Curious Nature Guided Adventures | Guided with Expertise, Rooted in Respect
Welcome
I'm Erica Hausfeld, owner of Curious Nature Guided Adventures. I'd love to share the brown bears of Katmai with you — on their terms, in their natural environment.
Partners In The Field
I came to bear guiding in 2021, after leading hiking and cycling trips since 2004 through a wide range of outdoor environments across the United States and twenty-plus countries. Lance has been my partner in Katmai from the start — first as my mentor, and for years now as co-leads on every trip. We bring different personalities and different strengths to the field, grounded in the same respect for the bears, the country, each other, and the guests who join us there. After all these years and all these places, this is who I want to be in the field with.
Meet Your Guides
Erica Hausfeld
Erica's path to naturalist guiding began long before moving to Alaska — through years of international travel, a Semester at Sea circumnavigating the globe, and nearly 18 years leading cycling and hiking tours in over 20 countries.
It was Alaska that changed everything. After moving to Homer during the COVID-19 pandemic, Erica stepped into the world of coastal brown bears and was immediately captivated. Mentored by members of a long lineage of passionate guides and wildlife advocates who helped build the bear viewing industry in Katmai, she absorbed their deep respect for ethical wildlife observation and carried those values forward into her own work.
Erica describes guiding as a nuanced, attentive dance — balancing safety, the guest experience, and unwavering respect for the bears and their daily rhythms, always striving for a minimal-impact presence that allows bears to go about their lives naturally.
Her guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that full sensory immersion creates lasting personal connection. She is intentional about individualizing the group experience — meeting each guest where they are to make every encounter truly extraordinary.
Lance Bassett
Lance's path to guiding began after a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2012 as a Chief Petty Officer. Drawn to the pristine landscapes of Katmai, he found his passion while supporting the film crew of Disney Nature's "Bears" — working alongside award-winning cinematographers and deepening his connection with the natural world in the process.
Lance is part of a long lineage of Katmai guides, having been mentored by some of the most experienced voices in the field. That tradition of knowledge, respect, and stewardship now shapes how he guides others — he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of naturalist guides and passing forward the values that make respectful bear viewing possible.
With 14 years of guiding experience, Lance has led guests from around the world, sharing in their wonder as they encounter Alaska's remarkable wildlife. Whether witnessing a coastal brown bear up close or taking in Katmai's breathtaking landscapes, every moment speaks to the wilderness's power to inspire and transform.
Lance has participated in KTVA's "Big Bear Week," guided Nikon Ambassadors, and contributed to Alaska Magazine and Homer Magazine.
Our Commitment
Ensuring the safety of both guests and bears is our top priority, without compromise.
We are fortunate to observe the brown bears of Katmai as tolerated — and often ignored — visitors. This rare opportunity comes with responsibility. Decades of respectful visitation have made these experiences possible, and it is essential that we continue to approach them with care.
Our goal is to guide you in observing and photographing bears safely while minimizing any impact on their natural behavior and daily routines. Each encounter is shaped by thoughtful choices in the field.
It is a privilege to lead expeditions in this remarkable place, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
