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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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes227Founded8 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 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

U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Schultz defends reorganization plans in interview by Zach Urness / Statesman Journal

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks about the popular mini cabins at Detroit Lake State Park and great places to visit nearby during the spring. The cabins were originally intended as staff housing for seasonal emplo... more

In this episode, host Zach Urness talks about an in-depth story that he wrote about the past, present and future of Oregon's timber industry. The story and podcast look at the history of Oregon's most important and influential industry and the curren... more

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Recent Guests

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
Simon Pickett
Park ranger
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Episode: Detroit Lake 'mini cabins' becoming a hit. Plus, five spring adventures nearby
Travis Joseph
Leader, American Forest Resource Council
American Forest Resource Council
Episode: The past, present and future of Oregon's timber industry
Ken Helm
Oregon State Representative, Democrat of Beaverton
Oregon State Legislature
Episode: Oregon lawmaker talks major wildlife bill, public lands and controversial waterway permits
Adam Sawyer
Outdoors writer and guidebook author
Episode: Spectacular Abiqua Falls is for sale. What to know about the effort to preserve it
Travis Williams
Executive director of the Willamette Preservation Trust
Willamette Preservation Trust
Episode: Spectacular Abiqua Falls is for sale. What to know about the effort to preserve it
Pete Wallstrom
Longtime raft guide and business owner
Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association
Episode: What outdoors bills are coming to the Oregon Legislature in 2026? Wildlife, liability, permits

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.

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.
10 amazing Oregon fire lookout hikes (and how to spend the night)
Q: What is it about Fire Lookouts that draws you to them?
The combination of a short hike with a long, expansive view from a mountaintop cabin that has both history and living stories tied to it, making the experience almost sacred.
How Oregon's greatest disasters fueled rise of search and rescue (repost)
Q: What was the most surprising finding in your research?
The depth of Oregon's early involvement in SAR, including how volunteer groups formed the backbone of rescue efforts long before formal systems existed, and how the mountain rescue culture evolved through decades of innovation and tragedy.

Audience Metrics

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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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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Peak Northwest
2. Think Out Loud
3. Outside Podcast
4. OPB Politics Now
5. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 227 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. Cheryl Hill
2. Tom Schultz
3. Cynthia Reid
4. Simon Pickett
5. Travis Joseph
6. Ken Helm
7. Adam Sawyer
8. Travis Williams

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