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

Latest Episodes:

Summer '21: Record heat, new permits & restoring a lost Jefferson trail Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Zach and David discuss the summer of 2021 and its extreme heatwaves, new permit systems and of course wildfires. Then, new outdoors intern Eddy Binford-Ross travels to Sisters to share one group's quest to restore a forgotten trail in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness.

Agates on the Oregon Coast: Pro tips, best spots to hunt Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

Zach interviews Eric Davis, owner and operator of @OregonCoastAgates, about the best places to find agates on the Oregon Coast and some pro tips to have a successful hunt.

Mount Jefferson Wilderness' greatest adventures and some of Oregon's biggest wildfires Sep 02, 2021

Show notes

In this edition, Zach interviews guidebook author Matt Reeder about the best places to explore in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, an 111,000 acre backcountry paradise that has been shaped by wildfire.

Corvallis to the Sea trail Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

There's a new trail linking Corvallis to the Oregon Coast. Zach talks with Gary Chapman, president of the C2C Trail Partnership, to learn more about more this long-anticipated route that takes hikers and bikers from the Willamette Valley to Ona Beach.

Chairlift hiking on Mount Hood, and quiet places to camp and hike Aug 07, 2021

Show notes

In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach and David talk about how to hike and camp on the "quiet" side of Mount Hood before interviewing Dave Tragethon about chairlift hiking at Mount Hood Meadows.

Best Oregon mountain climbs that don't require a rope Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

In this episode we’re talking with a mountain guide about some of the best Oregon climbs that do not require ropes. These are spectacular peaks where all you need are strong legs, strong lungs and strong planning to reach some of the state’s most dramatic views.

Oswald West and the genesis of Oregon's public beaches Jul 23, 2021

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In this episode we explore Oswald West State Park and look at how Oswald West the former governor saved Oregon beaches from private interests, creating the unique public ownership that Oregonians enjoy to this day.

Hike ancient volcanoes to epic wildflower meadows in Old Cascades Jun 28, 2021

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Zach and David talk about hiking among ancient volcanoes east of Salem to the state's best collection of summer wildflowers in an area known as the Old Cascades.

What's next for Opal Creek and the Ancient Forest Center Jun 22, 2021

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Zach talks with Dwayne Canfield, interim executive director of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, about the wildfire damage to one of Oregon's outdoor gems.

What to know for summer 2021 in Oregon's outdoors Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

In this edition, we’re previewing what’s expected to be a chaotic season in Oregon’s outdoors and how to navigate wildfire closures, permits and drought while also highlighting some great places to visit during this strangest of summers.