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

In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks about the historic wildfire season, the deep drawdown of Detroit Lake and a number of smaller topics, including: The Trump Administration effort to eliminate the "roadless rule" on public lands A Canadian mining company's push to develop a copper mine near the Opal Creek Wilderness The spread of invasive but tasty walleye into the Willamette River system The closure of razor clam harvest on the Oregon Coast

In this episode, host Zach Urness and intern Makenzie Stamets talk about one of Mount Hood's most beautiful hikes — McNeil Point. Stamets takes listeners up the steep but scenic trail, past old-growth forest to a historic stone shelter and finally to the summit. The two also talk about best routes, biggest highlights and the point's namesake — Fred McNeil — who was a longtime newspaper and outdoorsman.

In this episode, intern Makenzie Stamets talks with the owner of Peak Sports in Corvallis about their decision to downside and the challenging environment facing outdoor retail in 2026. Stamets talks with Larry Desaulniers about Peak's rise in becoming a top bike shop and outdoor retailer in Oregon, and the challenges it and many other retailers have faced since the pandemic. He talked about the company's recent move and downsizing, and what caused it.

In this reposted episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks with Leo Rosen-Fischer, an expert of recreational tree climbing in the Pacific Northwest and owner Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. They talk about what recreational tree climbing is — using ropes, a harness and other equipment to ascend high up old-growth trees — before detailing the types of giant trees you can climb in the backcountry of Silver Falls State Park. They talk about how tree climbing works for younger kids and older adults, how you can actually camp at the top of a nearly 300-foot tree and how Rosen-Fischer and state parks officials ensure the activity is not harming the trees or displacing animals.

In this episode, intern Makenzie Stamets talks with climbing historian Jeff Thomas about how sport climbing was born and developed at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. Thomas has been climbing at Smith since the 70s and has written two of the state's influential guidebooks. The two talk about how this all came together and the controversy that came with it.

In this episode, host Zach Urness and intern Riley Ellis talk about surfing at Short Sand Beach, Oregon's most popular surfing destination. Short Sand, located in Oswald West State Park, garners 1.3 million visitors a year and features a beautiful half-mile hike to the ocean. Many of those visitors go to Short Sands Beach to catch waves. Riley Ellis, who grew up surfing in Lincoln City, sought to find out if Shorty's is overhyped or deserving of its reputation as a surfer's paradise.

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 global weather. Then, they look at why this coming winter is expected to see the strongest El Niño ever recorded. O'Neill explains what the unusual weather pattern could mean for Oregon's rainfall and snowfall, flooding and drought.

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 also the birthplace of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire — one of the state's most infamous fires. They also discuss the site's iconic ... bathroom.

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 from crowded beaches. We dive into the area's best adventures and events, from beach hiking to a sand art exhibition to mountain biking, camping and boating on a "new river." We 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.

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 director of fire operations, about the seemingly endless number of fires burning in central and eastern Oregon, how they started and why they've grown so large. They talk about firefighting tactics and what to expect on the west side of the state the rest of summer. Likely this week, Oregon will burn more acres than have ever been recorded in a modern fire season — and it'll happen before the calendar even hits August.