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

Outdoors writer Zach Urness shares how to make an adventure out of finding your special Christmas tree in Willamette National Forest.

In this week's edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, we pick the best things to do on Willamette Pass.

We're taking a look at a unique program of the National Forest Service that allows people to harvest plants (with permit) for personal use. We'll tell you how to take advantage and where to go.

We run down our favorite lighthouses on the Oregon Coast and how you can climb to the top.

In this episode, we talk about kayak and canoe camping at Waldo Lake, one of the clearest and most beautiful lakes in Oregon. While many spend the night at the lake's three developed campgrounds, you're also allowed to load up a boat with camping equipment and head to "dispersed" campsites that dot the lake's shoreline.

Zach finds inspiration from dives performed by biologists conducting fish counts and discusses a combination of hikes into the backcountry and underwater snorkeling. We look at snorkeling opportunities on the Collawash River, Little North Santiam, Elk Lake Creek and more.

A quick look at destinations along the South Santiam River including House Rock Campground and Iron Mountain.

Outdoors editor Zach Urness speaks with Renee Patrick, coordinator for the Oregon Desert Trail, about the challenging eastern Oregon route that will open the eyes of hikers to the wonders of the high desert.

We sit down with Sen. Ron Wyden to discuss the Oregon Wildlands Act and the creation of a new wilderness area around Devil's Staircase.

Whether you're a ski fan looking for some fresh powder, a first-time snowshoer, a family looking to sled, or want to take in the majesty of a waterfall during winter, we'll detail the best way to make it happen.