Outdoor Explorer

On “Outdoor Explorer” we invite you to step outside into Alaska. Follow us to a new trail or fishing hole, learn what to pack, when to go and most importantly, how to stay safe. Learn about life-long fitness and get inspired to go outside in the back country or on the bike trails.

We’ll hear from the people who know the land best – outdoor guides, park rangers, coaches, authors, lodge owners, bush pilots, educators and you, the explorer. Listen Thursdays at 2:00 & 8:00 pm on KSKA FM, streaming live at alaskapublic.org.

We’re looking for your show ideas! Please send your thoughts for upcoming shows to: bork@alaskapublic.org

A man and a woman stand in a running store.

Skinny Raven turns 30 | Outdoor Explorer

Host Lisa Keller talks with Skinny Raven co-owners about the ups and downs of operating one of the top running stores in the nation.
Buildings from a former mine sit in fog.

What’s new in Mat-Su parks? | Outdoor Explorer

From Hatcher Pass down to Jim Creek Recreation Area and out to Denali State Park, there’s plenty happening all year long.
A group of people cut a ribbon in downtown Anchorage.

Biking Anchorage: Bike to Work Day and the new downtown dedicated bike lane | Outdoor Explorer

Host Paul Twardock meets participants of Bike to Work Day and attends the opening of dedicated bike lanes in downtown Anchorage.
A woman spreads her arms as she finishes a bike race.

Meet Olympic cyclist Kristen Faulkner | Outdoor Explorer

Did you know that one of the best professional cyclists in the world is an Alaskan? Kristen Faulkner from Homer is a member of...
A woman takes a selfie on top of a mountain.

Alaska Made: Revel Treks and Tours | Outdoor Explorer

Kierre Childers shares her story of becoming a small business owner leading hiking and backpacking trips in Southcentral Alaska.
A line of hikers ascend a ridge.

Honoring the lost and hiking Gold Star Peak | Outdoor Explorer

Many mark Memorial Day by taking to mountains and trails. That includes the challenging journey up Gold Star Peak.
A person kayaks in the ocean.

Paddling into Summer | Outdoor Explorer

After a long winter, kayaks and canoes are finally appearing from beneath piles of snow, rivers are running and the ocean beckons.

Voices of the Wilderness | Outdoor Explorer

On this week's Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses art and the US Forest Service's Voices of the Wilderness Program.

Volunteering in the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer

Whether maintaining trails, teaching beginners or picking up trash, volunteers are the core of the outdoor community.
A man stands with multiple Special Olympics medals.

Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | Outdoor Explorer

Hear from Harlow Robinson, executive director of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On April 30, the Hall will induct the class of 2024.

Mountains to Sea Trails | Outdoor Explorer

Newly created trails make it possible to bike, hike, run or ski from Glen Alps to Knik Arm of Cook Inlet without crossing a single road.

Arctic Traverse: A Brooks Range Journey | Outdoor Explorer

Michael Engelhard decided to hike and paddle from Canada to Kotzebue — a lifelong goal. His memoir is a mix of travelogue, history and more.
A selfie of a woman sea kayaking in the ocean.

Veterans and outdoor therapy | Outdoor Explorer

The Cohen Clinic offers programs that address the wholistic needs of veterans, using the outdoors to heal from trauma.

Arctic Winter Games | Outdoor Explorer BONUS EPISODE

It's Alaska's turn to host the biennial event celebrating the sports and culture of the people who live in the circumpolar north.
A man rides an adaptive mountain bike.

Challenge Alaska | Outdoor Explorer

Challenge Alaska works with Alaskans with disabilities, giving them access to adaptive sports, education and a supportive community.

The Alaska Long Trail | Outdoor Explorer

This week on Outdoor Explorer we dive into the Alaska Long Trail. It would connect Seward and Fairbanks via a multi user trail system.
People on skis and snowboards line up in front of a ski lift and mountain.

Skiing Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass | Outdoor Explorer

Meet Skeetawk manager, Megan Justus, and find out what's in store for the growing ski operation.

Alyeska Volunteer Ski Patrol stories | Outdoor Explorer

Alyeska decided to end their volunteer ski patrol last fall. To celebrate the patrol's history, folks gathered to tell stories and reminisce.

Ice skating on Solstice in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer

Host Paul Twardock visited the Anchorage Solstice Festival at the Cuddy Family Midtown Park interviewing organizers, politicians and the events and ice rink founders.

Hiking in Yukon Territory | Outdoor Explorer

The Yukon is a land of vast wilderness. Sometimes you need a little guidance in a wild landscape.