Derek Bratton

A fan discovered one of Pops’ treasures near Pettit Reservoir, laser-engraved it with “PopsRocksPNW,” and returned it to him. Pops now plans to hide the engraved keepsake at a local store in downtown Silverton. Photo By Derek Bratton SILVERTON, Ore. — A YouTuber known locally as "Pops" from the PopsRocksPNW community, placed a massive stone and dozens of smaller rocks and gems throughout Silverton neighborhoods aiming to lure residents outdoors for discovery and adventure. Pops is a...

A single dead adult quagga mussel discovered on the shoreline of a central Oregon reservoir has triggered an intensive monitoring effort as state wildlife officials work to prevent the highly invasive species from gaining a foothold. The mussel was found June 6 during a routine invasive species survey at Prineville Reservoir, marking the first time the prolific freshwater mollusk has been detected in or near an Oregon waterbody, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife....

Silverton, Ore. In the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, two pizza makers are giving customers a fresh taste of tradition with wood-fired pies at The Old Oak Oven. Kelan Wall and Christian Epping, owners of the popular Silverton pizzeria, recently invited ExpeditionPNW behind the counter for an exclusive look at how they make their Margarita pizza from start to finish. Christian Epping walked viewers step by step through the creation of the shop’s classic Margherita pizza, demonstrating...