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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
Cascade Mountains
Visit Tillamook Coast
Mount Hood
Tillamook Coast
John Day River
Pacific Crest Trail
Detroit Lake
Fishing
Columbia River Gorge
Mount Jefferson Wilderness
Coho Salmon
Oregon Coast Trail
Backpacking
Mountain Biking
Three Sisters Wilderness
Wildfires

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes230Founded8 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, Zach talks about the new trail system being constructed to access the popular site known as Blue Pool on the McKenzie River east of Eugene. Urness talks with Willamette National Forest recreation program manager Matt Peterson about w... more

In this 2022 episode, host Zach Urness and three river experts pick the 20 best river trips in the state for whitewater thrills and overnight camping adventures. The group talks about what makes rivers such as the Rogue, Deschutes and Clackamas so in... more

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with the U.S. Forest Service about when the Opal Creek area will finally reopen. The 35,000-acre wilderness and recreation area was severely burned and closed by the Beachie Creek Fire in September of 2020. It ... more

In this episode, host Zach Urness chats with author Cheryl Hill about her new book "Hiking Oregon's Fire Lookouts." Hill picks 10 of her favorite lookout hikes and all the details needed to visit. She also talks about the history of lookouts, etiquet... more

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Recent Guests

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)
Jared Linkhart
Rafting guide with extensive Oregon river experience
Episode: Oregon's 20 greatest river trips (repost)
Jacob Cruser
Lifelong whitewater paddler, co-author of Paddling Pacific Northwest Whitewater
Author/Contributor
Episode: Oregon's 20 greatest river trips (repost)
Jonah Gladney
Acting Detroit District Ranger
U.S. Forest Service
Episode: When will beloved Opal Creek finally reopen? Forest Service lays out plan
Michelle King
Deputy Forest Supervisor of Willamette National Forest (acting as District Ranger at Detroit)
U.S. Forest Service
Episode: When will beloved Opal Creek finally reopen? Forest Service lays out plan
Cheryl Hill
Oregon author and scribe on Fire Lookouts
Author
Episode: 10 amazing Oregon fire lookout hikes (and how to spend the night)
Tom Schultz
Chief of the U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Forest Service
Episode: U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview
Cynthia Reid
Park specialist
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Episode: Detroit Lake 'mini cabins' becoming a hit. Plus, five spring adventures nearby

Host

Zach Urness
Host of Explore Oregon Podcast, Statesman Journal

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 139 ratings
  • 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 Statesa year 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
  • Great info! Love this podcast

    Hey, thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge! I really appreciate your info. Great podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mountainlivin
    United States2 years ago
  • Outstanding journalism & information

    I moved to Oregon in 2018 and luckily discovered this podcast shortly there after. Zach Urness produces well research highly interesting content that has enhanced my understanding of Oregon and nature in general. I enjoy this podcast so much I share it with friends and family, and have actually almost subscribed to the statesman based on the podcast alone. Zach, if you read these reviews, I am really curious about the music that starts every show. Is that your guitar playing or someone else’s?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jamwcats
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests and topics are commonly described as informative, engaging, and helpful for planning trips or understanding local issues.
Some listeners critique the hosting style or production consistency, noting that delivery or audio levels can vary between episodes.
Listeners repeatedly praise the host for being well-researched and a strong interviewer, with many saying the show inspires them to explore Oregon's places.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview
Q: What is the biggest change the public will notice on the ground?
The biggest change will be the enhanced responsiveness and closer relationships with locals, tribes, and state partners due to the new state-directed structure and the service centers that support forest operations.
10 amazing Oregon fire lookout hikes (and how to spend the night)
Q: How should visitors approach staffed lookouts when they encounter staff on site?
Approach with respect, do not enter the cabin or tower without being invited, and understand that staff may invite you up if they have time, but it is not guaranteed.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The show consistently centers on Oregon's outdoors, history, and natural-resource issues, weaving engaging destination features with timely policy and environmental topics. Episodes frequently explore conservation, public-access debates, climate and weather impacts on recreation, and the stories behind trails, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks. A recurring strength is pairing on-the-ground guides and subject-matter experts with accessible storytelling, offering practical trip ideas alongside deeper context about land use, wildlife management, and community stewardship. A notable edge is its ability to connect vivid outdoor experience with the policy and science shaping access and safety, which is valuable for listeners who plan trips, seek d... more

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1. Think Out Loud
2. OPB Politics Now
3. Peak Northwest
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. Choiceology with Katy Milkman

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this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 230 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. Matt Peterson
2. Zach Collier
3. Jared Linkhart
4. Jacob Cruser
5. Jonah Gladney
6. Michelle King
7. Cheryl Hill
8. Tom Schultz

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