This podcast episode features National Park Service experts Corita K. Waters, River Partnerships Specialist and Susan Rosebrough, Team Lead for National Park Service, discussing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a federal law passed in 1968 to protect natural waterways. To earn this designation, a river must remain free-flowing and […]
In this podcast episode, Dr. Kim Ely aka the “Rock Doc” discusses the geological origins and unique features of Wolf Rock, a massive volcanic monolith located in the Willamette National Forest. As the largest monolith in Oregon, this site represents the eroded core of an ancient volcano that existed long before the modern […]
This podcast episode features a discussion with a Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason D. McClaughry regarding the unique characteristics of the Wildcat Mountain Caldera in Oregon. A caldera is described as a massive volcanic depression formed when a volcano collapses into its own emptied magma chamber. Unlike famous […]
In this podcast episode from Dirty Freehub, conservation expert Skyler Vold describes the greater sage grouse as a foundational and visually striking bird of the Western United States. These birds are sagebrush obligates, meaning they depend entirely on that specific habitat for food and shelter, even thriving on toxic plants during harsh […]
This podcast excerpt features an interview with ecologist Martha Brabec of Boise Parks and Recreation regarding the impact of goatheads, an invasive and noxious weed common in the American West. These plants are notorious for producing sharp, puncture-prone seeds that frequently damage bicycle tires and reduce local biodiversity. Brabec […]
In this episode, we sit down with David Shaw, a Professor Emeritus in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, to explore the fascinating ecology and management of Oregon’s dwarf mistletoe. While heavy infestations can deform trees by creating massive, dense branch structures known as “witches’ […]
The Water and Lava route is Dirty Freehub’s most popular gravel bike ride, so we figured it was time to dig a little deeper — literally. This route, located in Bend, Oregon, is a living geology lesson on two wheels. 🌋🚴♂️ So let’s slow it down, zoom out, and explore what’s really going on beneath the tires with geologist […]
We all have heard the term “land trust”. But, do you really know what a land trust does? Why land trusts may be the most important element to recreation and wildlife habitat conservation moving forward? In this podcast, we speak with Amanda Martino, the Conservation Director, with the Blue Mountain Land Trust.
In this two-minute video, learn about one of the Deschutes Land Trust’s newest conservation projects: the 4,500-acre Priday Ranch. The property features three creeks, outstanding wildlife habitat, hills of native bunchgrasses, and canyon walls that are home to golden eagles.
A blend of history and ecological restoration, Camp Polk Meadows Preserve is a thriving haven for fish, wildlife, and native species thanks to years of dedicated restoration. In this episode, we learn about the unique challenges of balancing conservation with public access, history of the site, and how the Deschutes Land Trust and the local […]
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast invites gravel cyclists and nature lovers to discover the magic of whale migrations along one of the most scenic coastlines in the U.S. This episodes shares about how to connect with the whales, best seasons for sightings, and unusual whale mortality events as well as how we can help the whale population […]
In this 2-minute video, discover the beautiful, bold, and boastful Greater Sage-Grouse. Watch how the males inflate their brightly colored air sacs to create sounds that can travel up to three kilometers, attracting females to their display grounds. By the BBC.
Discover the story of Oregon’s Lower Deschutes River in The Last 100 Miles, a powerful documentary about the fight to restore a once-pristine river damaged by well-meaning changes. Anglers, scientists, and locals rally to protect this wild place. A must-watch for conservation advocates.
In this 2.5-minute video, learn about the 2025 canal piping project near Madras . Once completed, the project will conserve 7,000 gallons of water per minute by preventing seepage and evaporation. It will also save the average farmer between $20,000 and $150,000 per year in irrigation pump operating costs.
In this 3-minute video, discover the beauty and importance of this remote sagebrush-steppe ecosystem—a unique landscape that supports pronghorn, sage-grouse, mule deer, golden eagles, and more. There’s nothing else like it in the world!
Bighorn sheep in the Deschutes River area went extinct in the 1940s, but thanks to a reintroduction effort in the early 1990s, their population has grown to 600. Learn how to spot these muscular creatures among the basalt cliffs with wildlife biologist Jeremy Thompson in this 2-minute video.
Learn more about the Marbled Murrelet with Dr. Jim Rivers, a wildlife ecologist and researcher at Oregon State University specializing in avian ecology, forest management, and conservation biology. In this discussion, he explores the unique behaviors of this elusive seabird and its rare connection to both ocean and forest ecosystems.
In this podcast, we dive deep into the history of the Monterey Cypress with Nancy Appling Salucci of the Heritage Tree Committee and Beth Dehn of Oregon Travel Information Council. What makes this unique tree so special, and why did it stand out in a world of towering giants? We explore its origins, the man who planted it, how this […]
The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary in Lake County Oregon is one of the few dark sky sanctuaries in the United States, offering exceptionally dark skies due to its remote location, minimal light pollution, and clear weather conditions. The sanctuary is part of the larger Oregon Outback region, which spans rugged, remote landscapes that […]
This 5-minute video highlights the tremendous value of partnerships to enhance and preserve the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding private lands in Harney Basin. The issues facing th Basin are larger than any one person, group or agency can address alone, but together, […]
Learn about this collaborative project between the Wilson-Haun family and Trout Unlimited to restore a section of the Wallowa river near Lostine, Oregon. Their work restored the river’s natural flow, slowing water, replenishing groundwater, and creating essential habitats for salmon, steelhead, lamprey, and other wildlife. Crews dug side […]
When it comes to cycling in rural areas, there is a chance you may cross paths with dogs. How do you know if they are aggressive? What happens if you get bit? In this podcast, we join two different perspectives – a K-9 officer and a veterinarian with a background in canine behavior. Glen Scruggs, a retired Oregon police officer has […]
This video highlights the importance of the Greater Hells Canyon Region for wildlife migration and climate resiliency. This special place is located in NE Oregon, right on the Idaho border.
A carnivorous plan you say? The Cobra Lily, also known as Darlingtonia californica may look like a snake poised to strike but is actually a carnivorous plant that contains unique characteristics. Throughout the episode, our guest Haleigh Martin from Klamath-Siskiyou Wild (KS Wild) emphasizes the significance of personal connections to […]
Two stunning geological formations in Central Oregon offer a wealth of insights into the beauty and complexity of these balancing or “ghost” rocks. Shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, our resident “rock doctor” Dr. Kim Ely explains how the cliffs were formed, highlighting four distinct geological […]
Uncover the fascinating history behind this unique landmark with Ryan Parker, a beach ranger from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. In this episode, we discover how a massive Cascadia earthquake in 1700 led to the preservation of ancient trees, whose stumps now emerge from the sand at low tide. Through these geological processes, […]
A quick 2-minute video about the 2002 Biscuit Fire, one of the largest wildfires ever in Oregon: learn how it impacted the lands and people. By Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Dr. Win McLaughlin, a geology professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, provides us with a deep understanding of the geology, history, and ecology of the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is filled with unique geology which is characterized by its young age and the presence of sand dunes formed during the ice ages. She describes how […]
We delve into the intricacies of weather patterns along the Oregon coast with Dr. Paul Loikith, an Associate Professor of Weather and Climate Science at Portland State University. Dr. Leuketh provides valuable insights into heavy storms called atmospheric rivers–powerful storms that bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region. He […]
Join us as we explore the intersection of gravel cycling and public land access, uncovering the untapped potential of landlocked areas for outdoor enthusiasts. Our GIS Specialist, Ben Purcell, who has been working with the Bureau of Land Management since 2017 happens to be a bit of a map enthusiast himself and delves into the potential […]
This episode is part of our logging series, which covers topics such as safety, education, and what we need to know as recreationalists in active logging areas. In this episode, we connect back with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach manager of Starker Forests and Austin Finster, owner and operator of Finster Forestry. We have an open […]
In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the ride to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of […]
In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the ride to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of […]
If you’ve ever cycled through Oregon, you might have passed under the canopy of Red Alder trees. In this episode, we chat with Glenn Ahrens, an extension forester from Oregon State University, about everything related to alders and conifers. We’ll also explore various tree species native to Oregon, learn how to identify them, […]
Jason Kirchner joins us from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in Newport, Oregon to dive into one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures: the wolverine. As the District Wildlife Biologist, he answers questions like: What are wolverines? What do they look like? How do they behave? Where do they reside? Separating fact from fiction, we […]
Located in Harney Basin in eastern Oregon, Malheur Lake sits within the 187,000 acres of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an area that is an important wildlife habitat. Aquatic Biologist, […]
From ride guides to rural economies — your answers shape what we do next.
Do our guides match reality? Do you trust what we publish? And when you drive to ride, how much does that trip put into the small towns along the way? Your answers help us improve — and help us prove gravel cycling’s real value to rural communities.
Ten minutes, confidential if you’d like, and it sets our direction for 2027.
