When Opportunity Presents Itself: Silver Falls State Park

Half-way through my time at Wallowa Lake, I learned of a camp host opening at Silver Falls State Park, which is a lot closer to Portland and considered the crown jewel of Oregon State Parks.  The park is famous for its trail of 10 waterfalls. They needed a campground host for the month of August.

I was loving my time at Wallowa Lake and knew that Silver Falls was one of the most desired campgrounds in the state—both for camping and for hosts. If I was going to continue hosting, it would be an ideal opportunity. The only issue was that I was planning to hit the road after Wallowa Lake, slowly making my way to Boston and Syracuse to see family.

But this year isn’t a year like most. Travel is not impossible, but it is certainly different than what I had planned. Hot days are hard, because coffee shops and restaurants, where I would normally go to cool off and write for a while are all closed. Some campgrounds are still closed, not allowing out of state visitors, or are fully booked, as camping is one of the few “safe” activities families can do.

I’m also noticing as Olive has aged—she’s almost 12—she requires a lot more stops. She’s getting uncomfortable with long drives and needs to stop about every hour or so to get out of the van. The thought of driving across the US and stopping every hour or two is quite daunting. She’s been really great at our campsites, in fact seems excited when we pull into “home” after a day out exploring.

And then there is also the potential of Covid-19 infection. The more I travel, the more I put myself at risk. Stops at gas stations, tourist points and grocery stores could all expose me to the virus. I also worry about getting sick somewhere in the middle of the country where I don’t know anyone or have any support.  Many Rvers are changing their travel plans this year, choosing to stay closer to home. In fact, some states flat out do not want or allow out of state visitors.

I enjoyed hosting so much at Wallowa Lake. I loved riding around in the golf cart, interacting with campers, the physical work of cleaning out campsites and stacking firewood. I loved hiking and exploring after work. I loved the community of hosts and park staff I was working with and getting to really know a part of the state I had only passed through before.

My biggest issue at Wallowa Lake was the lack of cell phone and wifi. I confirmed that Silver Falls did not have that problem.  Taking a hosting assignment at Silver Falls seemed like the best next step for me. Except for one thing. I was concerned about letting family down. I know my sister and my nieces and nephew were really looking forward to me spending the summer with them. And I was looking forward to it too. When else would I have a free summer to hang out with them? And they’re the perfect age to have summer adventures with. If I could only beam myself there.

After a lot of thought and some chats with family, I decided to come to Silver Falls. I did tell myself before this trip started that I would be open to whatever opportunities presented themself to me. While I am happy to be here, I am still a bit sad about not spending a fun summer with my nieces and nephew and the rest of my family.

But who knows what other opportunities will present themself to me. For now, I am going to enjoy these moments here at a new amazing Oregon State Park.