Yurts are now ubiquitous at campgrounds across Oregon, but it wasn’t so long ago that the round structures were a novel concept for campers.

This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast dives into the surprising history of yurts in Oregon. Jamie and Jim are joined by Craig Tutor, the former state parks manager who first put yurts into parks back in the early 1990s.

We also discuss how and where to find yurts around the state so you can book an experience for yourself.

Here are some highlights:

How yurts helped turn around Oregon’s stumbling state parks system.

What is it about a yurt that’s so special?

Why Craig thinks Oregon state parks could add even more yurts in the future.

What does it take to book a yurt?

Jamie talks about a few of the best places to book a yurt around the state.

Read Jamie’s story on how yurts helped save Oregon state parks, and see 25 places to rent a yurt around Oregon.

Here’s the full episode.

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-- Jim Ryan and Jamie Hale