Explore Oregon Podcast: The state's most beautiful places and biggest issues

Latest Episodes:

New era at Silver Falls State Park: New campground, waterfall hike, cabin village Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Zach talks about all the big new changes at Silver Falls State Park. Park officials are planning a new trailhead and waterfall trail, a new campground and visitor's center, all while expanding the park by upgrading a backcountry area now known as the Smith Creek Village. Zach talked to Silver Falls manager Chris Gilliand and operator of the new Smith Creek Villages Brooke Gerken. Zach also details other updates at the park, including the return of guided tree climbing, adventure races and the network of backcountry trails. Finally, he touches on the history of how the park came together and was saved by a landscape photographer from Silverton named June Drake.

Crater Lake winter road trip: hot springs, waterfalls, snow camping Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach takes a winter road trip to Crater Lake National Park and talks about how to get the most out of your journey. Oregon’s only national park becomes a winter wonderland during the year’s coldest months, becoming an amazing place to snowshoe, ski, snow camp or just get views of the lake while sitting indoors. But the journey to Crater Lake also offers opportunity. The mountain highways leading to the park feature waterfalls, hot springs and snow adventures. Zach offers a roadmap to some of his favorite spots along the way and returning from Crater Lake.

Why are Oregon's iconic trees dying in record numbers, and what can be done? Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

A series of research studies and surveys published over the past few months have revealed a troubling trend — some of Oregon's most iconic trees are dying or struggling in record numbers. In this edition, Zach talks to Oregon Department of Forestry Christine Buhl about recently documented die-offs of western redcedar, Oregon's true fir species, Douglas fir and the insect invasion of Oregon white oak. Taken together, says Buhl, the studies reflect how Oregon's hotter and drier climate is damaging the state's most beloved trees at record rates. Buhl talks about what's going on, what Oregon's forest of the future might look like and what can be done to mitigate some of the problems.

Surfing on the Oregon Coast and how to make it happen Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, outdoors intern Makenzie Elliott talks to Daniel Hasselschwert, the owner of Ossies Surf Shop in Newport about all things surfing on the Oregon Coast. The two discuss what makes Oregon such an interesting place to surf and why people can surf the waves year round. They also talk about what it takes to start surfing with things like taking lessons and finding the right gear. Hasselschwert also shares why he loves the sport of surfing and why he believes it is so popular and loved by many. Elliott also reflects on her first surf lesson she took with Hasselschwert at Ossies Surf Shop. She discusses what it was like surfing for the first time and what she learned while in the water.

Camp cooking and delicious recipes for Oregon's wild mushrooms, fish and game Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach talks with wilderness chef and forager Kayla Sulak about the art of camp and wilderness cooking while highlighting a few of her favorite recipes for wild mushrooms, fish and game. They're also joined by experienced angler and hunter Mason Krupka to talk about the process of harvesting and hunting Oregon's wild bounty and the best methods for cooking it all up into something delicious. The mushroom, fish and game are all staples of Oregon's outdoors and something most people can harvest with a bit of focus and research, and many of the recipes Kayla highlights are one-pan meals made on a skillet. To find more recipes and information from Kayla, follow her on social media on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

A 'Travel Guide to Oregon Indian Country' Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, outdoors intern Makenzie Elliott looks into the recently published "Travel Guide to Oregon Indian Country." The guide, which was created by Travel Oregon in partnership with Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes, highlights events, outdoor activities and other attractions like tribal museums and casinos. Makenzie talks with Travis Hill, the chief operating officer for Umpqua Indian Development Corporation and a contributor to the guide, about the creation of this travel guide, what he hopes comes from the guide and why a guide like this is important to tribal communities. Hill also mentions some outdoor activities and events people can explore around the Umpqua area, which is located in southern Oregon in the Roseburg area.

Biggest stories of summer '22 include wildfires, campsite pirates, permits Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach breaks down the biggest stories from the summer of 2022. He details the wildfire season and how this year compared to previous seasons, including acres burned, homes lost and days with unhealthy air. He also gets into the summer climate, Oregon's "year of the permit," conservation legislation and recreation trends that include growing anger and hostility among campers. Zach then talks about covering a sad and strange tale of a hike, a plane crash and reality television star Heavy D in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness.

Fun interviews: Whale life, Devil's Staircase, fire lookouts and Circles in the Sand Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

In this podcast, Zach revisits some of his favorite interviews from the earliest days of the Explore Oregon Podcast. First, he talks about the life of whales off the Oregon Coast, including how new whale moms keep their calves safe from predators. After that, he talks with two environmentalists about Oregon's wildest old-growth rainforest. In the second half is an interview with a woman who worked as a fire lookout for three decades.

Why does Sisters look like the Old West? 10 best adventures in this Central Oregon recreation hub Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach and outdoors intern Makenzie Elliott talk about the best adventures in the touristy Central Oregon town of Sisters along with why the town looks as though it's the setting for a Wild West movie. They talk about some of the best places to camp and hike outside of town, from Three Creek Lake to the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, while also focusing on close-to-town biking and horseback riding adventures. They also take a dive into the town's history including why every storefront is required to have an Old West theme to it, and how they set the town up as a tourist destination far earlier than many other places in the state.

The rise of Oregon's private campsites with Hipcamp CEO Alyssa Ravasio Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach talks to Hipcamp founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio about the rise of private campgrounds in Oregon and across the West. Private sites are becoming an increasingly popular option as Oregon's public campgrounds have fewer spaces available and are often sold out during summer. Ravasio talks about how her company recruits farmers and ranchers to open their land to camping in areas near Bend, Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast where demand for campsites is high but supply is low. She explains the differences between a HipCamp and traditional campsite and talks about how it helps create value in rural communities without the land being developed.