Grand Opening July 10th, 2026!
Adventure Off the Beaten Path
Grand Opening July 10th, 2026!
Adventure Off the Beaten Path
The Faces Behind the Adventure
Shawn Hess and Karin Burnside-Hess founded Wander Washington UTV Tours with a singular mission: to share the raw beauty Mt. Rainier backcountry through safe, exhilarating, and guided off-road experiences. Their shared vision combines a deep respect for the Washington wilderness with a passion for high-octane exploration, ensuring every guest leaves with a new perspective on the Pacific Northwest Forest landscape.
Karin Burnside-Hess
Karin Burnside-Hess's love for off-road adventure started in childhood, exploring Washington's rugged off-road trails on 'jeeping' trips with her mom and dad. Growing up in Black Diamond, many of her favorite offroad memories were made in the mountains and trails near Mount Rainier with family and friends.
Those early adventures and her love of the mountain beauty made perfect sense to create Wander Washington UTV tours with Shawn where she can share the same sense of excitement, freedom, and connection to the outdoors with others. Her goal is to help guests experience the beauty of the Elbe Hills forest in a fun, safe, and unforgettable way.
Karin's degree in business administration from Seattle University took her into Healthcare IT for 30 years. She looks forward to using her knowledge in this new venture!
Shawn Hess
Shawn Hess brings decades of off-road expertise and a deep-seated passion for the Pacific Northwest to Wander Washington UTV Tours. With an extensive background in off-roading from 3 wheelers in the 80's to a Full-Size Power Wagon for several years, to UTV's he has spent countless hours at Elbe, Tahuya, Evans Creek, Rim Rock and other areas. Shawn ensures that every tour is as safe as it is exhilarating. His connection to the Mt. Rainier region is personal living in South Prairie and keeping a weekend getaway in Morton; he has spent years exploring the rugged ridgelines of Elbe Hills, the terrain and finding the most breathtaking vistas. Shawn's commitment to community and conservation drives his vision for sustainable adventure, inviting guests to experience the raw beauty of Washington's backcountry while fostering a respect for the land he calls home.