Brittany Harding – Owner and CLO – (Chief Logistics Officer)

No stranger to this business, Britt grew up, as many of you know, processing fish starting when she was just 11 years old. Back then, the fish weighed more than she did!  Kim and Ross bought the lodge from Steve and Donna Riddle (Kim’s father and stepmother) in 2002, and Britt began working there the same year. — Ignore any child labor laws that may have been inadvertently broken! 😉

As the master fish filleter, Britt spent her high school and college years working the lodge before moving on to a career in Public Relations. During her post-college time, she represented clients such as the State of Alaska Tourism Office, working in media relations and events in New York City and then back in Alaska beginning in 2015.  She then started her own business, True North Events & Design, in 2016, planning events for visitors from all over the world. So, throughout the years, Alaska tourism has been at the heart of all she does. These skills dovetail to make Britt the perfect person to take over lodge operations and continue to provide the level of excellence our guests have come to expect.  

If she isn’t managing the moving logistics of 25-plus travelers, you might find her watering the flowers, checking in on fish processing, packing boxes to ship fish, or helping guests figure out where to hike and adventure on their day off from fishing.

Joshua Doty- CMO- (Chief Maintenance Officer)

A retired Air Force veteran, Josh dreamed of moving to Alaska when he retired to fish and hunt full-time while pursuing his passions. When the stars aligned and he found six acres in Wasilla to build his dream shop (his hobbies range from brewing beer to welding to woodworking to 3D printing and design and so much more, so he needs a lot of space), he didn’t plan on meeting Britt, which threw more than one wrench into the plans.

But a few years and a couple of property sales and purchases later, they now live their shared dream on the Kenai River, welcoming you all to their backyard! Josh is constructing a spacious workshop with an attached apartment right down the road from the lodge. When he’s not busy with that endeavor, you’ll spot him at the lodge, starting fires for guests, engaging in conversations about the intricacies of brewing craft beer, enjoying cozy moments with Teddy by the fire, or indulging in his passion for fishing.

If there’s something new at the lodge in the last year or two, chances are Britt dreamed it, and Josh built it.

Ross Harding – Retired guide and CQCO (Chief Quality Control Officer) 

Ross grew up fishing all over the Last Frontier and has fishing stories running in his veins where his blood should be. While he loves the state’s streams, rivers, and oceans for all they have to offer, he holds a special place in his heart for the Kenai River and always knew he wanted to guide there.

When his job brought him to the Kenai Peninsula, he took the plunge and began guiding for Riddles before taking over ownership in 2002. As Chief Quality Control Officer, Ross is responsible for ensuring the property is in pristine working order for all guests, the boats are gassed up, the beer fridge is cold, and the fire is stoked each evening as you come off the river to relax. Even during his newfound semi-retirement, Ross is there daily to ensure each guest has a once-in-a-lifetime experience, even if it’s their 15th trip to the lodge.

Kim Harding – Retired Owner and CIO – (Chief information officer)

Kim came to Alaska to visit her father in 1986 for a summer, and she still hasn’t left. We like to joke that it’s due to the phenomenal weather and the great fishing, but it was probably falling in love with a young, handsome fishing guide that did the trick.

Two grown kids, a fishing lodge, and a lifetime’s worth of memories later, Kim enjoys her summers spent on the Kenai, making sure that guests have the vacation of a lifetime.

Though she is technically retired now from lodge life, we don’t see her sitting back and letting the flowers go untended or the fires unstoked. Kim is the jack of all trades at the lodge and will ensure that her legacy continues for years to come. She can tell you anything you want to know about the lodge and its history, so be sure to hit her up with all of the great stories from decades past.

Bailey – Retired Lodge Dog and CFO (Chief fetching officer) 

Bailey, a boykin spaniel, came to Ross and Kim from Vancleave, Mississippi, during the summer of 2017 and has been keeping an eye on the day-to-day operations at Riddles ever since. Though she has southern roots, she is a true Alaskan at heart. She loves a good cuddle session in the sunshine by the barbecue area (mostly because she knows someone is bound to sneak her a snack) and enjoys following her mom around as Kim takes care of the daily operations at the lodge. If you want to get on her good side (which you do), toss the ball for her while relaxing by the fire one evening. She will reward you with unconditional love.

Teddy & Freddy- Lodge Dog #1 & #2 and CCOs (Chief Cuddle Officers) 

Theodore (Teddy Bear or Ted for short) and Frederick (Freddy or Tiny for short) are Mini Bernedoodles. Their parents are from the area, so they are true Alaskans.

While Ted, at three-years-old, is an experienced pro who loves to go sockeye fishing on the bank and ride in the boat while we fish for silver salmon in August and September, his brother is new this year and learning the ropes. Bear with us while we teach him fishing etiquette!

If you don’t want them wandering into your cabin and making themselves at home be sure to shut your door all the way. They’re smarter than we would like to admit and know how to let themselves into most of the cabins if the doors aren’t properly closed. We can’t be held liable for their cuddle attempts.