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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.