Statistics aren't the only way to learn about rural communities in Oregon. In this section of the Rural Communities Explorer, you can read stories that people across the state have written, gathered, and shared about life in rural communities. Presented here are the winners of the 2009 "Life in Rural Oregon Communities" Story Competition and other stories about rural communities.

• Read how local residents kept the community of Vernonia going through hard times (1st place winner)
• Read about the Old Swede's Boarding House in Lakeview, as told by Chuck Bolsinger, who worked as a field supervisor in this Lake County community (2nd place winner)
• Read a personal account of life on a forest warden's lookout (3rd place winner)
• Read about Ruth Porter's experiences living in Garibaldi
• Learn about what it's like to live in Lakeview