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Happily Guiding Hikers

Since 2012 ~ Committed to Planet, Inclusion and Adventure

Discover Nature, LLC


Discover Nature, LLC/TourMtRainier is owned and operated by naturalist, professional tour guide and National Park geek, Diann Sheldon.

I have been discovering and exploring the great outdoors even before I was born! My parents were active adventurers taking me and my siblings camping, fishing, canoeing and backpacking during our time in Wyoming, Utah and Virginia. I attended college at the University of Arizona receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During my college days, I had several dream jobs working with birds in the Chiriachua Mountains of Arizona and Costa Rica. More dream jobs followed with my move to Oregon to work as a fisheries biologist with Mt. Hood National Forest. All of these experiences enriched my understanding of wild places and our relationship with the natural world.

As if I hadn’t lived in enough states in the US, I moved to Washington State where I worked as a professional tour guide for Tours Northwest, a local Seattle company. Working for a larger bus company gave me great experience and insight to how I could truly make a difference in someone’s visit to The Mountain.  I found people were missing a lot when they are at the mercy of a large group.  I knew it was time to create a tour that gave my guests an experience they will remember for a lifetime as well as pursue my dream for owning my own guide business.

When I announced to my friends and family that I was ready to venture into the guiding business, they all cheered and said, “FINALLY”!!!! I have had the opportunity to organize and lead numerous trips to Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Glacier, Mount Rainier, Olympic, Joshua Tree and Yellowstone National Parks.

Giving back to my local community and Washington’s National Parks is also something I am committed to. I volunteer for the Nisqually Land Trust, a local organization focused on improving the Nisqually River watershed. Nisqually Land Trust works to protect and steward lands that will permanently benefit the water, fish, wildlife, plants and people of this extremely important watershed. I am also an active contributor to Washington’s National Park Fund. Washington State is lucky to have three National Parks and WNPF is the official philanthropic partner to all three of them. Each year, they commit to raising awareness, understanding, financial support and experiences for each National Park. You can be proud knowing that when you book your guided day hike, you are supporting these causes as well.

Certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace and I am a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) graduate.

During my off-season, you will find me exploring more National Parks with my wife, family and friends. Volunteering with the Tacoma Branch of The Mountaineers organization, gives me the opportunity to give back to an amazing community and stay in shape! I am delighted to live with Mt. Tahoma/Rainier in my backyard, and look forward to the possibility of sharing this amazing National Park with you!