Danielle Denham is a writer, photographer, and devoted history buff with a soft spot for Oregon’s forgotten places. Her love of old schoolhouses, abandoned homesteads, and the lives once lived inside them has taken her down back roads across the state. She was featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide, exploring the historic Charles Nelson House with a former resident shortly before the home was lost to wildfire. Watch the feature.
At That Oregon Life, Danielle shares local history, good food, memorable adventures, and the quirks that make Oregon home. When she isn’t exploring, you may find her spending time in Eugene with Tyler James and his two awesome kiddos. If there’s an old building with a mysterious past along the way, consider the afternoon’s plans officially derailed.
Seaside, Oregon, is a charming coastal town located on the northern coast of the state, known for its stunning ocean views, charming shops, and unique attractions. In fact, it's the coastal town that my folks took me to…
Located in the beautiful Umpqua National Forest in Southern Oregon, Umpqua Hot Springs is a hidden gem that offers visitors an unforgettable experience of relaxation and natural beauty. The Cascade Mountain Range is a lovely backdrop, while the…
There's something truly magical about these pint-sized flying powerhouses. Watching hummingbirds feeding, flitting around, and performing their stunning aerial aerobatics can keep you occupied for hours. Even if you don't happen to have a feeder in your yard…
Located just off Main Street in Springfield, Oregon, the Kona Café Hawaiian Barbecue has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for as long as I can remember. If you're looking for a taste of the islands…
Yes, I was a Twilight fan. I'm not going to say I was a "Twi-Hard" by any means, but in my 20's I enjoyed the books immensely. I also may have seen every movie in the theater as…
As I sit here at home in front of my laptop typing away, every now and again there's a place that's painful to write about. Not painful in an "ouch" sort of way, but in the sense that…
Listen up foodies, sometimes you can sniff out a top-notch eatery from a mile away, like a bloodhound on the scent of a juicy steak. But when a restaurant has a line so long it would make Disneyland…
In 2012, debris of all kinds began washing up on the shores of Oregon's coastline, the largest of which was a 66-foot concrete dock that made its way to Agate Beach. This was only the largest tip of…
If you're a fan of the Grand Canyon and the great, untouched American West, but are looking for a similar experience closer to home, the Owyhee Canyonlands in Eastern Oregon are just the ticket. This stunning natural wonder offers a rugged and…
There's almost nothing I love more than eating at a vintage diner. The delicious aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, sweet sounds of oldies music in my ears, the feeling of my legs sliding into the vinyl booth, and all…
Ever wondered about all the dangerous, venomous, poisonous, and toxic stuff Oregon has to offer? We have too. Therefore, That Oregon Life has compiled a list of MOST of those things in one handy article with some caveats,…
Located at the southern end of the Willamette River in Clackamas County, Oregon City is a historic character in and of itself. Located south of Portland, the town is situated just below the majestic Willamette Falls, which has…