In this episode, we delve into the mysterious disappearance of Michael Bryson, a 27-year-old from Eugene, Oregon. Michael vanished on August 5, 2020, during a rave at the Hobo Camp Campground near Dorena Lake, leaving behind a devastated family and countless unanswered questions. Join us as we unravel the story of Michael Bryson—his vibrant life, his struggles, and the mystery that continues to haunt his family and community. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits start...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min
July 1938, a family camping trip in Rocky Mountain National Park takes a dark turn. Four-year-old Alfred Beilhartz was there one moment and gone the next. No trace, no clear answers, only a series of strange clues and unsettling and substantiated sightings. The national park service closed this case decades ago but for many people questions still remain. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow ...
Nov 26, 2024•47 min
In July of 1993, professional scuba diver Ken Wilson set out to explore ancient Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel. But what was supposed to be a simple excursion quickly turned into a fight for survival, finding himself lost in the dense jungle with no sense of direction, no food, and little water. Over the course of 20 grueling days, Ken faced the unthinkable. But through it all, he kept his focus, his will to survive, and eventually, his life. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a mon...
Nov 21, 2024•57 min
In 2011, Donald and Rosemarie Evans moved their young family to the remote village of Anvik, Alaska, ready for a new adventure as teachers in this remote community, only accessible by small plane or boat. They’d hoped for a quiet life immersed in Alaska’s backcountry but what they got instead was a near death experiance. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails P...
Nov 12, 2024•37 min
In September 2018, a fun day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park turned into a harrowing nightmare for Susan Clements and her family. What began as a simple hiking trip with her daughter quickly spiraled into a desperate search when Susan went missing in the dense fog and rain. Join us as we explore the circumstances surrounding Susan's disappearance, the relentless search, and the tragic outcome that would forever change her family. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with ben...
Oct 29, 2024•31 min
Welcome to our last Sunday Scary episode of the month! Today, we're hitting some intriguing and spooky trails you might not have heard of, and maybe some you have. We’ll wander through the Norton Creek Trail in North Carolina, where stunning views come with ghostly legends, and check out the eerie vibes of the Ghost House Trail in Tennessee, where the past might still linger. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious listener, there's something here for everyone. Support us on Patreon for as ...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In June of 2011, experienced hikers Mike von Gortler and his daughter, Makana, set off to conquer Colorado’s Missouri Mountain, fully prepared for the trek. But they were never seen alive again. Days later, their bodies were discovered in the rugged wilderness, yet the cause of their tragic fate remains a haunting mystery. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails...
Oct 22, 2024•33 min
Today we’re diving into some spooky lakes! From Lake Ronkonkoma, where a tragic love story turned into a ghostly legend, to the eerie whispers of Haunted Lake in New Hampshire and the deadly allure of Devil’s Pool in Australia. Explore the mysteries of these waters, where history and hauntings collide, claiming lives and stirring intrigue. What secrets lurk beneath the surface? Join us as we uncover the dark depths of these captivating legends. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, ...
Oct 20, 2024•39 min
On August 1st, 2018, 27-year-old Samantha “Sam” Claire Sayers set out for a solo hike at Vesper Peak in Washington state, excited for a day in the great outdoors. But when she failed to return, her boyfriend Kevin Dares and a massive search effort were launched. As days turned into weeks, questions swirled—what happened to Sam? Did she meet with an accident, or is something more sinister at play? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind Sam’s disappearance and explore the theories that haunt her...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min
What causes over 100 trees to fall mysteriously without a trace? Why do crimson waters cascade from an Antarctic glacier? Join us as we delve into the puzzling phenomena of Lake Quinault, Blood Falls, and beyond. From strange sounds in Oregon to ancient geoglyphs in Peru, this episode is filled with fascinating mysteries that challenge our understanding of our world. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspo...
Oct 13, 2024•32 min
Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island is a place of beauty. However, mystery grows after the disappearance of experienced hiker Kyle Brittain, reminder that even in paradise, nature can be unforgiving. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode...
Oct 08, 2024•29 min
Some locations seem to hold secrets just beneath the surface. Whether it's a remote mountain peak shrouded in mystery, a forest known for its odd occurrences, or an unassuming stretch of water with a deadly reputation, these places challenge our understanding of what's possible. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadve...
Oct 06, 2024•26 min
In July 1975, Linda Forney set out on a solo road trip across America with her dog, Cocoa Gin, with the hopes of visiting the Grand Canyon before returning home. However, a wrong turn on her hike leaves her lost in a maze of canyons, battling the elements and her fears. With no food, dwindling water, and the nights growing cold, Linda must rely on her instincts and her bond with Cocoa to keep her alive. As hope fades and despair sets in, she confronts the terrifying reality of being alone in the...
Oct 01, 2024•37 min
Newlyweds Clay and Acaimie Chastain set out to hike Mount Liamuiga on Saint Kitts, but they had no idea their dream adventure would turn into a nightmare. Acaimie must navigate treacherous terrain to rescue her injured husband. With time running out and help miles away, can she get him to safety before it's too late? Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podca...
Sep 24, 2024•33 min
Mary Cooper and her daughter Susanna Stodden embarked on a hike at Pinnacle Lake Trail in Washington. Hours later, their bodies were discovered. Join us as we discuss the chilling details of their final hike. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener ...
Sep 17, 2024•32 min
Dive into the mesmerizing realm of hot springs and geysers, where breathtaking beauty meets hidden hazards. From the iconic steam of Yellowstone to the alluring warmth of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, these geothermal marvels are both awe-inspiring and perilous. But what happens when nature's wonders turn dangerous? Stay tuned as we share cautionary tales and uncover the risks lurking beneath the surface of these spectacular natural phenomena. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with ben...
Sep 10, 2024•38 min
Canadian hiker Louise Chaput set out on what should have been an easy 45 minute hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Several days later her family sounds the alarm when she doesn’t return home as scheduled. Concern soon turned to tragedy. More than 20 years later those who knew her are still left with grief and unanswered questions.(Listen until the end of the episode for a bonus)
Aug 27, 2024•29 min
In the remote beauty of Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, Katherine "Kat" Hammontre’s life took a mysterious turn on April 11, 2019. The 68-year-old American expat, who had become a beloved figure in her Baja California community, vanished without a trace during what was supposed to be a leisurely hike on her wedding anniversary. Despite an extensive search involving local volunteers, military personnel, and rescue teams, Kat and her dog, Tootsie, disappeared amidst the park’s rugged ter...
Aug 20, 2024•51 min
Hells Canyon lived up to its name for Todd Hofflander, who disappeared while on a multi day hike and camping trip never to be seen alive. Was there an accident or does the canyon hold the secrets of what happened there in September of 2010? Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd l...
Aug 13, 2024•42 min
Sylvia Apps was experienced and well equipped. She took safety seriously and made sure someone knew when she was planning to return, but despite all those things and extensive searching why was she never found? What secrets does Vancouver Island hold? Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story t...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min
Two former college lovers reunite for an adventurous trip deep into the Amazon rainforest. Their shared dream of exploring this vast wilderness turns into a harrowing ordeal as they become lost, facing dehydration, wildlife, and their own inner demons. As days stretch into uncertainty and despair, their bond is tested to the limit. Each moment becomes a desperate struggle for survival, testing their resilience and ultimately challenging their very will to live. Support us on Patreon for as littl...
Jul 16, 2024•37 min
For Cathy Frye and Rick McFarland, celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary should have been a fun and relaxing trip. A last minute change in plans ensured it was anything but fun or relaxing. Poorly marked trails in Big Bend Ranch State Park led the couple down a path that became a desperate struggle to survive. If you enjoy this episode consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with extra episodes starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcastFoll...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 55
Happy 4th of July Week! Though we don't have a regularly scheduled episode for this week- we did want to share one of our Patreon Exclusive episodes with everyone. If you're interested in getting bonus episodes each month, please consider joining our Patreon for as little as $3 to unlock exclusive content! In the heart of Mount Hood National Forest, Pamela Salant and her boyfriend, Aric Essig, embarked on a routine camping trip that would turn into a harrowing tale of survival. Lost in dense woo...
Jul 02, 2024•45 min•Ep. 54
Some decisions we make hardy feel like decisions at all, while others feel monumental. Do we have a sense of the small decisions that ultimately are life altering, or is the realization only after it's too late to go back? For David Koch the decision to catch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean ended in the worst way possible. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Tra...
Jun 25, 2024•41 min•Ep. 53
A flat tire is a common inconvenience; an experience that leaves most people late and flustered but unscathed. However, a flat tire 25 miles from a main road in Death Valley quickly spiraled into a deadly situation for Alexander Lofgren and Emily Henkel. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) stor...
Jun 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 52
Without clear signposts or trail blazes to guide, you have to trust your instinct and sense of direction. Are you willing to bet your life on those intangible skills? Was Fern Baird unable to navigate back to the trailhead in Sawtooth National Forest? Was she a victim of the elements, or something else... Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you ha...
Jun 11, 2024•38 min•Ep. 51
Amy Wroe Bechtel, took off to scope out the course for an upcoming 10k, only to vanish without a trace. As the days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into years, the search near the Shoshone National Forest turns up nothing. With no clues except a missing wallet, everyone is left wondering- what really happened to Amy? Did she have an accident or was her disappearance the result of something much darker? Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Foll...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 50
There's a huge sense of adventure embarking on a road trip; with nothing more thrilling than the open road. For Rita and Albert Chretien a trip between British Columbia and Las Vegas went from adventure to deadly when their path took a treacherous turn. *CORRECTION NOTICE* I talk about “Humboldt National Park” as it was stated in several news publications but it’s actually the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This forest has several large but non-contiguous sections in California and Nevada so ...
May 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 49
Deep in the wilderness of Kings Canyon National Park surrounded by nothing but nature is a picturesque scene. That is, until a freak accident leaves Gregg Hein fighting to survive. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at of...
May 21, 2024•49 min•Ep. 48
What happened to Rodney Letterman in Devil's Den State Park feels like a puzzle with too many missing pieces. But who holds those pieces? Investigators? The friend who was with him the day he disappeared? An unknown third party who Rodney crossed paths with in the woods? Without enough details, we're left to speculate and fill in the blanks ourselves. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier! Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast Follow us ...
May 14, 2024•46 min•Ep. 47
