Dalton Klein

Dalton Klein hails from the great state of Colorado where he began guiding in 2019. With four years of guiding experience on the Cache de Poudre River in Colorado, Dalton is very accustomed to the style of rafting we have on the White Salmon; fast, steep, challenging, and fun! Dalton has made it a priority to raft an abundance of rivers all over the country as well. The Colorado, Green, Salmon, Lochsa, Gauley, Clark Fork, and Cal-Salmon rank high on a list that will be growing this spring with a terrific snowpack in the Columbia Gorge.

A spring break rafting trip down the San Juan River opened Dalton’s mind to whitewater, life on the river, and the world of guiding, all of which he has been vigorously pursuing ever since. For Dalton, his love of guiding comes from an eagerness to see the wild places only rivers can take you and the personal connections you make along the way. In an attempt to keep exploring and find new challenges, Dalton would eventually like to take the skills and experience gained on rivers like the White Salmon and guide internationally. In the short term, he hopes to utilize the abundance of sections on the White Salmon and surrounding rivers to improve his kayaking. Dalton’s best day on the river is pretty simple; any day on the river! Whether it’s fighting through a blizzard to reach the take out or enjoying a lazy float in the warm sun, experiencing beautiful scenery, with water splashing your face, surrounded by good people is always worthwhile. 

Off the river, Dalton winters in Montana working at the Yellowstone Ski Club as a lift operator. He grew up playing hockey so anytime he can lace up a pair of skates feels great. In the summer, days off the water are rare but will likely include hiking, climbing, finding a nice place to read a book, or bringing folks together for a game of Catan! Captain Tuna is stoked for this summer at Wet Planet!