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

Latest Episodes:

Best campsites, floats on the Willamette River May 20, 2021

Show notes

Zach is joined by Travis Williams, executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper, to talk about the best floats and campsites just a stone's throw from Oregon's largest cities along the Willamette Water Trail.

What is fastpacking? And counting down beautiful wilderness trips in Southern Oregon May 10, 2021

Show notes

In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach is joined by well-known trail runner and ultramarathoner Ryan Ghelfi to talk about the art of "fastpacking" — a combination of trail running and backpacking. Ryan and Zach then pick their favorite wilderness spots within the mythic "State of Jefferson" — otherwise known as Southern Oregon and extreme Northern California.

Find your new favorite hikes around Salem Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Zach and David are joined by outdoors author Adam Sawyer to discuss the best hikes in and around the Salem area. Salem might not have the same outdoor buzz as Eugene and Bend, but it features a beautiful collection of forested urban hikes and nearby trails that lead to wildflowers, wildlife refuges and waterfalls.

New permit system to change hiking in Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson wilderness areas Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

We explain how a new permit system will change hiking and backpacking in the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington wilderness areas, and what it means when the permits go on sale April 6.

Emily Halnon talks about breaking Oregon Pacific Crest Trail speed record Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

We're joined by Emily Halnon to talk about her incredible feat to run 57 miles per day over mountain wilderness to set the speed record on the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Bandon's bountiful outdoor options on the south Oregon Coast Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

Zach and David highlight Bandon's best adventures and events, from beach hiking to a sand art exhibition to mountain biking, camping and boating on a "new river." They also dive into the area's unique history, including a Native American princess turned to stone, a tragic wildfire and one of Oregon's biggest drug busts.

Oregon marine board chief talks permits, boating incidents and best places to float Feb 12, 2021

Show notes

Zach is joined by Larry Warren, director of the Oregon State Marine Board. In the first half, we'll talk about the big stories surrounding boating on Oregon's waterways. Then, we'll pick our top boating, rafting and paddling destinations across the state.

Saving Silver Falls State Park from the Labor Day fires Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

In this week's edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach and David talk to Silver Falls State Park ranger Chris Gilliand about the night wildfires came terrifyingly close to burning Oregon's iconic state park.

Ray Benson Sno-Park: Winter playground named for Salem legend Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

Home to more than 70 miles of cross-country, snowshoe and snowmobile trails and featuring three backcountry snow shelters, Ray Benson features sweeping views of Mount Washington and Three-Fingered Jack.

Adventure and history await on the Tillamook Coast Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

We'll talk about hidden beaches of white sand, explore little-known pathways such as the Steam Donkey Trail and take a dive into the area's fascinating history, from a plan to create a nuclear power plant at Cape Kiwanda to a love-struck sea captain who asked for his lady's hand in marriage at a certain rock.