Skip to Content
Julian Smith photo

Julian Smith

Julian Smith is an award-winning nonfiction journalist specializing in history, science, and travel. His work appears in Smithsonian, Wired, Outside, National Geographic Traveler, and the Washington Post. His most recent book, Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World’s Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West, won the 2020 Oregon Book Award. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his family.

connect:
becky wilson, la grande, oregon, supports the greater idaho movement

When Democracy Fails

The counties of eastern Oregon are tired of the big liberal cities setting state policy. Their solution: secede and join Idaho.

Dec 21, 2023
california flood illustration

The Next Great California Flood

The deluge of 1862 turned the Central Valley into a lake and destroyed nearly every bridge in the region. Spurred by climate change, the conditions are ripe for an even worse inundation.

Jun 25, 2023
thirst illustrations

‘Agua, Agua’

In 1905, prospector Pablo Valencia survived a week without water as he walked—and stumbled, and crawled—more than 100 miles in the Sonoran Desert. Seventy-five years later, high school teacher Bill Broyles retraced his route and lived to talk about it.

Mar 27, 2023
us coast guard rescue illustration

Miracle on the Mountain

Deep in California’s Trinity Alps, two firefighters battling a fast-moving blaze were gravely injured by a falling boulder. Their best option for survival: a four-person Coast Guard team adept at sea rescues.

Sep 26, 2022
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below