About Us

  Mark and Misty met in the fall of 2016 in Montana's Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Their love of the outdoors, wildlife, and travel has led them to take on an adventure like no other. In 2023 Mark and Misty relocated to Talkeetna, AK with their team 0f 18, establishing Walker's Wild Ride the following year just down the road in Willow, AK, home of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

  Mark was born in Bozeman, Montana but grew up in Columbus, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and West Lafayette, Indiana. He was active in Boy Scouts, competitive soccer, and traveling with his family on cross-country camping trips. The Walker’s routinely spent part of their summer's fly fishing in Montana, exploring Yellowstone National Park, visiting a family cabin in Ontario (fishing), and doing High Adventures with their Scout Troop.

  Mark did not grow up around dogs of any kind! After adopting a puppy on the whim at the age of 19, and reading a book about dog sledding, he decided to pursue opportunities training and racing sled dogs full-time. He has worked with competitive kennels from Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, and Alaska. Mark has qualified for the 1049-mile Iditarod; completing the Copper Basin 300, Northern Lights 300, and Sheep Mountain 150. Mark is also an artist and author, utilizing his creative skills to help support the team. Check out some of his work in the shop to show your support!

  Misty Rehder hails from Portland, Oregon, and is the oldest of six siblings. Upon graduating high school Misty headed to Yellowstone National Park where she spent several winters working remote at The Old Faithful Inn.

  She has spent nearly two decades working in the outdoor recreation industry as a cross-country ski instructor, retail specialist, logistics manager, and guide. She is involved in all aspects of caring for and training the dog team, and is signed up for her first race The T-Dog 50, March 2026. Check out the shop and help her race in style!

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