Our Boatman and Other Characters at Alaska Rivers Company

At Alaska Rivers Company, we take tremendous pride in our staff. All are CPR Certified, and have attended the Kenai River Guide Academy for fishing or rafting. Several are certified by the Coast Guard, and all our fishing guides carry the 52 million pieces of certification required by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Chugach National Forest, Alaska State Parks, and the Department of Environmental Conservation. (Just to name a few).

We feel that our ARC guide crew is set apart because of the pride we instill in them about the importance of being a boatman, and not just a guide.  We emphasize safety first and adhering to rules of the river. As a part of our staff, we expect our employees to be professional and personable at all times, on and off the water. Finally, we make sure our crew has fun in what they do, and humor in their work. By following these simple steps with our staff, we have created a fabulous loyal team that will provide you a safe, fun and professional Alaskan experience on the upper Kenai and at Alaska Rivers Company.

Erik Route – Owner

Born in Colorado and raised in a very small mountain community west of Denver, Erik spent the majority of his childhood summers in Alaska, mostly in Cooper Landing with his aunt, uncle and extended family. At 13, his uncle started to take him on 10-day wilderness float trips in Western Alaska. Erik confesses that he learned what it takes to become a true boatman: row a boat, cast a line, cuss and tell lies. Erik graduated from college in Colorado with a BS in Geology and then went to Montana to pursue his master’s degree. All of this schooling made him realize how much he missed rowing a boat, casting a line, cussing and telling lies. That’s why he moved to Alaska permanently in 2003 and became a local Cooper Landing resident and started working for Alaska Rivers Company where this sort of behavior is normal. Erik’s likes: boating (of course), skiing, wrestling brown bears, playing music, clubbing salmon, snow machining, hunting, cussing, telling lies.

Cory Route – Owner

This little gal might throw you for a loop when you first meet her, but don’t let this sweet soft-spoken Arkansas gal fool you. She runs the ARC crew year-round (okay… and Erik too) and keeps us all on our toes, organized, movin’ and groovin’. Cory has a degree in Geology as well, and is a top-notch Alaskan naturalist. In addition to being familiar with our wild berries, mushrooms, flowers and fauna, she’s quite artistic, painting, knitting hats and making jewelry. A competitive runner in college, Cory was at the top of the NCAA crowd in cross country running. Cory also is quite competitive when it comes to skiing, skijoring, kayaking, softball and the basketball game bump. You definitely don’t mess with her at bump…

Gary Galbraith – Founder

In 1976 Gary came upon the beautiful community of Cooper Landing and sank his roots into the banks of the Upper Kenai River. Starting with very little, and working two to three jobs, while raising a family in the early years, he built Alaska Rivers Company to become one of the longest established rafting and fishing guide outfitters on the Kenai Peninsula. In 2016, Gary handed over the oars of his beloved business of showing locals and visitors the wonders of the Upper Kenai and our great state to Erik and Cory. Now he’s finally able to have carefree summers in the Landing, and can often be found in his garden, out on the trails or water, or be seen flying above, sightseeing on sunny days.

Kevin Ostrowski – General Manager

Kevin came to us from northern Wisconsin where he grew up exploring the woods and waters around the great lakes.  Every time he had the opportunity to spend the day on the water, on (or off) a trail, or with a fishing rod you can bet he was there.  After graduating from college in Natural Resources Kevin’s sense of adventure took over and brought him to the great state of Alaska. This is where he discovered his passion for playing in the mountains and rivers.  If Kevin can’t be found along the river or herding the crew around camp, take a look at the mountain tops around Cooper Landing and you just might see him running around up there to see what’s on the other side.

Jess Ostrowski – Operations Manager

Jessie’s love of the outdoors began at a young age exploring the mountains of central Idaho by foot, boat, and ski. She has worked as a science teacher, geologist, kayak instructor, and log home/fireplace builder. In her free time, you can find her hiking up peaks, paddling rivers, skiing, and fishing around the Kenai Peninsula. In June of 2022 she made the solo drive from Idaho to Alaska in search of a new adventure and hasn’t left since. Jess loves being able to combine all her passions here at Alaska Rivers Company.

Hamish Stevenson – Lead Fishing Guide

Hamish, known locally as Hambone, is a Maine raised outdoorsman and a fishing fool! Constantly in search of wild fish, wild food, wild times, and wild places, Hambone journeyed west to experience bigger waterways and landscapes. While the salmon and trout of the Kenai sparked his interest in Alaska, it was the elusive Kenai Whitefish that pushed him to become a river guide. Hambone also has a degree in aquatic ecology and works in Washington state as a fisheries technician during the off-season. His other interests include canoeing, rafting, pretty much all boating, bushwhacking, swamp-stomping, gut laughing, bird hunting, goin fast, yelling “woo-hoo”, picking up cool things in the woods (mushrooms, berries, antlers, feathers, etc.), and snorkeling rivers.

Eric Fisk – Fishing & Scenic Guide

Eric may have gills but we are still not quite sure.  A native of Oregon, Eric grew up fishing the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. He also spent 6 years as a hunting guide in Oregon.   Not only is he an avid outdoorsman, Eric is also a father of 2 daughters.  Let’s not forget, he also served our country for 3 years in the Navy. Following his dream, Eric landed himself in the great state of Alaska. He has spent many years guiding in Western Alaska on East Alsek, Bristol Bay, Nushgak, Kuichak, & most recently southcentral AK on the beautiful Kenai River. Aside from river life & fishing, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife, tying flies, & taking a stroll through the forest.

Jake Peet – Fishing Guide

Jake also hails from the beautiful state of Oregon. Jake has many years of experience under his belt guiding on several different rivers in both Alaska and Oregon. He also followed his dream several years back landing himself in the great state of Alaska.  Jake’s passion for fishing, charisma, and warm smile leaves an impression and as a result many of our guests have returned over the years looking to fish with this fine fellow!

Caroline Hardy – Lead Scenic Guide

Native to the Great Lakes state, (Michigan!) Caroline grew up surrounded by water and raised on a love for the outdoors! Some may say she’s even Smokey Bear’s biggest fan! This is her second season at Alaska Rivers Company, and she recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation! Some of her favorite hobbies include rock-climbing, slacklining, doing junior ranger workbooks in national parks, hiking, skiing (when she’s not running into trees), and hugging rocks, trees, people, you name it! Some of her other favorite hobbies include watching live music, sending it, finding cool coffee shops, eating chicken tenders from Gwin’s, wearing chacos and socks, playing solitaire, and doing puzzles!

Kira Milne – Scenic Guide

Kira grew up right here on the Kenai peninsula in the beautiful town of Homer, Alaska. She grew up playing in the woods and eating salmon. (She didn’t know how lucky she was!) Over the years she has realized her happy place is truly on the water and in the mountains. In her free time she loves to find new places to explore, camp, create, hike, and especially ski. She loves getting to share the beauty of this state with other people!

Josh Schaefer – Scenic Guide

Josh grew up in the suburbs outside of Chicago and found that between the woods and the city, he feels less like a doofus in the woods. Formerly a college runner, collegiate running coach, wilderness canoe and dog mushing guide, he just loves to be out and about and moving in the mountains or water. If he’s in the woods Josh will be there to crack terrible jokes and not take himself all that seriously. And snack, with a passion.

Our Pets

Folks in Cooper Landing love their pets. And at ARC, we love our animals. But just to clarify before we go any further: we love our pets, not yours. So when visiting our facility, please leave your animals at home. We do not allow pets in our rental cabins and being left all day in your car (especially on a hot day) is just really lame for your four-legged best friend.

Capella

One word. Goof. Well two. Sweet Goof. She’s a love bug and likes her pats, rubs and any attention you give her. She has been mistaken as a bear a couple times, so since she is loved so much, we have a tendency to decorate her in bright colors so hunters know better! Capella can be found in two places, sitting in the vans on hot days, or in the dirt if she has just had a bath. She got the nickname “Smelly” for a reason!

Mopah

Mopah is the new puppy of Alaska Rivers Company! He is a mix between a black poodle and a golden retriever, making him a golden doodle. His number one goal in life right now is to be Capella’s best friend. He’s still working on it though…

Brook

Brook is a mix between a golden retriever, yellow lab, and husky. You know what that means, absolutely adorable and hyper! She loves chase after bugs and beg for as much food as she can. If you pick up a stick with her around, be aware that you’ll have a new best friend. But no promises that she’s gonna return it back to you once she gets ahold of it.