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

Latest Episodes:

Oregon Whale Watching: Where to see whales so close 'you can hear them breathe' Mar 02, 2020

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In this episode we're joined by marine expert Luke Parsons to talk about the majesty of the whale migrations along the Oregon Coast.

Winter Waterfall Hunting: Snowshoe or ski to these Oregon gems Feb 04, 2020

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In this week's edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach details his favorite winter activity, visiting waterfalls shrouded in snow and ice.

Fishing at Detroit Lake: Insider's guide to fishing this Willamette Valley reservoir Dec 23, 2019

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Zach is joined by fishing poet and Western Oregon University professor Henry Hughes to talk fishing at Detroit Lake.

Cut your own Christmas tree in Oregon's National Forests: Everything to know Dec 16, 2019

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Outdoors writer Zach Urness shares how to make an adventure out of finding your special Christmas tree in Willamette National Forest.

Willamette Pass: All the best destinations for all seasons Nov 26, 2019

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In this week's edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, we pick the best things to do on Willamette Pass.

National Forest Harvest: Bringing home your own ferns for free with permit Oct 11, 2019

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We're taking a look at a unique program of the National Forest Service that allows people to harvest plants (with permit) for personal use. We'll tell you how to take advantage and where to go.

Oregon Lighthouses: Climbing history's beacons of light Oct 07, 2019

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We run down our favorite lighthouses on the Oregon Coast and how you can climb to the top.

Waldo Lake: Paddling to hidden campsites on Oregon's clearest lake Sep 20, 2019

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In this episode, we talk about kayak and canoe camping at Waldo Lake, one of the clearest and most beautiful lakes in Oregon. While many spend the night at the lake's three developed campgrounds, you're also allowed to load up a boat with camping equipment and head to "dispersed" campsites that dot the lake's shoreline.

Backcountry snorkeling: Exploring Oregon's underwater canyons in the woods Jul 23, 2019

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Zach finds inspiration from dives performed by biologists conducting fish counts and discusses a combination of hikes into the backcountry and underwater snorkeling. We look at snorkeling opportunities on the Collawash River, Little North Santiam, Elk Lake Creek and more.

South Santiam: Stay at House Rock campground, climb Iron Mountain Jul 08, 2019

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A quick look at destinations along the South Santiam River including House Rock Campground and Iron Mountain.