country for five seasons now, and when I'm not on the river, I work as a ski lift mechanic. Getting paid to spend my winters on the mountain and my summers on the river is a pretty sweet gig. My favorite part of being a raft guide is getting fully immersed in all of Mother Nature's glory and sharing those unforgettable moments with people from all walks of life.
Craig has been with High Country Expeditions for six seasons and has a true passion for the outdoors. He loves sharing his appreciation for the river, nature, and the Oregon Coast while helping make every guest’s trip unique and memorable. When he’s not on the river, you’ll likely find him hunting mushrooms, enjoying time at the coast, working various odd jobs in the off-season, and most importantly, spending time with his young son.
My name is Presley and I am so stoked to be guiding with High Country Expeditions! I am currently a student at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT studying biology. Born and raised in Oregon, I cherish time on the river and in the mountains. Skiing, climbing, and of course, rafting. I LOVE building connections through the outdoors! I strive to prioritize having fun outside while also taking care of the place in which we recreate. I look forward to sharing this passion with you!
See you on the river!
See you on the river!
Hi, I’m Sally! I grew up rafting with my family, which sparked my lifelong love for rivers, adventure, and the outdoors. I’ve been commercial guiding with High Country Expeditions for five seasons, sharing my passion for the river while helping guests create memorable experiences. My background as a veterinary technician for 20 years and my work supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities have shaped my patience, awareness, communication skills, and ability to stay calm and positive in any situation. Outside of guiding, I enjoy snowboarding, exploring the outdoors, spending time with my family, and fostering dogs for a local rescue. I love connecting with people, building confidence on the river, and sharing the beauty of the outdoors with others.
Chachi has been part of High Country Expeditions since 2000 and loves everything about being on the water, whether he’s rafting, fly fishing, or skiing. His greatest passion is spending time outdoors with his wife, two daughters, beloved chocolate lab, friends, or, even better, all of the above.
My name is Payten, I’m someone who loves being one with nature whether that’s early morning to late night hikes, whitewater rafting, skiing downhill or backcountry, and many more adventures. Rafting has always been a passion of mine since I was young, it’s where I feel a sense of place and connection to the water and unique ecosystems around us. During the off seasons I continue following my passions in the outdoors. Including ski patrolling in the winter and going on many side quests in the fall and on my off days throughout the year.
I grew up on the island of Kauai where the ocean was part of everyday life, and it’s still the place I feel most like myself. I learned early on to read water, move with it, and respect its power—whether I’m in the surf or on a river. That connection is what I bring with me every time I guide. My favorite thing about being on the water is how relaxing it can be and how it brings people together.
When I’m not boating, I’m usually surfing, chasing live music, or heading out on an adventure with friends and my dog. I play guitar, love cooking for people, and I’m always down for anything that ends with good food and a story to tell. For me, it’s all about being outside, experiencing new things, and sharing that energy with the people around me.
Hello! I'm Patrick, I've always been a lover of the outdoors. Hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, most of all, whitewater rafting. After 10 years in the construction industry I decided I wanted to spend more time outside so I quit my job in New Hampshire, moved to Oregon, and never looked back. Guiding has been the most rewarding work I have ever had the pleasure of doing.
Hey, I’m Mike. Growing up in Central Oregon, loving the outdoors was pretty much a requirement, and these days I’m still happiest outside chasing just about any adventure I can find. If there’s water involved, even better. Whether it’s rafting, fishing, surfing, or just finding an excuse to get on the river, I’m all in. I first learned to love rivers from my grandpa and his old aluminum drift boat, which is somehow still floating after more than 40 years. Not long after that, I discovered rafting and have been hooked ever since. After more than 15 years on the water, I still love the adventure, the scenery, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a day on the river with great people. When I’m not guiding, you’ll usually find me doing graphic design, tying flies, or hunting down fresh snow somewhere in the mountains.
Hey! I'm Emily, recently graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Geography and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether I'm camped out on a canyon rim watching the stars, grinding through Yosemite's backcountry, or clinging to a wall somewhere outside Salt Lake, you'll pretty much always find me outside. River rafting is the newest addition to my adventure lineup, and I'm here to learn everything that goes on behind the scenes and eventually get out there guiding.
Hello, my name is Jose. I recently moved to Eugene, and I love it here because there are so many great rivers and so much beautiful green nature.
I have been a kayaker and raft guide for 12 years. I have traveled and guided overseas in Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Australia, Slovenia, and the United States on many different rivers.
I really enjoy being a raft guide, meeting new people from all over the world, making new friends, and sharing experiences about life and rivers.
See you all on the river!
My name is Cate! I grew up in New Hampshire fishing and hiking with my dad. I moved into a van when I was 17 and drove across the country! Since then I’ve lived many different places and try to explore every chance I get ! In the winters I am a ski patroller, and in the summer I guide. I have found a passion for the river, and being in the backcountry. Being out there is the one place I can clear my head, and I want to share that with others !
Hello my name is Hollie, I just graduated from Sacramento State and have previously been a guide on the Chattooga River, I am an avid skier in the off season, and have loved guiding for the past few seasons in the summers, fellow guides and the beautiful places I get to see make being on the river always a special time.
Hi! My name is Ila and I am super excited to be one of your guides! I am a student at Oregon State University studying Environmental Science, and I also call Sisters Oregon home. I have grown up on the water with my family and I feel so lucky that I get to turn a passion into my job! When I’m not on the water I also enjoy backpacking, reading, and catching reptiles (snakes are the coolest)! One of my favorite parts about the outdoors is the opportunity to learn about myself and connect with others in a new, diverse, and beautiful environment. I’m excited to help you do the same!
Hey! I’m Lilly and I love spending time in the outdoors! Anything from rafting and backpacking to snowboarding and climbing! I just finished getting my associates through LCC where I played soccer for the last two years. Now I’m planning to travel for the next year starting in New Zealand! I’m stoked to be a guide for High Country Expeditions and can’t wait to meet you all!
