During peak summer season, Lake Chelan State Park can host nearly a thousand campers every night. Behind the scenes, that responsibility falls on one park manager.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, I sit down with Brian Frahm, the park manager at Lake Chelan State Park, to talk about what it actually takes to operate one of Washington’s busiest state parks. Brian oversees daily operations, staff, safety, and law enforcement across the entire park — responsibilities most visitors never see.

We talk about the reality of seasonal staffing, what happens when the park reaches capacity, wildlife encounters, emergency incidents, and how quickly the quiet of spring turns into full-blown summer chaos. Brian also shares what it’s like to raise a family in a state park and why the slower shoulder seasons are when Lake Chelan really shows its character.

This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and systems that make Washington’s state parks work — and why they deserve more appreciation than they often get.

If you love spending time outdoors in Washington, this episode will give you a new perspective the next time you pull into a full campground.

Spokane Built the Dodgers Dynasty

Show Notes:

Author and researcher Eric Vickrey returns to the Exploring Washington State Podcast with a story most baseball fans have never heard — how Spokane helped build the future Dodgers dynasty.

In his new book, Before They Wore Dodger Blue, Eric uncovers the overlooked role the Inland Northwest played in shaping the players, culture, and leadership that would later define one of the most successful eras in Major League Baseball. From the seismic 1968 MLB Draft to the 1970 Spokane Indians, this episode connects the dots between a small Northwest city and a national baseball powerhouse.

We dig into:

• Why the 1968 draft was a turning point for the Dodgers
• How Spokane became a developmental forge for future MLB stars
• The early version of Tommy Lasorda—before the legend
• Player stories that reveal who these athletes were before the spotlight
• What modern baseball can learn from this forgotten era
• Why this Washington chapter deserves recognition

Whether you’re a baseball die-hard, a Washington history fan, or simply love a great origin story, this is an episode that reframes what you think you know about the Dodgers — and shines a light on Spokane’s rightful place in baseball history.

Guest: Eric Vickrey

Book: Before They Wore Dodger Blue

Website: ericvickrey.com

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of Washington’s most visited state parks? In this episode, Park Ranger Kevin Leese shares what he sees every day at Wallace Falls that most visitors completely overlook.

From seasonal crowd patterns and trail management to the unexpected challenges that come with keeping a high-traffic park running smoothly, Kevin sheds light on the work that keeps Wallace Falls accessible year-round. You’ll also hear a ranger’s perspective on lesser-known areas, changing trail conditions, and what makes this park such a standout in the Cascade foothills.

Whether you’ve hiked Wallace Falls dozens of times or it’s still on your list, this conversation gives you a deeper appreciation for the place and the people who care for it.