About Us

More Than Insurance.
It’s About Family.

Welcome to Backcountry Family Life

We're a husband-and-wife team based in Ridgefield, Washington, and we believe that protecting the people you love should never feel complicated or overwhelming.

We're also parents to two teenagers, so we understand that family life is full of responsibilities, unexpected turns, and dreams for the future.

We know that the decisions we make today can have a lasting impact on the people who matter most to us.

That's a big part of why we do what we do.

Meet the Family Behind Backcountry Family Life

Mark and Dodie Yarger, founders of Backcountry Family Life

Mark & Dodie Yarger

We're a husband-and-wife team based in Ridgefield, Washington, and we believe that protecting the people you love should never feel complicated or overwhelming.

We're also parents to two teenagers, so we understand that family life is full of responsibilities, unexpected turns, and dreams for the future.

We know that the decisions we make today can have a lasting impact on the people who matter most to us.

That's a big part of why we do what we do.

Where Our Name Comes From

If you've spent much time in the Pacific Northwest, you know there's something special about getting away from the noise and spending time in the mountains, forests, and backcountry.

Those are some of the places we love most.

There's a certain peace that comes from being outdoors, away from the distractions of everyday life, enjoying the beauty of God's creation and spending time with the people you love.

When we were choosing a name, we wanted something that reflected who we are and what matters to us.

Backcountry Family Life felt like the perfect fit.

Backcountry

Represents adventure, freedom, and the places we love.

Family

Represents the people who make those adventures meaningful.

Life

That's what we're here to help you protect.

Why We Do This

We believe life insurance is about much more than policies, premiums, and paperwork.

It's about making sure the people you love have financial protection when they may need it most.

It's about helping a spouse remain in the family home.

Helping parents protect their children's future.

Helping adult children make thoughtful decisions about their aging parents.

And helping families prepare for expenses they know will eventually come.

We can't prevent every difficult thing life may bring. But we can help people explore ways to prepare financially for some of those possibilities.

That matters to us.

A Different Kind of Insurance Conversation

We know life insurance isn't always something people look forward to talking about.

It can be confusing. It can feel uncomfortable. And sometimes people simply don't know where to begin.

That's okay.

Our goal is to make the conversation easier.

We're independently licensed life insurance brokers, which means we can help you explore available options from multiple insurance providers rather than being limited to one company's products.

We'll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain your options in straightforward language.

No unnecessary pressure. No confusing sales pitch.

Just a conversation about what matters to you and how you might protect it.

Local Roots. A Broader Reach.

We're proud to call Ridgefield, Washington, home.

We love the communities of Southwest Washington and the people who make this area special.

But our ability to help families doesn't stop at the Washington border.

We're individually licensed to assist eligible clients in: Washington, Oregon, Utah, Kansas, Arizona, South Dakota, and Ohio.

Whether you're right here in Ridgefield or hundreds of miles away, we'd welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

Coverage options and availability vary by state, insurer, and individual eligibility.

Let's Start With a Conversation

You don't need to know exactly what kind of life insurance you need before contacting us.

You don't need to have all the answers.

And you certainly don't need to feel pressured into making a decision.

Tell us a little about your family, your concerns, and what you'd like to accomplish.

We'll help you explore your options and decide what makes sense for your circumstances.

Protect what matters. Secure your adventure.