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

In this episode we explore Oswald West State Park and look at how Oswald West the former governor saved Oregon beaches from private interests, creating the unique public ownership that Oregonians enjoy to this day.

Zach and David talk about hiking among ancient volcanoes east of Salem to the state's best collection of summer wildflowers in an area known as the Old Cascades.

Zach talks with Dwayne Canfield, interim executive director of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, about the wildfire damage to one of Oregon's outdoor gems.

In this edition, we’re previewing what’s expected to be a chaotic season in Oregon’s outdoors and how to navigate wildfire closures, permits and drought while also highlighting some great places to visit during this strangest of summers.

Zach is joined by Travis Williams, executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper, to talk about the best floats and campsites just a stone's throw from Oregon's largest cities along the Willamette Water Trail.

In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach is joined by well-known trail runner and ultramarathoner Ryan Ghelfi to talk about the art of "fastpacking" — a combination of trail running and backpacking. Ryan and Zach then pick their favorite wilderness spots within the mythic "State of Jefferson" — otherwise known as Southern Oregon and extreme Northern California.

Zach and David are joined by outdoors author Adam Sawyer to discuss the best hikes in and around the Salem area. Salem might not have the same outdoor buzz as Eugene and Bend, but it features a beautiful collection of forested urban hikes and nearby trails that lead to wildflowers, wildlife refuges and waterfalls.

We explain how a new permit system will change hiking and backpacking in the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington wilderness areas, and what it means when the permits go on sale April 6.

We're joined by Emily Halnon to talk about her incredible feat to run 57 miles per day over mountain wilderness to set the speed record on the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Zach and David highlight Bandon's best adventures and events, from beach hiking to a sand art exhibition to mountain biking, camping and boating on a "new river." They 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.