Shelby McConnell

Originally from California, Shelby found her way to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with the Cascades during her thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. She has since rooted herself in the region’s forests, rivers, and volcanic landscapes through her work as a mountain guide and a forest school teacher. On the mountain, she enjoys supporting climbers through difficult stretches, helping them feel more connected to both the landscape and themselves.

When she’s not teaching or guiding, Shelby can be found wild swimming, thru-hiking, exploring vast landscapes and their tiny natural details, or finding rhythm and calm through knitting and playing board games with friends.