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

Latest Episodes:

How to get kids skiing and snowboarding, keep costs down Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Zach talks with Mount Hood Meadows lead ski instructor Tyler Barnes about the best ways to get kids started with downhill skiing and snowboarding while keeping costs within reason.

Columbia River Gorge: Best hikes, best eats, wildfire stories and latest news Jan 27, 2022

Show notes

Zach takes a deep dive into the Columbia River Gorge, breaking down the best hikes and best places to eat, the history and geology, and the latest news on permits, crowding, post-fire recovery and what comes next for Multnomah Falls, Dog Mountain and Oneonta Gorge. Special guests include author Matt Wastradowski ("Moon Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood") and Stan Hinatsu (U.S. Forest Service).

Oregon's outdoor rescues skyrocket, but why? Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

The number of people rescued from Oregon's outdoors has risen sharply in the past few years. But why? Zach talks with Scott Lucas, state search and rescue coordinator about why Oregon has seen so many rescues, how people get into trouble and how to avoid getting lost.

15 adventures to fill your outdoor winter calendar Dec 11, 2021

Show notes

Zach and SJ outdoors intern Eddy Binford Ross debate their 15 favorite winter adventures in Oregon. They talk about how to ski and snowshoe at Crater Lake in winter — and why it's better than summer — while breaking down a visit to a snowy fire lookout, waterfalls covered in ice and why the Oregon Coast Trail makes for great off-season trips.

New trail into Grove of Titans showcases mythic redwoods Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

A new trail system was recently completed that provides access to to the Grove of Titans inside California's Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We'll talk about how this is a huge win and give you details on visiting these giants.

Find that perfect Christmas tree in Oregon forests for just $5 Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Zach and David revisit how to head into Oregon's national forest and find a Christmas tree for just $5. They break down a program from the U.S. Forest Service that allows bringing home a tree less than 12 feet tall from the mountains.

Mushroom hunting in western Oregon Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Zach talks with Jordan Dodge, a board member of the Willamette Valley Mushroom Society and a commercial mushroom seller, to learn the tips and tricks to finding these amazing edibles in Oregon forests.

When will Shellburg Falls reopen following the Labor Day fires? Nov 12, 2021

Show notes

Zach and Eddy Binford Ross report on the status of Shellburg Falls, one of Oregon's most popular waterfall hikes that was burned by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire.

New mountain bike trail at Silver Falls State Park from the Salem Area Trail Alliance Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Zach is joined by Beth Dayton of the Salem Area Trail Alliance to talk about new mountain bike trails at Silver Falls State Park and work SATA has done bringing new trails to the Salem area.

Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

Zach interviews Bonnie Henderson, an expert on backpacking and thru-hiking the Oregon Coast Trail. Henderson talks about the differences in each segment of the trail — which are most scenic or challenging — while detailing critical factors such as the best season to backpack, why reading tide tables is important and where you'll need arrange for ferry rides to cross large bays.