Keree grew up in the small town of Government Camp on Mt. Hood. With not much else to do, she hit the slopes at a young age and quickly became immersed in competitive ski racing. Later, when she found backcountry skiing, she was hooked. Flying down snow fields in foreign fjords and remote arctic locations quickly aligned with her lust for travel and wild spaces. Today, Keree runs a commercial salmon fishing boat in Alaska with her own direct to consumer salmon business, Salty Debby's, and guides heli-skiing out of Valdez.

Where do you live and what’s your day job?

I'm pretty nomadic and move around for seasonal jobs. I own and operate a commercial salmon fishing boat in Bristol Bay, AK during the summers, and then sell my harvest direct to consumers in the Fall via my business, Salty Debby's. I also work as a heli ski guide out of Valdez in March and April. Even though I am in and out alot, I call my small, dry cabin near Thompson Pass, Alaska, home.

What are 3 passions you have outside of work? 

Flying around the mountains in my 1957 Piper Pacer. It's a small, tube and fabric airplane I keep at the runway right across the road from my house!

Being outside with my dog, Tishna. She is always sooooo excited outdoors, even if it's a trail we've been on a million times. I love watching how happy she is.

Face shots, floating down pow fields, spring winter camping and bootpacking mountain ridges with friends in the off-season.

Something not many people know or would expect about you?

I'm terrified of bats. Like, cower on the floor paralyzed under a blanket, terrified. Couldn't tell you why, other than a few traumatic experiences as a child with bats in our house.

Biggest “send it” moment—on the mountain or in life?

Buying my fishing boat the FV Deborah when I was 26 yrs old. I put in everything I had, mentally, emotionally and financially, and I'm really proud to be a part of Bristol Bay! It's the world's largest sustainable sockeye salmon fishery. 

How do you encourage more women to step into outdoor spaces?

Alaska is full of so many badass women. Women who could whoop your ass on a snowmachine, outhike you on a bootpack and fly a bush plane to drop you on a glacier at the base of Denali. I think simply being out there, heli-guiding, building a cabin, trying, failing, learning, just doing it, shows and encourages others to follow suit. I think it's really important to celebrate everyone's wins, no matter how big or small.

Why Wild Rye?

Wild Rye is creating a community of commerce based on values. Values that center around building an inclusive outdoor recreation and simultaneously take into account impact on the planet. Wild Rye supports individuals with diverse jobs, skills and backgrounds who are passionate about the outdoors. As a fisherm*n, it's really cool to see Wild Rye take the time to develop new outdoor lines and use sustainable and reusable resources, like recycled fishing nets! 

Follow along on Keree's adventures: @keree.smith