About Us

Why Farthest Field Expeditions?

Wilderness Expeditions!

For over a decade, we’ve guided in the world’s great wilds: from the Fjords of Norway to Arctic Alaska. In these remote environments, we’ve learned a thing or two about making a fire, tying a knot, and reading the wilderness landscape. Let us share this home in the wilderness with you.

Student Involvement

On expedition with us, students to shed the role of passive passenger. Each student has a ‘big job:’ a responsibility that they specialize in for the duration of an expedition. In this way, they gain real-life skills and contribute meaningfully to the group.

Waldorf Rooted

Program Directors Lily and Tom are both graduates of a Eurythmy and Anthroposophy program, and Lily is a trained Curative Eurythmist. For 3 years, she taught at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School. We believe that Wilderness Expeditions hold a key to unlocking the human spirit, and the reverence for this possibility of growth stands at the center of our work.

Testimonials

"Tom's attention to detail, kindness, and backcountry skills are exemplary. He regularly leads whitewater rafting and hiking trips for me in some of the most remote areas of the Alaskan Arctic. Clients consistently praise his patience, expedition skills, and camp cookery. I highly recommend going on a trip with him!"

-Michael Wald,

Owner of Arctic Wild

“Professional, deeply caring, and well-organized, Lily and Tom are experienced and enthusiastic outdoor educators and guides. I have worked with them for over 18 years and I have every confidence in their abilities to deliver a highest quality outdoor program."

-Misha Golfman, M.Ed

Current Executive Director of Mad River Path,

Executive Director of Kroka Expeditions for 26 years.

“I didn’t want to let too much time pass before I expressed my appreciation for the panoply of skills you bring to your craft. Not just the obvious, starting a fire in the pouring rain, … but the soft skills as well. Your genuine interest in all of us as people, not merely as clients, was always apparent and forged the community that we all acknowledged in the last session of rose, thorn, and bud. You lead by example - the very best way. It was a rich experience. Thanks for making it memorable.”

-Richard W. J.D,

10-day Rafting Trip Client

Our History

Wilderness Expeditions in California since 2014

In 2014, the director of Kroka Expeditions Misha Golfman and Lily Frey (a native of California) ran the first Kroka trip on the west coast, thus beginning Kroka West. For the next nine years, Kroka West’s hard-working team ran many successful wilderness programs with the support and coordination of Lily and her family. In 2023, Kroka West’s leadership was formally transferred to Lily and her husband Tom under the new name: Farthest Field Expeditions.

Lily and Tom have guided trips for Kroka and other outdoor programs since 2008, and have served as program directors and lead instructors on numerous Kroka East and Kroka West programs for over eight years.

Under the new name Farthest Field Expeditions, we’re working to build on Kroka West’s success. Many veteran Kroka West Staff are returning to continue their work with Farthest Field Expeditions, and we’re deepening Kroka West’s itineraries and network of local support.

The Farthest Field awaits, somewhere beyond the next ridge or around the next bend in the river...

The Farthest Field Homestead and Basecamp

Located at the foot of Mt. Eddy, our off-grid homestead serves as headquarters for our wilderness expeditions. We are uniquely situated at the headwaters of both the Sacramento and the Shasta rivers, which flow to the South and Northwest of us respectively. To our east, one of the most Southern Cascade rises: mighty Mt. Shasta. With our basecamp at 4000 ft, the winters are full of deep drifting snow, and amazing back-country skiing. Spring brings splashes of colorful wildflowers, rushing cold streams, and lush grass to our meadow. Our land is home for Tom, Lily, toddler Elsa, baby Tobias, two dairy sheep, two dogs, a barn cat, and a flock of chickens.