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Urban exploration is the investigation of human structures, both occupied and abandoned. These investigations may be performed due to curiosity about a structure of history, construction, used by wild species, or simply for the pleasure of it. Over the past decade, urban exploration has exploded as a popular outdoor activity and may have many websites and social media sites dedicated to it.
In many cases, the buildings being explored may be abandoned or at least unused or uninhabited. Examples of the latter could include a bridge, tunnel, culvert, pier, warehouse etc. The term may also be used to describe the exploration of natural areas within an urban setting, such as a city park, public garden or arboretum. When the observation of nature is involved, urban exploration may be closely related to backyard, community, and citizen science.
Urban exploration is the investigation of human structures, both occupied and abandoned. These investigations may be performed due to curiosity about a structure of history, construction, used by wild species, or simply for the pleasure of it. Over the past decade, urban exploration has exploded as a popular outdoor activity and may have many websites and social media sites dedicated to it.
In many cases, the buildings being explored may be abandoned or at least unused or uninhabited. Examples of the latter could include a bridge, tunnel, culvert, pier, warehouse etc. The term may also be used to describe the exploration of natural areas within an urban setting, such as a city park, public garden or arboretum. When the observation of nature is involved, urban exploration may be closely related to backyard, community, and citizen science.
Be Careful Out There...
Because urban exploration often consists of exploring areas no longer used by people, there are some inherent risks. Abandoned structures may be unsafe or you may be breaking the law if you trespass. Review the Oceanscape Network's Outdoor Safety and Outdoor Etiquette features for information on how to protect yourself when participating in urban exploration.
Features Related to Urban Exploration:
Life in Ruins: Sometimes abandoned structures like building, bridges or ships actually become ecosystems in miniature. This feature offers some suggestions on where you can find abandoned places around Oregon and provides tools for exploring them.
Landmark Places: A landmark can be one of two things. It’s either a natural feature of the landscape which is easily recognizable from a distance, such as a mountain, a hilltop or a river. Or it’s a place where something remarkable happened in the past. Explore some of the best landmarks in Oregon in this feature.
Secrets of Shipwrecks: This feature will let you expand your discovery of shipwrecks from the Oregon Coast and around the world.
Landmark Places: A landmark can be one of two things. It’s either a natural feature of the landscape which is easily recognizable from a distance, such as a mountain, a hilltop or a river. Or it’s a place where something remarkable happened in the past. Explore some of the best landmarks in Oregon in this feature.
Secrets of Shipwrecks: This feature will let you expand your discovery of shipwrecks from the Oregon Coast and around the world.