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

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

Zach Urness / Statesman Journal
Oregon
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
American Forest Resource Council
Hiking
Mount Hood
Cascade Mountains
Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook Coast
John Day River
Pacific Crest Trail
Detroit Lake
Fishing
Columbia River Gorge
Mount Jefferson Wilderness
Coho Salmon
Oregon Coast Trail
Backpacking
Camping
Mountain Biking
Outdoor Recreation

Everything to know about exploring Oregon's best outdoor destinations from the Statesman Journal including where to camp, hike, bike and more.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes238Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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

Latest Episodes

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with state climatologist Larry O'Neill about what a historically powerful El Niño will mean for Oregon this fall and winter. The two talk about the difference between El Niño and La Niña and why it matters for ... more

In this episode, host Zach Urness and intern Makenzie Stamets talk about the Eagle Creek Trail's wild history along with how to backpack the pathway — and find great swimming. Eagle Creek Trail is one of the oldest recreation sites in Oregon and was ... more

In this week's episode, host Zach Urness reposts an episode devoted to the glory and history of Bandon. The scenic town on the Southern Oregon Coast might be nationally known for its golf course, Bandon Dunes, but the area is rich in outdoor gems far... more

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with an Oregon wildfire chief about why the 2026 season has been historically bad and what to expect for the rest of the summer. Urness talks with Kyle Williams, the Oregon Department of Forestry's deputy direc... more

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Recent Guests

Denny Dyke
Creator of Circles in the Sand labyrinth art on Face Rock Beach
Circles in the Sand
Episode: A drug bust, deadly wildfire and princess turned to stone: the best of Bandon
Kyle Williams
Oregon Department of Forestry Deputy Director of Fire Operations
Oregon Department of Forestry
Episode: Oregon's wildfire season has been historically bad. What comes next?
Marcus Fance
Rafted numerous rivers around the Pacific Northwest
Independent rafting enthusiast/guide
Episode: Oregon's 'Grande' river trip showcases easy rapids, wildlife, beautiful camping
Makenzie Stamets
Outdoor intern who reported on Yellowbottom and Quartzville Corridor
Statesman Journal
Episode: What's next for beloved Yellowbottom campground, Quartzville Creek swimming holes?
Joshua Carnahan
Assistant Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management
BLM
Episode: What's next for beloved Yellowbottom campground, Quartzville Creek swimming holes?
Bethany Lintz
New to outdoor climbing, learned outdoor skills through gym classes
Climber featured in segment
Episode: Why the shady forest of French's Dome is ideal for beginner rock climbers
Judah Brenninger
New to outdoor climbing, spoke about the area
Climber featured in segment
Episode: Why the shady forest of French's Dome is ideal for beginner rock climbers
Matt Peterson
Willamette National Forest Recreation Program Manager
Willamette National Forest
Episode: New $3.4 million trail system coming to iconic Blue Pool on the McKenzie River
Zach Collier
Owner of Northwest Rafting Company, rafting expert
Northwest Rafting Company
Episode: Oregon's 20 greatest river trips (repost)

Host

Zach Urness
Host of the program focusing on Oregon's outdoors, public lands, and policy issues.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 144 ratings
  • Great outdoor podcast

    I never miss an episode. So many great outdoor adventures! Zach and his guests are very knowledgeable and fun to listen too.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Colorgirl123678
    United States2 months ago
  • I moved to Oregon recently and have been trying to get to know my new home. This podcast is a great way to learn about outing opportunities offered by this fantastic state. Even the older episodes have enough good ideas and information to be worth a listen.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    naviguessor
    3 months ago
  • Wish there was a different host…

    The subject matter of this show is great and I love that it spans local history, outdoor opportunities and natural resource issues. However I find the host to be lackluster, to the point where I have bailed on some episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Sitka541
    United States2 years ago
  • Stay out of Oregon!!!!!

    The last thing Oregon needs is more tourists to come and disrespect the land and locals.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    plopler
    United States2 years ago
  • Host is the best

    I always learn from this podcast. The host is great and makes we want to explore all the places he talks about.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    growinthesun
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics feel the host's delivery can be uneven but the content remains valuable and engaging.
Listeners praise well-researched, informative coverage of Oregon outdoors and public land issues.
Guests are commonly credible experts, adding depth to discussions on parks, forests, and legislation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#234
United States/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Dynamite, wildfire and waterfalls: Backpacking historic Eagle Creek Trail
Q: When did Makenzie start the backpacking trip and what were the first day's conditions like?
Makenzie began around 9 a.m. on a weekday; the first half of the day wasn't very steep, allowing time to enjoy waterfalls and deer sightings.
What's next for beloved Yellowbottom campground, Quartzville Creek swimming holes?
Q: So you went and visited the site. What was it like?
It felt peaceful and remote, with towering ancient trees and direct access to a cold swimming hole, underscoring why people cherished the site while also highlighting the practical constraints of safety and infrastructure.
New $3.4 million trail system coming to iconic Blue Pool on the McKenzie River
Q: Matt, can you just start off by giving me a little background on why the project is needed?
The increase in visitation since the early 2010s overwhelmed the existing facilities, lacking adequate parking and safety measures, which spurred the decision to build a new trailhead and improve access.
When will beloved Opal Creek finally reopen? Forest Service lays out plan
Q: What is the timeline for reopening Opal Creek sites this summer?
The timelines have shifted; the sites won't open this summer as work continues on hazardous trees, roads, and bridges, with a long-term plan to gradually restore access.
U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview
Q: Will there be significant layoffs or relocations?
There will be some relocations, but overall the structure is designed to minimize job losses while providing opportunities in new roles or locations where possible.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners tune in for in-depth explorations of Oregon's outdoors paired with public lands policy and conservation issues. Episodes frequently cover hiking trails, scenic destinations, park conservation, recreation access, and timely updates on forest service plans, climate impacts, and outdoor legislation. The show is notable for blending practical trip planning with governance-level context, offering actionable tips for travelers and insightful commentary on how policy shapes access to natural spaces. This mix appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore responsibly, as well as professionals and advocates involved in land management and conservation.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Think Out Loud
2. Peak Northwest
3. The Atlas Obscura Podcast
4. Exploring the National Parks
5. OPB Politics Now

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 238 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Denny Dyke
2. Kyle Williams
3. Marcus Fance
4. Makenzie Stamets
5. Joshua Carnahan
6. Bethany Lintz
7. Judah Brenninger
8. Matt Peterson

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