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

Latest Episodes:

Why the shady forest of French's Dome is ideal for beginner rock climbers Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness and intern Makenzie Stamets talk about an accessible rock climbing area in Mount Hood National Forest near the town of Zigzag. French's Dome is a classic rock climbing location near Portland that is a well-loved day trip for locals. It offers both the peace of relaxing in the shade and the thrill of adventure in climbing rock as high as 200 feet for views of Oregon's tallest mountain. Stamets talks with a few beginner rock climbers about what led them to make the tricky transition to outdoor climbing and why French's Dome is a great spot to try it out.

Oregon's 12 best backpacking trips with kids (repost) Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

In this reposted episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness welcomes a trio of fun guests to talk about going backpacking with kids and some of the best places to visit. In thie episode first recorded in 2022, Urness is joined by Bonnie Henderson, his co-author of the guidebook "Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon," along with 11-year-old backpackers Nate and Mary Evans, who share their thoughts from a kids' perspective. The group picks out 12 great backpacking trips that land on the easier side and are good fits for younger backpackers (or just someone looking for an easier trip).

New $3.4 million trail system coming to iconic Blue Pool on the McKenzie River May 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach talks about the new trail system being constructed to access the popular site known as Blue Pool on the McKenzie River east of Eugene. Urness talks with Willamette National Forest recreation program manager Matt Peterson about what the new $3.4 million system will showcase and the reason for it. Also known as Tamolitch Falls, the site has become one of the most popular, overrun and often troubled sites in the Central Cascades. There have been frequent accidents and issues with parking.

Oregon's 20 greatest river trips (repost) May 14, 2026

Show notes

In this 2022 episode, host Zach Urness and three river experts pick the 20 best river trips in the state for whitewater thrills and overnight camping adventures. The group talks about what makes rivers such as the Rogue, Deschutes and Clackamas so incredible and detail how to make the trips happen during the summer months. They also highlight lesser-known floats such as the Illinois, Molalla and North Fork Smith rivers. The experts in this podcast include Zach Collier, owner of Northwest Rafting Company; Jacob Cruser, co-author of "Paddling Pacific Northwest Whitewater" and author of the blog Into the Outside; and Jared Linkhart, a longtime rafter and river sage to boaters learning to get their family on the water.

When will beloved Opal Creek finally reopen? Forest Service lays out plan May 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with the U.S. Forest Service about when the Opal Creek area will finally reopen. The 35,000-acre wilderness and recreation area was severely burned and closed by the Beachie Creek Fire in September of 2020. It was hoped that popular sites such as Three Pools, Little North Santiam Trail and Henline Falls would reopen this summer, but those plans have been delayed. Acting Detroit district ranger Jonah Gladney and deputy forest supervisor Michelle King explained what's happening and when the Opal Creek area will finally reopen.

10 amazing Oregon fire lookout hikes (and how to spend the night) Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Zach Urness chats with author Cheryl Hill about her new book "Hiking Oregon's Fire Lookouts." Hill picks 10 of her favorite lookout hikes and all the details needed to visit. She also talks about the history of lookouts, etiquette for visiting lookouts and how to spend a night in one. To buy the book or attend one of Hill's events, visit her website at: https://cherylhill.net.

U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview by Zach Urness / Statesman Journal

Detroit Lake 'mini cabins' becoming a hit. Plus, five spring adventures nearby Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks about the popular mini cabins at Detroit Lake State Park and great places to visit nearby during the spring. The cabins were originally intended as staff housing for seasonal employees, but in the off-season, they've becoming popular for visitors that might otherwise not visit. Urness talks to the rangers who made the cabins happen, before highlighting five fun adventures nearby that are good to visit in spring.

The past, present and future of Oregon's timber industry Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks about an in-depth story that he wrote about the past, present and future of Oregon's timber industry. The story and podcast look at the history of Oregon's most important and influential industry and the current push by the Trump administration to increase logging. Urness also examines the rise of "mass timber," a new style of building that could improve the health of Oregon's forests, boost the rural economy and create cheaper affordable housing in Portland and beyond.

Oregon lawmaker talks major wildlife bill, public lands and controversial waterway permits Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with Oregon State Representative Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, about landmark legislation to protect Oregon wildlife and a host of other legislative issues. Helm talked about passage of a bill to rise $38 million for wildlife programs through an increase in the state's transient lodging tax. He also touched on other issues from the recently completed 2026 session including a bill meant to save Oregon's outdoor recreation industry, a bill to halt any sell-off of public lands and the purchase of Abiqua Falls for a new park. Helm also spoke about a controversial bill he authored that requires all non-motorized boats to get a Waterway Access Permit, which cost $20 annually. Previously, it was only required for boats 10 feet and shorter. Money from the program will pay for boat inspection stations to halt spread of invasive mussels, but the bill prompted significant backlash.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected