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.
Unexplained mystery sounds in Oregon? Our state is notorious for the paranormal and unsolved. From the heavily documented hauntings at Hot Lake and Dawson House Lodge to creepy experiences in the Van Duzer Corridor and the famous McMinnville…
Strong easterly winds have pushed the Cedar Creek fire east of Oakridge, Oregon an additional 18,700 acres since Friday. The fire is expected to move west down the Hwy. 58 corridor, with estimates ranging from 5-10 additional miles.…
Photos began appearing recently on Oregon social media accounts featuring actor and all-around rockstar Jack Black. In one photo with his family, Tyler Hodge described Black as "an awesome guy and so humble". Decked out in a straw…
Fort Stevens State Park is one of Oregon's greatest treasures. Located just 20 minutes west of Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, it's tailor suited for history buffs and nature enthusiasts, beachcombers, campers, and hikers. Image via…
Most of you know the story itself. You were there to witness the massive May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens in southwestern Washington State, or your forebears have related the tale. It's one of awe, but…
Have you ever wanted to stay in a lookout tower with a view from high above the rest of the world? Buena Vista Observatory offers just the thing. Climb to the top of the amply-sized three-story lodge, and…
The year 2024 is set to ignite the most thrilling camping season yet! Whether you're a seasoned explorer of Oregon's wilds or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes of tent pitching, That Oregon Life is your ultimate…
Happy Cenntenial Birthday! As of April 2022, the Oregon State Parks system has officially been in place for 100 years, and it all started with a meager five-acre donation in 1922. Today that acreage encompasses over 100,000 with…
A few years back, we wrote an article all about the geological wonder of Fort Rock and the incredible surrounding high desert area of Eastern Oregon's "outback" country. In 2022, we had the opportunity to book a tour…
Here at That Oregon Life, we're always searching for new and unique places to stay in this beautiful state of ours. From themed hotels, hobbit houses, treehouse resorts, and a restored granary we've covered quite a few, although…
Finders Keepers is returning to Lincoln City, Oregon for a special Spring Break edition. From Saturday, March 19 to Sunday, April 3, 2022, it's your chance to try your luck at finding one of 200 gorgeous hand-blown glass…
Spring is a fascinating season at the Oregon Coast for many reasons. One of our favorite excuses to visit the ocean is the annual return of migratory whales to our seaside waters. Oregon Whale Watching is always a…