In the Siskiyou mountains at 4,000 feet exists one of the few marble caves in the National Park Service. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers, we explore the unique features of Oregon Caves National Monument you can find strange geology, go wild caving, and visit the only Wild and Scenic river underground called the River Styx. Show Notes …

The flourishing immigrant community at Bainbridge Island was home to people from all over the world looking for a new start in America. People from Finland, Japan, Italy, Austria, Hawaii, China and other countries came together to form an American melting pot of cultures and traditions. However, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the forced incarce…

The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 caused an economic boom for the city of Seattle. People flocked to the Pacific Northwest to gather supplies and board steamships north to Alaska. Newspapers promised new wealth and riches for any who made it to the Klondike. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers, we take a look at how the Gold Rush made Seattl…

Geomorphologist Paul Kennard calls Mount Rainier National Park the canary in a coal mine when it comes to climate change. Glaciers on Rainier melt at a rapid rate, causing issues with the park’s rivers and wildlife. And, resource rangers are at the forefront of dealing with a rapidly changing environment. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Range…

A trip to Mount Rainier National Park brings you through lush landscapes dotted with wildflowers. However, a beast lies beneath the park! The mountain is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Does that mean the park is dangerous? On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers sit down with a Park Geologist to learn more about …

The tale of Lewis and Clark is one many Americans heard in school. Two mountain men who explore the west with a passion for adventure. While many of us romanticize the expedition, there’s a lot more to this story. The Corps of Discovery, composed of 33 people, heads west with military men, hunters, translators, a slave and a dog. This won’t be the …

In the early 1800’s the US went through a revival of Christianity and people of faith signed up to minister to the Native American people in the west. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman leave their lives behind in New York to become one of the first families to travel the Oregon Trail. They preach to the Cayuse Tribe, and through a series of cultural misu…

Bark Ranger Gracie has a big job at Glacier National Park: to keep wildlife away from high visitor use areas in the park. But once she’s finished her work, Ranger Mark Biel steps in and educates visitors on the importance of wildlife safety. Listen in to this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers to find out more about changing our mindset around h…

The Battle of Little Bighorn is one of the most written about and mythologized battles in US history. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers, we talk with Ranger Steve Adelson about Custer’s Last Stand, the evolution of the National Monument, and why we preserve battlefields. Show Notes found at: https://www.virtualkamper.com/pwpr17/ Help ke…

How does the National Park Service keep the presidents looking pristine? In this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers we discuss Mount Rushmore preservation efforts with the Assistant Cheif of Interpretation, Blaine Kortemeyer. We learn about his unique role on the Rope Access team — a unique group of Rangers who see eye to eye with the presidents…

Have you ever wondered how four presidential faces end up carved into the side of a mountain in the Black Hills... The post Mt Rushmore: The Story Behind An American Icon – PWPR 15 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

What would it be like growing up in the National Parks? Ranger Aaron Kaye’s father was also a Park Ranger, and... The post Badlands NP: Growing Up in the National Parks – PWPR 14 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Badlands National Park wildlife is in a class of its own. Bison, bighorn sheep and the endangered black-footed ferret draw people... The post Badlands NP: Bison, Bighorn Sheep and Black Footed Ferret – PWPR 13 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Did you know the birth of American Paleontology occurred at Badlands National Park? The park is home to one of the... The post Badlands NP: Paleontology and Visitor Fossil Discoveries – PWPR 12 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

We take a look at the Cold War, as we discuss tensions with the USSR which led to the creation of... The post Minuteman Missile NHS: Commanding the Missile – PWPR 11 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Let’s explore what life as a climbing ranger at one of the premier parks for mountain climbing in the world, Rocky... The post Rocky Mountain: Climbing Ranger – PWPR 10 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Elks, pika, and marmot, oh my! Meet the otherworldly mammals of the alpine tundra. And, learn what it takes to dig... The post Rocky Mountain: Alpine Tundra – PWPR 9 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Plant and insect fossils and petrified tree stumps are the main attractions at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. But, many visitors... The post A Fossil Day at Florissant – PWPR 8 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

The red rock canyons of Utah are some of the most iconic landscapes in the National Park System. In the Needles... The post Canyonlands: The Needles District – PWPR 7 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

The tallest sand dunes in North America are located high in the mountains of Colorado. But did you know, they can... The post Great Sand Dunes NP: Singing Sands – PWPR 6 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

The National Parks are often acclaimed as America’s Greatest Idea. But did you know, our National Parks are also America’s Largest... The post Arches NP: Parks As Classrooms – PWPR 5 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Ancient lava flows compose a major part of a dramatic and barren landscape at El Malpais National Monument, located in the... The post El Malpais NM: Life Among Ancient Lava Flow – PWPR 4 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

A park well known for historical graffiti – El Morro National Monument is a hidden gem of the National Park System.... The post El Morro NM: What It Means To Leave Your Mark – PWPR 3 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

Let’s talk bats, microbes and cave maps! Rod Horrocks is a Physical Scientist and the Chief of Resources Stewardship and Science... The post Carlsbad Caverns: Bats, Caves and Microbe Wars – PWPR 2 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K

What’s it like to be a Park Ranger at one of the biggest caves in the US? Let’s explore the other-worldliness... The post Carlsbad Caverns: Finding Peace in the Darkness – PWPR 1 appeared first on Virtual Kamper.By Virtual Kamper - Host: Lucas V-K