Fall 2021
Talkback for Fall 2021
Letters from Washington State University alumni about Outdoor Recreation Center and favorite WSU structures » More ...
Outdoor Recreation
Fall 2021
Memories of the ORC
They trekked and climbed, skied and snowshoed, camped and hiked, biked and paddled—and learned some things about themselves along the way.
The experiences they shared and skills they gained as participants or employees at Washington State University’s Outdoor Recreation Center shaped their careers, grew into lifelong passions, and became treasured memories.
Here, in celebration of the ORC’s fiftieth anniversary this year, they share some of the moments and history that helped define them and the long-running program.
The beginning
He didn’t start it, and it wasn’t his idea. But Chris Tapfer is often credited with both. That’s because he got involved with … » More …
Fall 2021
Don’t JUST do it
50 years of connecting to our great outdoors » More ...
Fall 2021
Outdoor Recreation Center timeline
Highlights from the history of the Outdoor Recreation Center
1969—Christopher Tapfer (’73 Rec.) enters WSU and works as a ski instructor for a physical education class at Tamarack Mountain. The same year, WSU buys the North South Ski Bowl, now known as Palouse Divide. It will be managed by the Outdoor Activities Program until 1980. It’s sold in 1984.
1971—The Outdoor Activities Program (OAP) is established as part of ASWSU. Tapfer and a graduate assistant teach winter survival, mountaineering, and canoeing.
1972—Tapfer takes over management of the OAP, which moves into Compton Union Building for the next 29 years. During this era, the … » More …