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

Oregon's state parks showcase many of the state's most beautiful places as well as the largest and most iconic campgrounds. But how did this system of over 350 parks, recreation areas and the Oregon Coast come together? It's a story of ambition and conservation, of colorful characters, near-calamity and rebirth. Zach talks to an associate director and historian for the deep dive on the last 100 years of Oregon parks.

In this episode, Zach interviews Willamette National Forest supervisor Dave Warnack about the agency's new plan to reopen 170,000 acres of forest that burned in the Labor Day Fires in 2020. The plan includes providing access this summer to iconic places such as Opal Creek, the northern Mount Jefferson Wilderness, and other places that are currently closed due to safety concerns.

In this episode, Zach talks about the wildlife-packed wonders of the Willamette Valley wildlife refuges. Home to over 10,000 acres of forest, ponds, hills and one of the richest collections of birds on earth, the refuges make for great close-to-home hiking, according to guest Sam Bartling with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In this episode, Zach is joined by Gabe Howe, director of the Siskiyou Mountain Club to talk about what might be Oregon's wildest place, the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. They break down the 10 best hikes and backpacking routes, while discussing the megafires, unique geology and wild rivers that make this area so enchanting. Howe details how his club restored the wilderness' trails after major wildfires.

In this episode, Zach talks with Mount Hood Meadows lead ski instructor Tyler Barnes about the best ways to get kids started with downhill skiing and snowboarding while keeping costs within reason.

Zach takes a deep dive into the Columbia River Gorge, breaking down the best hikes and best places to eat, the history and geology, and the latest news on permits, crowding, post-fire recovery and what comes next for Multnomah Falls, Dog Mountain and Oneonta Gorge. Special guests include author Matt Wastradowski ("Moon Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood") and Stan Hinatsu (U.S. Forest Service).

The number of people rescued from Oregon's outdoors has risen sharply in the past few years. But why? Zach talks with Scott Lucas, state search and rescue coordinator about why Oregon has seen so many rescues, how people get into trouble and how to avoid getting lost.

Zach and SJ outdoors intern Eddy Binford Ross debate their 15 favorite winter adventures in Oregon. They talk about how to ski and snowshoe at Crater Lake in winter — and why it's better than summer — while breaking down a visit to a snowy fire lookout, waterfalls covered in ice and why the Oregon Coast Trail makes for great off-season trips.

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.