Jess Repanshek at Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park.

Editor's note: The National Parks Traveler has operated with only one full-time staffer since its inception, but has a core team of freelance writers, photographers, broadcasters, and sound recording engineers that are relied upon heavily to provide content. They're being introduced to you in a series of short profiles.

Jess Repanshek

A sound recording engineer who produces the National Parks Traveler's podcast, Jess is based in Portland, Oregan. He spent his more formative years in Park City, Utah, a land with many faces. From the mountains up north to the red rocks in the south, Utah’s iconic landscapes ignited Jess's love for parks and the outdoors.

Favorite park or “go to” park:  Of all the national parks I’ve visited, Yellowstone is far and above my favorite. The diversity of experiences that can be had there — from remote wilderness to hot springs, canoeing to hiking, and everything in-between — is unparalleled. I’ve canoed around Shoshone Lake twice now, both unforgettable adventures. Devoid of traffic, electricity, airplanes and society, I was completely in awe of how utterly silent the world is out there. That’s something that I think everyone should get to experience.

Favorite outdoor activity in the parks: My favorite activity in the parks is simply hiking. I love being able to get out and really enjoy nature. These outdoor spaces are an important way to disconnect from the structure that society imposes on us, and rekindles our inner humanity. Too much of our modern lives is spent staring at screens and being plugged in. Being able to separate ourselves from that grid is crucial to maintaining our sanity. I love the adventure as you follow trails winding back and forth across landscapes, especially if there’s a waterfall or a breathtaking vista just up ahead.

What the Traveler means to you: The Traveler is a unique media outlet that benefits not only the citizens of the United States, but the world. America’s national parks are one of our greatest resources. Not only do they showcase and preserve America’s iconic sights, but they are a sign of our continued efforts to balance out the industrialized machine that desires turning every inch of land into parking lots and strip malls. These spaces are our direct connection to our history, and the Traveler is the only group focused on really drawing attention to just how special and important the parks are.