About Me

I’m Austin, the person behind Canopy Currents.

Growing up in Florida, nature was abundant and I spent countless hours paddling rivers and sawgrass marshes. I was a counselor on my high schools yearly orientation camping trip, and my first job was as a paddle board guide leading creek and swamp tours. I hit a major turning point when I discovered rock climbing, only to not discover any nearby rocks upon which to climb. Thus began the lifelong adventure of finding new places, figuring out how to survive there, and pushing the envelope ever further.

Further, as in, driving cross-country to Utah as impromptu Plan B when my chosen destination in Alabama was struck by tornadoes 2 hours before my arrival. Yes, it’s exactly what you’re picturing: “Well, I don’t want to spend the weekend hunkering down in the bathroom/storm-shelter at the campground, and I’ve always wanted to go to Utah”, and proceeding to put the pedal down past my exit. My grandfather lovingly nicknamed me “The Iron Butt” for my ability to sit all day in a deer stand, which served me well on the subsequent 2 dozen cross-country road trips I made after falling in love with the American West.

The name comes from one of my earliest experiences in Oregon, watching fog roll through the trees along the coast like a current flowing through the canopy. It captured what I love about being outside: being both a spectator and participant in a landscape is alive and constantly changing. I will nerd out with you about ecosystem services, geology and hydrology, human history, and native species.

Much of my exploration revolved around balancing a finding an outlet for my own adventure addiction and finding somewhere the dogs could run free. This has led me to nearly all corners of the American West, predominantly on Public Lands operated by US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Today, I’m based in Central Oregon, where I spend as much time as I can fishing, whitewater kayaking, hiking, camping, and exploring everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

I have 3 dogs at very different levels of energy and physical activity. Some adventures are a single outing, others are a family affair. I’ve had to become an expert on dog-friendly everything...lodging, trails, and travel options. Don’t leave them out of the adventure, there’s always something to do!

I get personal fulfillment from planning epic trips for friends and families to enjoy, and would love to help you plan yours! Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Pacific Northwest or looking for your next adventure, I hope Canopy Currents helps you spend less time guessing and more time doing.

Explore. Plan. Get out there.