Recreation Leader took root in Central Oregon as a passion project to inspire and educate outdoor enthusiasts. What began with organizing meetups, sharing advice, and sparking discovery has grown into a vibrant community hub. Today, we offer personalized itineraries, expert consulting, and a wealth of resources—built on years of hands-on experience as park and wilderness professionals.
From rock climbing to paddleboarding, backpacking to volunteering, we unite adventurers to share experiences and forge lasting bonds. Every step of our journey reflects our deep respect for the outdoors and our belief in its power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful connections.
To simplify paths to enjoying the outdoors, foster stronger communities through outdoor adventures, and empower personal growth through nature, knowledge, and AI-powered tools.
To cultivate a thriving community where outdoor recreation unites people, enriches lives, and deepens connections to nature, knowledge, and shared experiences.
Our RESPECT framework transforms outdoor adventures into pathways for growth and connection. Which pillar speaks to you?
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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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 Christianson is the visionary behind Recreation Leader, blending over eight years as a Park Ranger, Educator, and Naturalist with a passion for uniting people through outdoor exploration. His work with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Oregon State Parks honed his expertise in conservation, recreation, and nature’s transformative power. As Vice President of Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness and a board member of the High Desert Climbers Alliance, Trevor champions stewardship and sustainable recreation, creating meaningful experiences that strengthen community bonds.
Trevor’s mission with Recreation Leader is to simplify outdoor enjoyment, foster community, and inspire growth through nature, knowledge, and cutting-edge AI tools. His innovative RESPECT framework guides adventurers to explore, connect, and thrive in the great outdoors. When he’s not crafting resources or exploring Central Oregon’s trails and climbing routes, Trevor is developing AI-powered tools to enhance everyone’s outdoor adventures.
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.
Permit systems and lotteries can make trip planning a maze. Our AI-driven tools cut through the complexity, offering free resources to decode permits, passes, and rules on our site. Need more? Our 1:1 consultations use smart tech to save time and stress, ensuring your outdoor adventures start smoothly—no matter the red tape
Rising costs strain public land agencies, limiting trails, services, and staff—fueling more permits to restrict access. Nonprofits fill the gap, and we amplify their work with AI-enhanced content and connections. Join us to volunteer, donate, or advocate, strengthening our outdoor community and keeping these spaces open for all.
Wildfire costs drain agency budgets, slashing resources for trails and staff—tightening access across public lands. Our AI-powered ArcGIS map on the Weather, Wildfires & Smoke page delivers real-time wildfire, smoke, and risk data from NOAA’s systems. Stay safe and informed, shaping your best outdoor self with cutting-edge knowledge.
Through hands-on programs, trail stewardship, and education, we’ve empowered thousands to thrive outdoors in Central Oregon and beyond. This legacy of action fuels our mission to simplify access, strengthen communities, and inspire growth through public lands everywhere.
We’ve led over 917 guided programs, empowering individuals and groups to explore the beauty of the Outdoors while fostering respectful recreation.
We’ve stewarded 208 unique trail miles, blending exploration with care to sustain our Public Land’s paths for the future.
Through workshops and adventures, 19,577+ people have embraced outdoor knowledge and stewardship in Central Oregon and beyond.
Our 7-pillar RESPECT ethos, born from this work, inspires you to grow through outdoor recreation and connection.
✨ Simplify your adventures, connect with community, and grow through nature, hassle-free.”
