Meet the Guides

A woman wearing a blue helmet and outdoor clothing smiling while rock climbing or rappelling on a rocky cliff, with climbing gear and a safety rope visible.

Trailbound Trips was founded in 1996 by Carol Ruhter (aka Scout), a woman who marveled at nature and what it teaches us. Her goal was to inspire women’s confidence, camaraderie, and playful spirit. Since Its inception, Carol and her team safely led over 16,000 women on local day hikes, short getaways, and weeklong adventures across the country.

The adventure continues! Carol has passed the baton to Kari, and our guides still create experiences with lasting memories. Guides are chosen for their wanderlust, knowledge, and sensitive attitude. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk with you.

Our Team

  • A woman standing in front of a door labeled Wilderness Center, smiling, wearing a white jacket, purple shirt, jeans, teal sneakers, and a navy backpack with white polka dots, holding the door handle.

    Kari McLennan

    Kari McLennan (aka “Mucky Duck”) is the new director of Trailbound Trips since 2024. She began her love of nature as a child exploring the neighborhood creek and wild places of Palatine. After college, she began her thrill of taking 100’s of kids on adventures of backpacking, rock climbing, biking, and watching how nature can how can have such a positive effect on people. She loved the community built on these trips, and how together on the trail, we can also bring out the best in each other. Kari has a wanderlust heart, which has taken her to beautiful places around the globe, yet she still loves America the best. Kari has been married 29 years, lives in Palatine, and is super proud of her 2 adult kids.

  • Woman sitting on rocks next to a river, dipping her feet in the water, wearing sunglasses, a white cap, a red jacket, and black pants, with a grassy hillside in the background.

    Karen Pogalz

    Karen Pogalz (aka “Cairn”) is a suburban girl with the soul of a wild woman. Her love of adventure was fostered by her parents and the scenery out the window of the family station wagon. Her travels have taken her to many places but her biggest adventure has been a marriage of thirty-five years and raising two boys. Guiding for Trailbound Trips during the 2016-2018 seasons fostered a path of self re-discovery that Karen hopes to cultivate for everyone who joins her on the trail. Karen’s trail name is Cairn…..(rocks that mark trail routes) and she is eager to discover new paths with you!

  • A woman standing on a grassy field with trees, mountains, and a waterfall in the background.

    Marlene Tres

    Marlene Tres (aka "River Rat") has guided for Trailbound’s day trips and getaways for many years. She grew up literally following in her father’s footsteps, as he took the family exploring and camping in America’s wild places, particularly the Southwest. Marlene earned her "River Rat" trail name on numerous whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. She serves as the early childhood director at a Lutheran school and is involved in church and community volunteer projects. Marlene and her husband are the proud parents of an adult son and daughter.

  • A woman stands in a wooded forest next to a trail marker post with the letter "A" on it. She is holding a hiking pole and is dressed in outdoor hiking gear, including a white tank top, black shorts, hiking shoes, and has a backpack.

    Julie Kanak

    Julie Kanak (aka "Wander Woman") has been a guide for day trips, Midwest getaways, and weeklong trips. She spent most of her professional life in the non-profit world ... at a foster care agency, a hospice program, as a professional mediator and as executive director of an international peace organization. No matter where she was working, this "unabashed tree-hugger" always had time to get out into nature! She recently got certified as a Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapists {ANFT}. Julie lives in Barrington, is the proud mother of 4 wonderful young men and one gorgeous granddaughter.

  • Donna Koenig

    Donna Koenig, (aka “Catniss”) has been part of Trailbound since 2023 and is currenlty finishing her Naturalist certificate through Kane County Forest Preserve District. Her passion for continuing to grow her own mind and interests is infectious. Donna loves taking women on adventures and enjoying the community each person brings.

  • Christine Foley

    Christine Foley (aka “MacGyver”) has been a part of Trailbound for many years, and has finally retired from the business world. Now, with a little more time, she has her eyes set on traveling, connecting with other women, and leading the trails for Trailbound. Christine is a proud mom to Ross who is an Army Field Artillery Officer stationed in Alaska, and Guinness and Jameson, her faithful four legged companions.

  • Chris Betz

    Chris Betz (aka “Mountain Mama”) is a woman who loves the water and the mountains. Her heart takes to help the Special Olympic skiers, supporting her community, and traveling abroad. Her newest venture, helping Trailbound begin the Urban hikes combines her love for learning, nature, getting to know other women, and having fun! Chris and her husband have 3 adult children who still love to hang out with them!

  • Kathryn Swanson

    Kathryn Swanson (aka “Laughing Ocean”) has been a part of Trailbound for many years, and recently retired from the world of technology. Kathryn’s heart embraces the relaxed feel of Trailbound and the good things that happen when a group of women discover new things in nature. Kathryn is helping lead the Urban hikes along with the much needed technology of the website!

“He will delight over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will dance for joy over you wtih singing.

— Zephaniah 3:17