Hailing from the San Fransisco Bay Area Evelyn grew up camping, hiking, and mountain biking in redwood forests and soaking up the sun on the California coast. When she isn’t paddling Evelyn enjoys surfing, collaging, making tunes on the harmonica, and playing any sport with a ball. After taking a gap year to work with sled dogs and on organic farms, Evelyn started her college career at Colorado College. As a CC Tiger Evelyn plays on the varsity lacrosse team and the 12th-best intramural hockey team. Evelyn is studying Southwest and Environmental Studies and loves to share her passion for wild salmon with anyone that will listen.

When Evelyn first visited the islands on a cycling trip with her father, she knew she had to find her way back to the San Juan archipelago. She is excited to be back for another season and to call this magical place home for the summer!

Most incredible whale sighting?

My most memorable wildlife experience happened on a Jones Island circumnavigation. We came around to the Northwest side and were graced by the presence of a huge Stellar Sea Lion. The Sea Lion popped its head out of the water revealing a huge salmon clamped between its jaws. It was an awesome and unforgettable display of predator-prey interactions that caught us completely by surprise.

What is your favorite place to paddle other than the San Juans?

I enjoy paddling in Elkhorn Slough in Monterey, California. The region is full of sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and hundreds of bird species. It is an amazing place for quiet meandering amidst bountiful displays of biodiversity.