Rogue Ranger Radio

The Dad Effect - Parks That Shaped Us

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:16:50 GMT

Summary:

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar reflect on the parks and places that shaped their childhoods, highlighting how family trips and experiences inspired their careers in outdoor recreation and park management. They share personal stories, recent park expansions, and advice for aspiring park professionals.

Keywords:

Outdoor recreation, parks, California, Yosemite, Death Valley, park ranger, family trips, conservation, public lands, career in parks

Key topics:

Childhood park experiences

Influence of family trips on career choices

Recent park expansions in California

Unique parks and hidden gems in California

Advice for aspiring park professionals

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation and Personal Stories

04:38 Exploring Childhood Memories in Nature

09:29 Diverse Outdoor Experiences: From Yosemite to Death Valley

14:48 The Impact of Family on Career Paths in Parks

19:34 Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation Careers

23:01 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources:

California State Parks - https://www.parks.ca.gov/

Death Valley National Park - https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Yosemite National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Bodie State Historic Park - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509

Pacific Telephone Pioneers - https://www.telephonepioneers.org/

Web and Social Media Links:

· Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:

o E-mail – roguerangerradio@gmail.com

o Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio

o Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio

Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio

Black Diamonds and Glass - Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Sat, 16 May 2026 21:24:08 GMT

Join Don Schmidt, Jenna Randar, and Park Naturalist Katie Garchar as they explore the rich history, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Discover insider tips for visitors, fascinating facts about the park's mining past, and how to make the most of your visit to this unique California landmark.

Keywords:

Black Diamond Mines, East Bay Regional Park, California parks, mining history, hiking trails, wildlife, park tours, family activities, park safety

Topics:

History of coal and sand mining at Black Diamond Mines

Top trails and family-friendly hikes

Wildlife and ecosystems within the park

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

04:15 Visitor Tips for Black Diamond Mines

06:33 Attractions of Black Diamond Mines

08:10 Biodiversity and Wildlife

11:03 Popular Trails and Accessibility

13:38 History of Mining at Black Diamond

15:28 Sand Mining and Its Importance

18:21 Visitor Center Experience

20:54 Tours and Family Activities

23:50 Safety and Seasonal Considerations

28:14 The Journey to Rogue Ranger Radio

29:09 Father's Day Reflections and Park Connections

Web Links:

East Bay Regional Park District - https://www.ebparks.org

Black Diamond Mines - East Bay Parks - https://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond_mines/

Old Man River, Safely - Auburn State Recreation Area

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:10:33 GMT

The conversation delves into outdoor recreation in Northern California, focusing on Auburn State Recreation Area and Mount Diablo State Park. It covers access points, family-friendly activities, and the history of the Auburn Dam and Forest Hill Bridge. The interview with the Superintendent of Auburn State Recreation Area provides valuable insights into the park's features and access points, while the discussion on Mount Diablo State Park highlights its special features and significance. The conversation covers two primary themes: Auburn's endurance events and river safety and recreation. The first theme explores the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride and the Western States Endurance Run, highlighting their history, significance, and international participation. The second theme delves into the natural beauty and wildlife of Auburn, emphasizing the diverse flora, fauna, and river safety measures for visitors. These themes provide valuable insights into Auburn's outdoor activities and the importance of safety when engaging in river recreation.

Takeaways

Outdoor recreation in Northern California
Auburn State Recreation Area features multiple access points and seasonal adventures
Park interpreter from Mount Diablo State Park shares insights
Access and parking at Auburn State Recreation Area
Family-friendly places and activities at Auburn State Recreation Area
History of the Auburn Dam and Forest Hill Bridge Auburn's Endurance Events
River Safety and Recreation

Show Notes:

· Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:

o E-mail – roguerangerradio@gmail.com

o Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio

o Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio

o Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio

· California State Parks:

o Auburn SRA - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1345

o Marshall Gold Discovery SHP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484

· Auburn Recreation District: https://auburnrec.com/parks/overlook-park/

· Dreamflows – River Flow Rates: https://www.dreamflows.com

CalTrans and Highway Conditions - https://roads.dot.ca.gov

Rainy Day Museums S1E5

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:20:57 GMT

Keywords:

Northern California, outdoor recreation, Sacramento, museums, history, rainy day activities, social media, printmaking, family-friendly, California State Railroad Museum

Summary:

In this episode, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar explore outdoor recreation in Northern California, focusing on rainy day museums, particularly the Sacramento History Museum and the California State Railroad Museum. They discuss the importance of social media in promoting these museums, the interactive exhibits that engage younger audiences, and the unique art of printmaking. The conversation also highlights the historical significance of Old Sacramento and offers tips for visiting these attractions, including family-friendly activities and volunteer opportunities.

Takeaways:

The Sacramento History Museum offers a variety of exhibits showcasing local history.

Social media has significantly increased the visibility of museums.

Interactive exhibits are crucial for engaging younger audiences.

Printmaking is experiencing a resurgence thanks to social media.

The California State Railroad Museum is a top destination for families.

Old Sacramento is rich in history and offers many attractions.

Excursion trains provide a unique experience along the Sacramento River.

Volunteering at museums can enhance community engagement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation in Northern California

04:06 Our Rainy Day Museums

05:53 The Sacramento History Museum: A Historical Overview

08:25 Exhibits and Interactive Experiences at the Museum

11:16 The Rise of the Print Shop Exhibit

14:14 Social Media Success and Its Impact

16:38 Acquisition of Historical Printing Equipment

19:39 The Fascination with Printmaking

22:40 Visitor Engagement and Expectations

26:36 Interactive Exhibits and Visitor Experiences

29:25 The California State Railroad Museum Overview

31:02 Historical Significance of the Railroad

32:28 Exploring the Exhibits

35:01 Unique Features of the Museum

36:30 Interactive Experiences for All Ages

37:45 Events and Activities in Old Sacramento

40:57 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement

41:50 Planning Your Visit to Old Sacramento

42:46 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Web and Social Media Links:

· Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:

o E-mail – roguerangerradio@gmail.com

o Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio

o Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio

o Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio

· California State Parks:

o Old Sacramento SHP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=668

· California State Railroad Museum Foundation - https://www.californiarailroad.museum/visit/general-information

· Sacramento History Museum - https://sachistorymuseum.org

o YouTube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@SacramentoHistoryMuseum

· CalTrans and Highway Conditions - https://roads.dot.ca.gov

Park Passes and Camping Reservations

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:58:30 GMT

Summary:

In this episode, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar explore outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern California with Andrew Shipley from the California State Parks Pass Office. They focus on camping, park passes, and reservation systems for both the state and federal parks. They discuss the various types of park passes available, how to make camping reservations, and tips for navigating the reservation process. The conversation also covers group camping, cancellation policies, and the differences between federal and state park passes. Listeners are encouraged to read the rules and stay informed about park conditions to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Takeaways:

California has nine national parks, the most in the country.

Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance.

It's important to understand the difference between state and federal park passes.

Cancellations should be made through the Reserve California website.

Group campsites are available for larger gatherings.

Bears are increasingly habituated to human food, so precautions are necessary.

Check the park's social media for updates on closures and conditions.

Read the rules and regulations before making a reservation.

The reservation system can be complex, so it's important to ask questions.

Planning ahead is key to securing a campsite in popular parks.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation in Northern California

02:37 Understanding Park Passes and Reservations

10:34 Exploring Camping Reservations and Popular Parks

18:48 Group Camping and Special Considerations

22:21 Cancellation Policies and No-Shows

25:16 New Laws and Policies for Reservations

26:07 Updates on Campground Availability

26:47 Park Passes and Reservation Insights

29:58 Federal Passes and Their Benefits

37:53 Making Reservations on Recreation.gov

47:26 Final Tips for Camping Reservations

Show Notes:

A mistake was made concerning the entry pass to national parks at the 25:10 mark. The entry pass is good for 7 days, not 5 days as stated. Many apologies.

· Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:

o E-mail – roguerangerradio@gmail.com

o Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio

o Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio

o Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio

· National Park (Lassen, Yosemite, etc…) camping reservations

o https://www.recreation.gov

· California State Parks camping reservations

o https://www.reservecalifornia.com

· California State Parks:

o Passes: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049

o Outdoors for All: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30641

o Camping Information: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1029

o Reservations and Fees: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=737

Where to Play in the Snow, Part 2

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:27:25 GMT

Summary:

In this episode, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar explore outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern California, from Lassen to Yosemite, focusing on winter activities. They discuss various state parks, hidden gems for snow play, and provide practical travel advice for families looking to enjoy the winter landscape.

Takeaways:

California has over 280 state parks, each with unique beauty.

Plumas Eureka State Park is a favorite for winter activities.

Snow parks provide safe areas for winter recreation.

Pack out what you bring to keep parks clean.

Yosemite offers stunning winter scenery and activities.

Traveling in the Sierras requires careful planning and safety measures.

Gas stations are limited in national parks, plan accordingly.

Winter activities include sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Always check weather conditions before heading out.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation in California

02:54 Exploring California's Most Beautiful Parks

05:28 Winter Recreation: Snow Activities and Parks

08:09 Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Snow Parks

11:02 Family-Friendly Snow Play Areas

13:47 Traveling South: Snow Parks and Activities

16:21 Yosemite National Park: A Winter Wonderland

19:00 Planning for Winter Travel in the Sierras

21:53 Conclusion and Future Adventures

Show Notes:

Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:

o E-mail – roguerangerradio@gmail.com

o Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio

o Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio

o Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio

National Park (Lassen, Yosemite, etc…) camping reservations

o https://www.recreation.gov

California State Parks camping reservations

o https://www.reservecalifornia.com

California State Parks:

o Plumas Eureka SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=507

o Grover Hot Springs SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508

o Calaveras Big Trees SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551

o SnoParks - https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233

US Forest Service – Pinecrest Lake

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/pinecrest-lake

Yosemite National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

o Yosemite Skating, Lodging, and Skiing - https://www.travelyosemite.com

CalTrans and Highway Conditions - https://roads.dot.ca.gov

California Highway Patrol - https://www.chp.ca.gov

Where To Have Fun In The Snow, Part 1

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:03:36 GMT

In this episode of Rogue Ranger Radio, hosts Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar discuss winter recreation opportunities in Northern California, focusing on snow parks, their importance, and how to access them safely. They provide insights on permits, costs, facilities, and tips for planning a successful winter adventure. The conversation also covers popular snow play areas, travel safety in winter conditions, and encourages listeners to explore the beauty of California's winter landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rogue Ranger Radio

01:01 Planning Winter Adventures

04:16 Understanding Snow Parks

08:17 Snow Park Permits and Costs

11:06 Facilities and Amenities at Snow Parks

12:01 Preparing for a Day in the Snow

13:22 Safety and Etiquette in Snow Parks

14:51 Exploring Interstate 80 Snow Play Areas

18:18 Highway 50 Snow Play Options

24:52 Nevada Side Snow Play Areas

26:35 Traveling Safely in Winter Conditions

32:05 Recap and Next Episode Preview

Websites:

California State Parks - SnoParks and Winter Recreation: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233

Truckee Donner Land Trust: https://www.truckeedonnerlandtrust.org/johnson-canyon

Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District Ice Skating: https://www.tdrpd.org/161/Ice-Rink

North Tahoe Public Utilities District - NT Regional Park: https://ntpud.org/recreation-parks/parks-facilities/north-tahoe-regional-park/winter-recreation/

California State Parks - Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510

Nevada Snow Play Areas:

- Tahoe Meadows: https://sierrasnowplay.com/tahoe/tahoe_meadows.html

- Spooner Summit:

https://sierrasnowplay.com/tahoe/spooner_summit.html

California State Highway Information and Conditions: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/

California Highway Patrol: https://www.chp.ca.gov/

Nevada Highway Information and Conditions: https://www.dot.nv.gov/travel-info

Nevada Highway Patrol: https://nhp.nv.gov/

Fall Into Winter S1, E1

Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:24:12 GMT

We introduce you to the parks of the Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Colfax areas including Empire Mine State Historic Park, South Yuba River State Park, and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rogue Ranger Radio

02:07 Exploring Parks and Outdoor Recreation

03:14 Focus on Grass Valley and Surrounding Areas

04:37 Highlighting Empire Mine State Historic Park

05:30 Exploring Empire Mine State Historic Park

14:22 Discovering South Yuba River State Park

18:36 Exploring the Beauty of Wildflowers and Gold Panning

22:25 Navigating the South Yuba River Trails

24:47 Hidden Gems: Purdon Crossing and the South Yuba Trail

26:41 Discovering Edwards Crossing and Hiking Trails

28:10 Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park: A Journey Through History