Science & Environment
Historic High Rock Lookout, shown here in an aerial drone photo taken by Mary Prophit in 2018, is perched on a 5,685-foot peak, offering visitors a spectacular view of Mount Rainier. It is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in the area.
Volunteers rebuild historic fire lookout at Mount Rainier after vandalism
Washington’s popular High Rock Trail is closed until September as restoration crews piece a scenic lookout back together.
Latest Stories

Where did the birds go? Why Oregon’s spring was quieter than usual
Some Oregon birdwatchers say this spring was strangely quiet – and the data backs that up.

Oregon puts the brakes on farm stand changes following public outcry
The goal was to clarify what’s allowed with so-called farm stands — usually the farms families go to to buy local fresh produce, pick berries or run through a corn maze. Conservation groups say the changes would preserve farmland. But some farmers active on social media said they would threaten aspects of their business.
A quick look: What’s allowed at Oregon farm stands
Some Oregon farms are up in arms about proposed changes to so-called farm stand rules. Gov. Tina Kotek has paused the changes for now, here’s a look at a few of the underlying issues.

Santiam Canyon state recreation areas officially open after 2020 fires
All state-run recreation sites in Oregon’s Santiam Canyon are officially open, five years after wildfires burned through much of the area east of Salem.

Oregon forestry board drills Gov. Tina Kotek’s staff on choosing next state forester
The Board of Forestry has long had the power to hire and fire the state forester. Then lawmakers passed a bill transferring that authority to the governor.

Oregon is experiencing more 90-plus degree days
Oregon is getting hotter with the number of 90 degree days on the rise in recent years. A climate science professor at Portland State University says Oregonians can expect to see that trend continue.

Temperatures soar across much of Oregon with few chances to cool off
Oregon is facing abnormally high temperatures this week, raising concerns about the health and safety of people who don’t have access to air conditioning, especially in areas of the state beset by wildfire.
Outdoor recreation key to mental health during crises, OSU-led survey concludes
Outdoor recreation played a key factor in improving people’s mental health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey led by Oregon State University researchers.

Oregon adopts Clean Trucks Rules as state fights Trump’s challenge
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s commission adopted permanent Clean Truck Rules, but they are unenforceable due to a Trump administration challenge.

Under Trump’s new law, Oregon could lose big on solar and wind energy projects
Under the Trump Adminstration's One Big Beautiful Bill, Oregon could lose about 4 gigawatts of planned wind and solar energy, or enough energy to power one million homes.