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A Week to Remember at Silver Falls

Silver Falls State Park Rendezvous | August 20–25, 2025

Article by: Flower Butler 

This year’s Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC) Rendezvous brought climbers, friends, and newcomers together at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon from August 20–25, 2025. With warm weather, breathtaking scenery, and a community full of energy, it was truly a gathering to remember. Some of us enjoyed hikes to several waterfalls—including the rare chance to walk behind the falls—while others reached new heights among the towering trees. Each day offered both adventure and reflection.

The rendezvous wasn’t just about climbing—it was also about learning, sharing, and connecting through thoughtful presentations and demonstrations:

  • 🎨 Esteban Stephenson – Local mural nature artist, shared how art and nature inspire one another. 
  • 🌿 Anjali Kumar – Spoke on the unique experiences of working as a woman arborist, and the impacts this career has on life. 
  • 🌲 Joan Maloof – Spoke passionately on the importance of supporting and protecting old-growth forests.
  • 🌳 Leo Fisher – Owner of Tree Climbing at Silver Falls and host of this year’s event, shared about his programs, systems, tours, and partnership with Oregon State Parks. 
  • ⚡ Demo – Adaptive climb technique using a battery-operated ascender/descender. 
  • 🧗 Sam Johnson – Led a session on life-saving tree climbing rescue techniques.
  • 🌱 Sky Lan, PhD – Presented on Douglas fir disease prevention and protection. 
  • 🇰🇷 Seesaw Korea – Introduced how tree climbing is being incorporated into school classrooms in South Korea. 
  • 🐒 Paulina Rodriguez – Biologist from Costa Rica, spoke on canopy bridges used to protect wildlife through the OSA Conservation project. 

In addition to these inspiring talks, we enjoyed a lively round of TREEvia and a silent auction to raise scholarship funds for future rendezvous scholars.

Unique Experiences at Silver Falls 🌅🌙

This year’s rendezvous also gave climbers the chance to experience the forest in extraordinary ways:

  • Canopy Campout – Several climbers spent the night in hammocks high in the treetops. Drifting off under the stars and waking up with the sunrise above the forest canopy created unforgettable memories.
  • Sunset Tree Climbs – Each evening, climbers gathered for breathtaking sunset climbs. With golden light fading over the Oregon forest, these climbs were moments of peace, connection, and awe.

Voices from the Community ✨

One of the most beautiful parts of the rendezvous is hearing what stood out to each participant. Here are some of the highlights shared by our community:

  • Gene Orth– “The blend of these crazy people and the biological richness of the forest. The fantastic smells, the togetherness—it creates a brotherhood and sisterhood. I’m not a big people person, but situations like this are amazing.”
  • Dan House– “Seeing so many friends having so much fun—all with so much love for each other. Those outside our circle know not what they are missing.”
  • Joe Vogel – “My GOTC highlight was using the Electric ascender at the sunset tree.”
  • Nick Hatch – “Big trees (#15), endorphin rushes, cool people, new tricks. Sam’s safety rescue technique really made people think.”
  • Joel – “Going higher than ever before in the #25 tree. Sunset views, great service, long hikes—challenging myself in my own way.”
  • Andy Anderson – “This was my first rendezvous in 10 years, since Warm Springs 2015. My highlight was seeing familiar faces with no awkward tension—and when Mojo the dog ran up to me, Franc told me he doesn’t do that for just anyone.”
  • Dee – “Climbing to the top of the Howard Creek Tree—it’s big! The community, the people, the comfort in being together with a shared passion.”
  • Nira Avari – “As a first-timer, I loved the dinners—especially the baked potatoes!”
  • Deepti – “Climbing and hanging out on top of the tree with others. Amazing conversations and nights by the fire with Joanna singing.”
  • Anika – “Meeting and connecting with everyone. So grateful—thank you.”
  • Lazlo – “Saturday night walk, cartwheels in the grass after a week of climbing. Being around 60 people who refuse to grow up in a world trying to force them to.”
  • Brandon Butler – “Nights by the campfire are on of my favorite memories. I thank everyone for showing me what a “spiritual connection” means”
  • Joanna – “Nights around the fire.”

Gratitude 🌟

This rendezvous was about more than just climbing—it was about connection. Old friends reuniting, first-timers discovering the magic, and everyone contributing to the bond that keeps the GOTC community alive.

Thank you to all who came, shared their stories, sang around the fire, and climbed higher than ever before.

Here’s to more climbs, more friendships, and more adventures ahead.

🌲 Global Organization of Tree Climbers
“Rooted in nature, reaching for the sky.”