Our roots sprouted in Central Oregon and have grown into a trusted guide for outdoor enthusiasts seeking meaningful connections to the outdoors. What started as a passion for inspiring and educating adventurers has blossomed into a mission to empower people and strengthen communities through the transformative power of outdoor recreation.
It all began with the simple joy of helping others explore the outdoors—offering advice, organizing meetups, and creating opportunities for discovery. From rock climbing to paddleboarding, backpacking to volunteering, we’ve fostered a community where adventurers come together to share experiences and build lasting connections. Along the way, we’ve expanded to provide personalized itineraries, expert consulting, and a hub of resources rooted in years of hands-on experience as a park and wilderness professional.
Every step of this journey has been guided by our deep respect for the outdoors and our belief in the power of recreation to inspire growth, community, and connection. These values have shaped our mission, vision, and ethos—defining who we are and what we stand for as we continue to lead others on their paths to a life outdoors.
To simplify paths to enjoying the outdoors, foster stronger communities through outdoor recreation, and empower personal growth while inspiring meaningful connections rooted in nature and knowledge.
To cultivate a thriving community where outdoor recreation unites people, enriches lives, and inspires deeper connections to nature, knowledge, and shared experiences.
Which pillar resonates with you the most? Click below to explore the framework and start your journey today.
This ethos framework serves as a powerful guide to transforming outdoor experiences into meaningful connections with yourself, nature, and your community. Each pillar fosters thoughtful exploration and growth, empowering you to live a life rooted in adventure and purpose.
Description:
Every great transformation begins with a solid foundation. Root Yourself in Recreation by discovering outdoor activities that align with your passions and strengths. This is your pathway to feeling grounded, energized, and ready to thrive.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Find the activity that ignites your growth. [Take the Strength Finder Quiz – Coming Soon!]
Description:
Awaken your mind and body by fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Engage Your Senses to reconnect with the present moment and unlock a clearer, more focused version of yourself.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Start your sensory journey today. [Download the Sensory Immersion Guide – Coming Soon!]
Description:
Your journey becomes richer when it’s shared. Share Your Experience to create deeper connections, celebrate your growth, and inspire others to embrace their own potential.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Connect and grow with like-minded adventurers. [Sign Up for the Collective – Coming Soon!]
Description:
True growth comes from meaningful connections. Pursue Connection to Place by learning the stories of the land, discovering its history, and finding your role within the places that inspire you.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Discover the stories that shape your journey. [Download the Place Connection Guide – Coming Soon!]
Description:
Gratitude is the bridge to abundance. When you Express Gratitude, you unlock a powerful mindset that creates joy, strengthens connections, and fuels your growth journey.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Start living with gratitude today. [Download the Outdoor Gratitude Journal – Coming Soon!]
Description:
True transformation happens when we connect and grow with others. Champion Community by building meaningful relationships, collaborating on shared goals, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. Together, we create a stronger foundation for personal and collective growth.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Join a community built on growth, connection, and shared purpose. [Free Resources and Community Events – Coming Soon!]
Description:
Every experience holds a lesson, and every lesson has the power to inspire. Teach Through Adventure to strengthen your own growth and empower others to discover their path to transformation.
How It Helps You Level Up:
CTA:
Lead and inspire others to grow. [Outdoor Leadership Guide Coming Soon!]
“Recreation to me is more than visiting beautiful places—it’s about forming a connection with the land, learning its story, and becoming part of its legacy.”
“Some of the most rewarding moments of my career have been teaching kids about the wonders of wilderness. Watching their curiosity spark and grow into enthusiasm for nature is truly something special.”
“The outdoors reflects back who we are, challenges us to grow, and inspires us to leave behind something better—not just in nature, but in our lives.”
Trevor Chrsitianson is the visionary behind Recreation Leader, combining over eight years of experience as a Park Ranger, Educator, & Naturalist with a passion for building community and fostering connections to the outdoors. His roles with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Oregon State Parks shaped his deep understanding of conservation, recreation, and the transformative power of nature.
As Vice President of Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness and an active board member of the High Desert Climbers Alliance, Trevor’s dedication to stewardship and sustainable recreation goes beyond professional boundaries. He’s known for his ability to “connect the dots,” uniting people and resources to create meaningful outdoor experiences and lasting community bonds.
Trevor’s mission with Recreation Leader is clear: to simplify paths to enjoying the outdoors, strengthen communities through recreation, and inspire personal growth and connection through nature and knowledge. His innovative RESPECT Your Recreation ethos serves as a guide for all who seek to explore, connect, and grow in the great outdoors.
When Trevor isn’t crafting resources or guiding outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll find him exploring Central Oregon’s trails, climbing routes, and hidden natural wonders—always with a sense of adventure and a commitment to sharing the joy of recreation with others.
Conserving Wilderness Character
The Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness is a volunteer-led organization committed to protecting and preserving Wilderness character within the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests through projects such as trail-junction sign replacement, light trail work, and campsite restoration.
Climbing Advocacy Group
The High Desert Climbers Alliance is a collective of climbers in Central Oregon that protects and expands climbing access while keeping our natural lands safe and beautiful.
Our work is built on a foundation of shared purpose and action. Through meaningful adventures, conservation, and education, we’ve empowered thousands to explore Central Oregon while giving back to the trails that make it possible.
We’ve led over 917 guided programs, empowering individuals and groups to explore the beauty of Central Oregon while fostering respectful recreation.
Our work has spanned 208 unique miles, combining exploration with action to ensure these pathways remain sustainable for generations to come.
From workshops to outdoor adventures, over 19,577 individuals have gained the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to deepen their connection to the outdoors with joy, respect, and a commitment to stewardship.
All of this work has shaped the RESPECT Your Recreation ethos—a seven-step journey inspiring individuals to build meaningful connections with themselves through the outdoors.
Permit systems are constantly evolving, making trip planning increasingly complex. We simplify the process with free resources on our website, cutting through the red tape of permits, lotteries, and access rules. For a more personalized experience, our 1:1 consultations save you time and eliminate stress, ensuring your outdoor adventures are seamless—no matter how complicated the system becomes.
Each year, rising costs make it harder for public land agencies to maintain trails, keep visitor services running, and hire the staff needed to get the job done—leading to more permits and lottery systems to limit access. Nonprofits have stepped up to take on much of the workload. We partner with these organizations to connect you with impactful ways to volunteer, donate, and take action. By amplifying their efforts through our content, we help close funding gaps and ensure the outdoor spaces we love remain open and accessible to all.
Suppressing wildfires has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the cost of fighting fires increasing every year. As more funds are diverted to cover these growing expenses, critical resources for visitor services, maintenance, and other departments are being depleted. This forces agencies to operate with ‘skeleton crews’ or shut down entirely—perpetuating the problem by limiting access and restricting their ability to hire staff beyond fire-related roles.
To address some of these challenges, we created an ArcGIS map, available on our Weather, Wildfires & Smoke page. This map provides the most up-to-date information on wildfires, smoke, and even highlights potential fire locations identified by NOAA’s Hazard Mapping System, keeping you informed and safe.
We also offer a wildfire education program suitable for all ages, providing a comprehensive 360° view of how we arrived at this point, what actions are being taken, and how you can contribute to fire safety. To learn more about this program, visit our Services page.
Who wouldn’t want the best outdoor tips and hidden gems at their fingertips? No compass needed—our guide brings you expert advice, must-see trails, and stories to inspire your next adventure.
