Explore Oregon Podcast: The state's most beautiful places and biggest issues
Zach Urness / Statesman Journal
Everything to know about exploring Oregon's best outdoor destinations from the Statesman Journal including where to camp, hike, bike and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2020 • 19min
Grants Pass: What's in a name? And Zach's top picks
In this episode, hosts Zach Urness and David Davis talk about the outdoor paradise around Southern Oregon's Grants Pass while discussing the history of the town's name — which includes murder, betrayal and a Civil War general.
Urness, who lived in Grants Pass for six years, also talks about meeting the founder of Dutch Bros and the glory of the Rogue River, the Illinois River, local mountain biking spots and the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.
Oct 16, 2020 • 1h 1min
How Oregon State Parks survived a complete shutdown and some overlooked picks
Zach speaks with Lisa Sumption, the director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and longtime parks spokesman Chris Havel to talk about why parks were shut down, how they've been impacted and what comes next — including when yurts and cabins will reopen.
Oct 6, 2020 • 10min
Biking, rafting and wildflower hunting near Hood River
In our first mini-podcast, we detail four of our favorite things to do around Hood River, Oregon. From a leisurely bike ride along the Columbia, to wild rafting trips, to fruit farms and wildflowers.
Oct 3, 2020 • 27min
The Labor Day wildfires that devastated the Santiam Canyon
In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, hosts Zach Urness and David Davis talk about the genesis of the fires that ripped through the Santiam Canyon the night of Labor Day 2020 and into the next morning, devastating communities up and down the canyon.
Aug 14, 2020 • 20min
Planning your trip down the iconic John Day River
On this episode we'll take you to the second-longest undammed river in the United States which snakes through deep, isolated canyons in Eastern Oregon for a trip that features beautiful camping, great fishing and mellow rapids.
Jun 24, 2020 • 29min
Ten hikes to explore Oregon’s old-growth forests and trees
In this episode we're joined by Chandra LeGue, author of Oregon's Ancient Forests, to talk about the best tree-focused hikes in Oregon.
Mar 2, 2020 • 33min
Oregon Whale Watching: Where to see whales so close 'you can hear them breathe'
In this episode we're joined by marine expert Luke Parsons to talk about the majesty of the whale migrations along the Oregon Coast.
Feb 4, 2020 • 25min
Winter Waterfall Hunting: Snowshoe or ski to these Oregon gems
In this week's edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach details his favorite winter activity, visiting waterfalls shrouded in snow and ice.
Dec 23, 2019 • 33min
Fishing at Detroit Lake: Insider's guide to fishing this Willamette Valley reservoir
Zach is joined by fishing poet and Western Oregon University professor Henry Hughes to talk fishing at Detroit Lake.
Dec 16, 2019 • 13min
Cut your own Christmas tree in Oregon's National Forests: Everything to know
Outdoors writer Zach Urness shares how to make an adventure out of finding your special Christmas tree in Willamette National Forest.
