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Find Your FirstNature

About Us

First Nature is an outfitter based in Portland, Oregon that provides professional guide services for Private Tours of the Pacific Northwest as well as small group trips to several international destinations. We can be your personal concierge here in the Cascade region, helping you to create a custom adventure that combines beautiful destinations, exciting activities and unique local attractions to create an experience that is truly one of a kind and perfectly suited to your interests.

Some Group Tours are also available throughout the year to places like Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, Columbia Gorge, Mt Hood, Oregon Coast, Willamette Valley and more! First Nature Tours is the top rated outfitter for intrepid travelers looking for everything from exclusive private tours and small group tours to unique and exciting packages in the Pacific Northwest.

About the Founder

A born naturalist, Kieron’s fascination with the natural world has led him from a childhood exploring rural Wisconsin to college study abroad trips to Costa Rica and Europe and eventually a career in Restoration Ecology. Since he began working in tourism in 2007 Kieron has been helping visitors to Portland, Seattle, Central and South America fill their trips with memorable experiences and outright adventure. His tourism career includes work for some of the top luxury travel companies in the world, such as Cruise West, Adventures by Disney and EverGreen Escapes. His experience leading groups through all corners of the Pacific Northwest have made him one of the most recognized guides in the region. On a private tour of Cascadia with Kieron you will get more than just an education, you’ll rediscover the sense of wonder that many lose with the onset of adulthood. For Kieron guiding is more than a career, it’s a passion, and nothing makes him happier than providing people with new ideas, new adventures, and new life experiences.

Sustainability

There are many facets to sustainability. At First Nature we strive to meet the highest standards of sustainability, whether social, ecological, economic, or cultural. We provide knowledgeable tour guides and luxury bio-fueled transportation to connect travelers to sustainable adventures like hiking, kayaking, cycling and rock climbing. It is part of our mission to educate each of our guests about the natural and cultural history of a place we visit together, while leaving no trace of our passage.

Ethos

First Nature aims to enhance the communities we come in contact with by connecting travelers with unique destinations that are not overrun with tourists. Destinations that welcome the economic stimulation that tourism brings. First Nature is an equal opportunity employer that encourages workplace diversity and donates to organizations that promote social justice and education. First Nature uses products that are fair-trade, local and organic whenever possible. We eliminate excess waste by offering re-usable and recyclable products on our tours. First Nature partners with other businesses that share the same philosophy.


Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund

Help us ensure that Oregon continues to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Consider donating to the Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund.

Thanks to Travel Oregon and Travel Portland for their
help in keeping Oregon green!

Expert Facilitators

Caitlin Hudson

Running Coach, Fitness Trainer


Caitlin Hudson is the founder and head coach at Tend Athletics, a holistic fitness, health, and life coaching business based in Portland and working with clients across the US.


Teela Foxworth

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Specialist

Background:Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Teela Foxworth is a dedicated member and leader in her community. Foxworth has spent a decade in higher education, teaching over 2,000 students in Communication and Racial Studies.


Jason French

Chef, Entrepreneur, Health Coach


Jason French is a chef, husband, father, entrepreneur and outdoorsman. A former endurance athlete, he’s developed a culinary program to help clients tap into their unique needs and create satisfying, delicious meal plans.

Rebecca Sunshine

Yoga Instructor, Corporate Wellness Specialist

Rebecca Sunshine MSc, RYT-500, is a Vancouver-based yoga teacher, dance teacher, and mindfulness consultant. Her playful and uplifting approach incorporates her decade-long career in start-ups with her extensive study of movement to empower people.


Expert Design Team

Elena Vizzini

Lead Experience Curator

Elena Vizzini is an Experience Curator with First Nature Tours and often your first contact for booking tours. In addition to being an Oregon native, Elena has also lived abroad in Europe and pursued academic studies in International Tourism Management. She brings a wealth of knowledge of the Pacific Northwest from building lasting connections with regional tourism partners during her time with the state tourism board, Travel Oregon.

Camron Wilde

Chief Adventure Advocate

Camron Wilde is the Brand Manager for First Nature and brings twenty years of industry experience to the team. Mr. Wilde is responsible for First Nature’s brand strategy, which translates to growth, reputation, and culture development. Mr. Wilde consults on recruiting and planning teams, training new expedition leaders and facilitators, and managing the creative team in charge of art direction, public relations, and media strategy.


Kieron Wilde

Chief Expedition Leader

Kieron Weidner is a born naturalist with a fascination with the natural world that led him to a career in Ecology, Education and eventually Sustainable Tourism. Since 2007, Kieron has been helping travelers create memorable experiences in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Latin America.

Expert Expedition Leaders

Chris Larson

Guide

From an early age Chris developed a deep love for and knowledge of Nature and outdoor skills by spending summers at a fishing cabin in the woods and lakes of northern Ontario Canada, and in the high Sierra mountains of California. Chris has a degree in cultural anthropology and has led sports and walking tours of major cities throughout Scandinavia, the U.K., Northern Europe, and the U.S..

Dylan Gaar

Guide

At a young age, I discovered a powerful connection to the natural world. My youth revolved around exploring the iconic woods, mountains and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. As I grew, I realized the vital role that nature plays in my wellbeing. I decided to dedicate my life to the natural world and to helping others explore and care for it.

Dan Moore

Guide and Tourism Consultant

Dan has over 15 years experience as an outdoor educator, professional adventure guide, and high-level facilitator for retreats, meetings, and teambuilding programs. He takes great care to help create a meaningful and lasting visit.


Irene Squizzato

Guide

Originally from northern Italy, Irene has now been calling Portland home for the last 5 years. She has worked for a PR agency doing strategic communications and branding for the beverage industry – building long-lasting relationships with vendors throughout the country.


Devin Kelly

Guide

Devin Kelly is a fourth generation Oregonian and has shared a passion for adventure and the outdoors since childhood. After living in Costa Rica in 2002, he moved back to Oregon and spent 4 years as lead guide for Extreme Adventures.


Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

Although the Pacific Northwest has a mild climate, temperatures and conditions can change quickly. Layers are key! Please check the weather conditions on the day prior to your tour so you can dress accordingly. If your itinerary includes hiking, we recommend closed-toe trainers, hiking shoes, or light boots. A light-weight waterproof jacket and sunglasses are always good to have in any season. In winter, bring extra non-cotton layers and consider a second pair of socks in case your feet get wet.

We provide umbrellas in case of heavy rain. Don’t forget your cell phone, ID, and any necessary medications.

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

Yes, we offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off wherever you’re staying in downtown Seattle, WA or Portland, OR. That includes hotels, vacation rentals and private homes providing there is access for our vehicles.

What is included in my private tour?

The following are standard inclusions on all our tours:

  • Custom Itinerary Design
  • Professional Guide
  • Luxury Transportation
  • Snacks and Waters
  • Entrance Fees
  • Necessary Gear and Equipment (fly fishing gear, snowshoes, kayaks, wet suits etc.)
  • Some of our tour packages have special activities not listed above. You can arrange to have things like lunch and wine tasting fees added on to any booking. Just let us know in advance what you would like to include.
  • Please let us know if there is anything you have forgotten and we will do our best to supply it!

Can I cancel or change my booking?

We will do our best to accommodate all circumstances. Please review our cancellation policy found here on our website http://www.portlandtourguides.com/privatetoursoforegon We recommend travel insurance for all our guests. If you have additional questions, please give us a call!

Should I tip my guide?

In the United States, tipping is a standard across the service industry. That said, we compensate our guides better than most tour operators and although gratuity is always appreciated, it is never expected. If you would like a guideline for tipping a tour guide specifically, 10% of your ticket price is a common standard.

*Please advise us if you have any food restrictions, allergies or requests. We can accommodate a wide variety of needs when given enough notice.


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    Local Partners

    We intentionally partner with industry professionals that share our philosophies. The following local business partners have been carefully chosen for their excellent customer service, equal opportunities, and sustainable business practices.

    First Nature aims to educate and entertain the intrepid traveler by exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through sustainable tourism. We encourage our guests to visit the naturally and culturally unique places that make the Pacific Northwest so special. Our foundation is built on increasing knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the world around us.