Peak Northwest: Recent Episodes
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
It’s always nice to bond with your parents, but how many people choose to bond over a 100-mile bike ride? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Lizzy Acker, trending news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who spent a warm day this summer on a century ride with her dad. Taking a route from Portland to Troutdale and back, the father-daughter duo enjoyed a great adventure that included sunshine, river views, lemonade and a just a few challenges on the way. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How a failed attempt fueled the desire to reach 100 miles.
Their route ran largely along bike paths from Portland to Sugarpine Drive-In.
What is it like to ride with your dad?
How Lizzy is using this experience to get ready for Cycle Oregon.
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Looking for incredible coastal views? Make your way to the Boardman Corridor. Officially known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the 12-mile stretch of the southern Oregon coast is known for its big views, beaches and hiking trails, all found off a series of pull-outs alongside U.S. 101. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into all the best sights to see at the Boardman Corridor, as well as some tips on navigating the sometimes confusing trailheads and parking areas. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What exactly is the Boardman Corridor?
Arch Rock and Natural Bridges are two of the most popular attractions in the area – for good reason.
The Thomas Creek Bridge is a major feat of engineering.
A trio of beaches offer opportunities to get to the sand, with varying levels of difficulty.
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A big cosmic show is coming this weekend, and conditions should be good to see it from Oregon. The annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the most reliably spectacular astronomical events of the year, will be peaking on Aug. 12 and 13, bringing beautiful streaking meteors to the night sky. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about how, when and where to see the Perseids, and explain what exactly it is you’ll be looking at. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What are the Perseids?
Why this year is a particularly good year to watch the meteor shower.
Some of the best dark sky locations to watch the show.
Star parties are a great way to watch the meteor shower with likeminded people, and learn a little more about the cosmos.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Looking to round out summer with a few good leg-burners? You’ve come to the right place. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the toughest hiking trails around the Portland area, finding them at Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Coast Range. These are not your average day hikes – they’re intense climbs meant only for the hardiest of hikers. We have all the details to help you settle on the best hike for you, from mileage and elevation gain to the necessary precautions at each place. If you’ve spent the season on some of the easier and more moderate trails, this might be the time to challenge yourself. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Our “hard” hikes include a pair of beautiful spots on Mount Hood.
The “harder” hikes feature some popular places on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.
A pair of “hardest” hikes go up some of the steepest inclines in the area, with lots of mileage to keep your heart pumping.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from July, 2021. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to enjoy Olympic National Park: from the coastline to the forest, lodges to campgrounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from September, 2022.
The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in United States history. The explosion reduced the mountain’s elevation by about 1,370 feet. Today, hikers and mountaineers set off to the volcano for the day-long adventure to climb to the top. The reduced elevation makes the trek suitable for beginner mountaineers, too. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor talks about her first volcanic summit at Mount St. Helens. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Vickie chats about the three different terrain sections of the Mount St. Helens climb via Climber’s Bivouac trailhead.
How to snag a permit during peak climbing season.
Vickie discusses what she packed that was most helpful.
Tips and tricks for having the most enjoyable summit possible.
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There are tons of incredible road trips in the Pacific Northwest. You can loop the Olympic Peninsula, drive the length of the Oregon coast, cruise the Cascade Mountains or head out to the treasures of the high desert. A road trip to Alaska is on a whole other level. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we talk with our colleague, photographer Dave Killen, who made the epic trip from Portland to Alaska with his partner and their two dogs in a vintage Volkswagen bus he rebuilt himself. The three-week excursion was full of good hiking, incredible scenery and a lifetime of memories. How, exactly, do you go about planning a trip of this magnitude? And is it a reasonable excursion for the everyday Northwest adventurer? Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why choose a road trip to Alaska?
There are a couple different routes to get up there.
What were some of the most scenic places along the way?
Seeing (or hearing) wildlife is bound to happen in this part of the country.
Are there any challenges specific to this kind of trip?
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Between wildflower hikes, scenic bike rides, tree climbing and tide pooling, the first half of 2023 has been especially active for the Peak Northwest crew. On this week’s episode of the podcast, we run through our favorite trips from this year so far, crossing almost the entirety of Oregon, from the roaring ocean, over the mountains to the arid high desert. If you’re still looking for some spring or fall travel ideas around the Pacific Northwest, we have some excellent ideas for you. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
A vintage airstream with a quick walk to the coast is hard to beat.
Day tripping through the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge.
Our most adventurous adventures of the year.
How to pull off a spur of the moment trip to Bend.
Rainy days at the Oregon coast are a relaxing way to travel.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you want to get away and really get away, you might try escaping to Owyhee. Located along the Owyhee River on the far eastern side of Oregon, the Owyhee Canyonlands are a remote high desert getaway with places to hike, boat, fish and explore. Even the drive is incredible. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all things Owyhee, giving a primer on exploring the far-flung destination. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How exactly do you get to Owyhee?
What can you do there?
The best places to explore while you’re out in the canyonlands.
There are a few good places to anchor your trip, though all involve a lot of driving.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Maybe you liked to climb trees as a kid, but this is a whole other level. A new company in Oregon is taking people high into the canopy of an old-growth forest, offering a new perspective and a thrilling adventure. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Leo Rosen-Fischer, founder of Tree Climbing at Silver Falls, which takes people hundreds of feet above the forest floor at Silver Falls State Park. The experience of climbing into the forest canopy, as Rosen-Fischer tells it, is like nothing else. And the adventure of ascending up the trunk of a living giant is one you won’t soon forget. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is this tree climbing experience like?
It can be hard work ascending a tree, but there are special tools to help those who need it.
What’s it like to be high in the forest canopy?
If you like tree climbing, try tree camping at Silver Falls.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor
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Is there anything better than soaking in a hot spring, breathing in the cool mountain air? We don’t think so. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we gush about one of our favorite resorts in Oregon, a place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world. Whether you’re at Breitenbush Hot Springs for the day or staying a couple of nights, it’s a little slice of paradise that all but forces you into a state of relaxation. We have everything you need to know about the resort, and an impassioned endorsement of the retreats they provide. Here’s the full episode:
What and where is Breitenbush Hot Springs?
What’s the deal with nudity in the hot springs?
How the resort has been building back after a devastating wildfire in 2020.
What you can expect when you go on a retreat.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to explore another planet, you don’t need to leave Earth to do it – or even Oregon. The John Day Fossil Beds of central Oregon are a strange natural attraction that seem out of this world. Between the glowing colors of the Painted Hills, the strange prehistoric fossils found underground and the blue badlands that emerge from the desert, this is a place like no other. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to see at the national monument, with tips on how to see it all for yourself this season. Bring water, grab your camera and get ready to be wowed. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What exactly are the Fossil Beds?
The Painted Hills and beyond: everything you should see while you’re there.
How should you plan a trip out there?
What you should bring to stay safe while exploring.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A rainy fall and mushroom season pretty much go hand in hand. If you’ve seen mushrooms growing on hikes, but haven’t foraged with the intent of eating them, you’re not alone. Hunting and identifying mushrooms can take years of studying. Some are great and tasty, while others strike worry, for fear of being poisonous. But if you’re interested in getting into mushroom foraging there is good news: the region has plenty of learning opportunities for beginners. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Vickie and Jamie discuss their most recent Peak Northwest video shoot at Fort Stevens State Park. Guided by two rangers, who regularly lead mushroom hunting hikes, they foraged with the goal of eating some mushrooms for lunch. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
There are plenty of books and resources for getting into mushroom identification.
Why the Oregon coast is great for mushroom growth.
How to pick and clean a mushroom.
Matsutake mushrooms are delicious cooked over and open campfire.
How to join a mushroom hike at Fort Stevens State Park.
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If you’re looking to walk off that Thanksgiving dinner or avoid shopping malls like the plague, there’s another tradition for you: Green Friday. Celebrated by state parks in both Oregon and Washington on the day after Thanksgiving, and sometimes called Autumn Day or Native American Heritage Day, the fee-free holiday waives all parking fees at parks where they’re normally charged. While park fees, which run from $5 to $10 per vehicle, are pretty nominal compared to the price of gas needed to get to those recreation areas, it’s a nice gesture and a good excuse to get outside. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we have a few suggestions for those interested in celebrating this year. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The history of Green Friday in the Pacific Northwest.
Which Oregon state parks normally charge fees?
A few of the best state parks in Oregon to check out this season.
Washington has plenty of amazing state parks, too.
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Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park is the scenic 33 mile route that goes around the entirety of the lake. Biking Rim Drive offers an incredible route filled with breathtaking views of the lake, canopies of trees and challenging elevation changes. Closed for a good portion of the year due to snow, Rim Drive is a bucket list ride for cyclists who find time to do it when the weather and conditions are just right. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we kick off our new sub-series, My Epic Adventure, with Vickie’s recent ride around the rim of Crater Lake. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Logistics and breakdown of riding Rim Drive. (Disclaimer: this is a pretty challenging ride).
Training and preparation needed for the ride.
Lodging options in and around the park.
Details for the official 2023 Ride the Rim event.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This fall, a bit of news came out that isn’t news to many Oregonians: Manzanita was named one of the most beautiful small towns in America. That’s according to a list created by Architectural Digest, which included the north Oregon coast town with a two-sentence writeup highlighting the fact that visitors can see “beach dunes and mountains in one view.” Locals and regular visitors to the coast know there’s a lot more to Manzanita than just views (though the views are pretty great). On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we’ll get into all the best places to see and things to do while you’re hanging around town, from big hikes to cozy restaurants right off the beach. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What’s the general vibe of Manzanita, compared to other coast towns?
Surfing, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding are all available just outside of town.
There are plenty of good food options in Manzanita.
The Manzanita Schoolhouse is a fun rental for a big group of people.
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Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from October, 2021. Go hike this epic trail! The Wilson River Trail runs almost 24 miles through the Coast Range, offering hikers a variety of options for excellent fall excursions. Situated on the north side of Oregon 6, the highway between Hillsboro and Tillamook, the trail snakes through a lush, quiet forest featuring deciduous trees that change color in the fall. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the many ways to explore the trail. Some highlights:
Jamie details his recent trips to the Wilson River Trail, where he encountered few other hikers.
He and Jim discuss how to best day-hike the trail.
Jamie notes that the Tillamook Forest Center is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We kick around the trail’s backpacking, trail running and long-distance hiking options.
Jamie touches on the trail’s mountain biking and horseback riding options.
He dives into plans to extend the trail.
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People using mobility devices, who are blind or who live with cognitive impairment all enjoy outdoor recreation, yet for hikers with disabilities there are still many obstacles in the way. Overcoming those barriers is the goal of Access Recreation, a Portland organization dedicated to supporting hikers with disabilities through its own website, Access Trails, in addition to conducting trainings with land management agencies to help them provide those resources as well. On today’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Jamie spoke with Georgena Moran, founder of Access Recreation, who has spent the last two decades dedicated to this work while finding ways to access hiking trails herself. With so many different kinds of disabilities and barriers that hikers may face, just disseminating basic information about trails can be vitally important, Moran said, from providing pictures of parking lots to offering descriptions of trail surfaces. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Hiking with disabilities reveals challenges that some able-bodied hikers may not be aware of.
Access to information is one of the biggest barriers for hikers with disabilities.
How Access Recreation works with land management agencies to get more information out there.
A few of the best accessible hikes around the Portland area.
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If you want a taste of Bavaria in the Pacific Northwest, then Leavenworth, Wash., is the place to go. You can indulge in bratwurst, pretzels and beer while wearing lederhosen, all while being surrounded by Bavarian architecture. Even the McDonald’s and the gas station are in theme. The town is also located at the base of the Cascades, making it a gateway to standout hikes and climbs. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about where to eat, sleep and adventure, in and around Leavenworth. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Our favorite restaurants serve classic German fare, but a standout soup spot stole our hearts.
Oktoberfest and Village of Lights are just a few of the many festivals the town hosts.
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm gives you a chance to feed some furry friends (and possibly meet Santa).
Where to find thousands of nutcrackers.
How to hike in the Alpine Lakes wilderness and potentially see some larch trees chancing colors.
Here’s the full episode: Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Down in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, there’s a small but mighty wine scene just waiting to be explored. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the Applegate Valley wine country, where a wide variety of grapes grow among some seriously beautiful scenery. Nestled between Grants Pass and Medford near the California border, the wine region makes a perfect day trip while visiting southern Oregon, made complete with stops at places like the town of Jacksonville, Applegate Lake and the McKee Covered Bridge. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Jacksonville is a great place to anchor your trip to the Applegate Valley.
Why spitting is a great approach to wine tasting.
There are 18 wineries in the region, but we stopped at four standouts.
Spend a few more days and you can find a lot more to do in southern Oregon.
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Birding is for everyone. That’s the philosophy at Guero Bird Club, a Portland bird watching group run by local torta restaurant Guero, which for the last year has been leading regular bird walks for beginners and experts alike. On today’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Audrey Tawdry, co-founder of the Guero Bird Club, who brings a sense of community to her bird walks that she hosts at parks around the city. Started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club is a part of the modern bird watching boom that focuses more on fun than bird counts. You can find the Guero Bird Club at guerotortas.com/birdclub or on Instagram @guerobirdclub. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Guero Bird Club got its start in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The club draws bird watchers of all ages and abilities.
Birding became more of a mindfulness exercise during the pandemic.
Tips for beginner bird watchers.
Adding lyrics to birdsongs make them easier to identify.
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The Hood River Valley consists of more than 15,000 acres of irrigated farmland. If you enjoy fresh picked fruit, or better yet, picking your own fruit, you’re in for a special treat at the Hood River Fruit Loop. With 35 miles of country back roads, the Fruit Loop offers 27 different orchards, farm stands, bakeries, flower fields, wineries and breweries. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about planning a full day of exploring the Hood River Fruit Loop, after visiting for our most recent Peak Northwest video series shoot. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Vickie and Jamie discuss how they chose their five stops on the Fruit Loop.
There are plenty of animal friends to pet, feed or just watch on the loop
Where to find some of the best pear pizza we’ve tasted.
What fruit you can find and what season to find it in.
Nearby hikes to explore. Hint: One of our favorite waterfalls is just a short drive away.
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Known as the Mother of all Relays, the world’s longest running and walking relay race starts at the base of Mount Hood at Timberline Lodge. Over the course of two days, athletes run nearly 200 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Now, you might be thinking, who in their right minds would do such a thing? For the past 40 years, tens of thousands of athletes come out to run or walk the course. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the ins and outs of the Hood to Coast relay with The Oregonian/OregonLive’s audience engagement editor, Julie Evensen, who ran it on August 26-27. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Julie explains what an overnight running event looks like. Hint: Some sleep in an open field.
Julie shares the preparation and training that goes into Hood to Coast.
There is bacon at the finish line.
How to enter the lottery for 2023.
Other relay races in the area are a great way to get into this type of event.
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Maybe you’ve seen a herd of elk before. But have you heard the herd? Better yet, have you tried calling one over? If you have no idea what an elk sounds like, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, there are many people who not only know the sounds of elk, but compete in imitating their noises. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we had the chance to talk with colleague Sam Swindler, who recently met with Ella Lees, the youngest ever Women’s World Elk Calling Champion. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
12-year-old Ella Lees started elk calling lessons with her uncle, Mike Kaup, when she was nine.
Elk sounds vary from grunts, screams and coos.
Elk callers use a diaphragm reed along with a bugle tube to replicate the noises.
Hear what an elk battle sounds like between Ella and her uncle.
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Driving out to eastern Oregon offers travelers an opportunity to see some of the state’s finest desert terrain. If you plan your trip just right, and take a few less traveled roads, you’re in for a treat of small town exploration, too. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with colleague, Sam Swindler, video producer and reporter for Here is Oregon, who just got back from an epic reporting trip across the state. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Sam explains the (potentially ghostly) history in Shaniko.
There is a tiny Powell’s bookstore tucked away in the town of Condon.
Kam Wah Chung state heritage site is a National Historic Landmark in John Day.
Baker City has a lot to love: from Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to Sweet Wife Baking.
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The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in United States history. The explosion reduced the mountain’s elevation by about 1,370 feet. Today, hikers and mountaineers set off to the volcano for the day-long adventure to climb to the top. The reduced elevation makes the trek suitable for beginner mountaineers, too. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor talks about her first volcanic summit at Mount St. Helens. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Vickie chats about the three different terrain sections of the Mount St. Helens climb via Climber’s Bivouac trailhead.
How to snag a permit during peak climbing season.
Vickie discusses what she packed that was most helpful.
Tips and tricks for having the most enjoyable summit possible.
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Mount Hood holds endless adventuring opportunities. Famous for being a playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, the south side of the mountain receives a lot of love, rightfully so, for places like Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Hood Skibowl. But the north side of the mountain offers plenty of activities, too, especially in the summer. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we recount our last trip to the north side of Mount Hood, where we filmed for Peak Northwest’s video series. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
McNeil Point is a tough but rewarding hike with incredible views of Mount Hood.
Lost Lake offers numerous camping accommodations.
Boat, kayak and paddle board rentals are available for Lost Lake visitors.
Parkdale has a great brewery and a mysterious lava flow.
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A lot can happen in 100 years. In the century years since Oregon christened its first state park, the system has transformed into a global attraction. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Jamie and Vickie discuss the state parks system’s place in society today and ponder where Oregon goes from here. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: · The founding history – including Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site, the first state park · How cars played a critical role from the outset · The hard times and the good times, money wise · How Instagram is playing a role today Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sauvie Island is a popular place, and it’s no surprise why: The sprawling Columbia River island is home to hiking trails, beaches, berry farms and more – the recipe for a perfect summer day. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into the best trails to hike, the best beaches to lounge on, and a few of the best farms to stop at while you explore the island. Pack your sunscreen, pick up a parking permit, and show up early if you can. Sauvie Island is calling. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Between the Wapato Greenway, Oak Island and Warrior Point, there are plenty of great hiking options.
What’s the scoop on Sauvie Island’s beaches?
Farms on the island are perfect family-friendly destinations in both the summer and fall.
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Music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike have a wealth of options when it comes to hearing music live and outdoors. Portland concertgoers can make a four-and-a-half hour drive to dance to sweet tunes as the sun sets behind a gorge. There’s also the option 30 minutes away to sit out on a lawn with friends as big artists rock out. Either way, making it to an outdoor show is a must every summer for many people. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we chat about a few of the many outdoor concert venues in the region. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
McMenamins Edgefield brings big name acts to a Troutdale lawn where concertgoers can sit back and relax, without traveling too far from Portland.
McMenamins Grand Lodge is a new concert venue, similar to a smaller version of Edgefield with unbeatable sunsets.
Portland venues to enjoy without leaving the city.
The Gorge Amphitheater is one of the most breathtaking spots to enjoy live music and worth the longer drive.
Wear your sunscreen. And other tips and tricks to a successful concert experience outside.
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You don’t need to drive out into the Columbia River Gorge or up the slopes of Mount Hood to get into nature – there are plenty of places to get outside in Portland’s suburbs. From Hillsboro to Troutdale, Oregon City to Battle Ground, there are forested trails, mountain hikes, riverside walks and wildlife refuges to explore. Better yet, they’re often located near great restaurants, shopping districts and public transit hubs. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into some of the best suburban adventures for the summer. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Sauvie Island and Oxbow Park are great options on either side of Multnomah County.
Hiking up cinder cones and through a forested canyon in Clackamas County.
Beaverton has accessible hiking areas as well as great food nearby.
Don’t miss the beautiful natural areas across the Columbia River.
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Getting outside with your kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences. If not just for your little one to see nature’s great splendor, then for you, the adult, to leave home too, and take a nice breath of fresh air in the forest. There are plenty of family friendly adventures worth seeking out in the Portland-metro area. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we chat with two parents from The Oregonian/OregonLive’s newsroom: engagement editor, Julie Evensen, and podcast editor, Andrew Theen. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Favorite spots in and around Portland to take young kids hiking.
Julie and Andrew’s must-haves when packing for an outing.
Kid-friendly gear that has worked (and not worked) for Julie and Andrew.
Shifting expectations for a smooth outing, especially with multiple kids.
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People tend to travel to Eugene for the University of Oregon or its many outdoor recreation opportunities – or for the upcoming World Athletics Championships – but the Willamette Valley town also boasts one of Oregon’s best food scenes. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant reporter and critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently wrote a guide to Eugene’s essential restaurants. With everything from sushi to pizza, Eugene specializes in farm-to-table dining and creative approaches to cuisine, not unlike many of restaurants up in Portland, Russell said. The food scene serves tourists and students well, but it’s also worth a trip down to Eugene on its own. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is the general vibe of Eugene’s dining scene?
Michael Russell breaks down his top five restaurants in town.
There are also good craft breweries in town worth a visit.
Outdoor excursions around Eugene offer a chance to burn off all those calories.
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When you think about classical music, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a performance in a beautiful concert hall with perfect acoustics and a large stage. Hunter Noack, creator and pianist of In A Landscape, had other plans. Originally from Newport, the Oregon-raised musician has brought his classical performances to mountains, lakes, deserts and the coast, all with a Steinway grand piano in tow. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we chat with Noack about In A Landscape after we saw him perform live at Wallowa Lake State Park. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Noack tells us about his inspiration for In A Landscape.
The music Noack chooses is intentional based on the location of the performance.
Stories from some of the most (literally) heated locations.
The logistics of traveling to remote areas with a grand piano.
How audience members have a uniquely interactive experience by listening with headphones.
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It may be one of the farthest-flung tourist towns in Oregon, but Joseph is well worth the long drive to get there. Peak Northwest podcast hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor spent a busy few days in town and left feeling like they'd barely scratched the surface of things to do there. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The Jennings Hotel is a great place to stay, with modern amenities and a convenient location.
Wallowa Lake is a must-visit for anybody visiting town.
We packed a lot of adventure into our two full days in town, exploring the mountains, the town and more.
What places and activities are we looking forward to on our next visit?
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A trip to the south-central Oregon coast for a work trip stole the heart of podcast co-host Vickie Connor, as she explored this part of the state for the first time on a four day work trip. Filled with natural wonder from anemones to sea lions and phenomenal rock formations on the beach, this section of the Oregon coast is guaranteed to leave you with a feeling of awe and admiration. Plus, the trip is doable in a short span of days. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where to stay and eat in Bandon.
Experiencing Circles in the Sand labyrinths.
Driving up the 101 from Bandon to Portland.
Viewing sea lions and seals at Simpson Reef Overlook.
Hiking the Oregon dunes.
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It’s not just the rain that’s been putting a damper on spring adventures in Oregon – record gas prices have also been making us rethink our weekend day trips to the coast or Columbia Gorge. Not content to simply complain about what we’re paying at the pump, on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we tick off some local excursions around the Portland area, including close-in hiking trails and area towns to explore. If a lengthy day trip is too rich for your taste, you can always take the opportunity to check out some local destinations that you might have overlooked. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Sauvie Island is more than just beaches, there are several great hiking trails to explore.
You don’t need to go way out into the Columbia Gorge for a good outdoors experience.
Head to Portland’s suburbs for a wealth of hiking opportunities.
Local cities like Vancouver and Salem are great for day trips or overnighters
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With waterfalls, hot springs and crystal-clear lakes, the scenery on the McKenzie River Trail is among the very best in Oregon. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk all about the 26.4-mile hiking trail, found in Oregon’s central Cascade Mountains east of Eugene, and all there is to see along the way. Whether you’re hoping to tackle the whole trail this summer or checking out the day hikes this fall, there’s a lot to enjoy and appreciate about the trail. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Clear Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon.
Two waterfalls are found on one short loop hike on the trail.
Blue Pool is a popular destination for day hikers.
Hot springs on the McKenzie River Trail are really hit or miss.
Where can you stay on and near the trail?
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Oftentimes, stereotypes portray outdoor adventurers to look a certain way or have a specific background. But access to the outdoors is meant for everyone to enjoy, even if you didn’t grow up exploring all corners of the forest. Even if summiting mountains at record speeds isn’t your thing. For so many, just getting outside and having a good time is a huge accomplishment. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with Summer Michaud-Skog, founder of Fat Girls Hiking movement and author of “Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability.” Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Summer discusses how Fat Girls Hiking got started.
We ask Summer about some of her favorite hikes.
Summer tells us about her book and what she hopes people get from it.
How you can join in on a Fat Girls Hiking trip.
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One of the best parts about enjoying our great outdoors is that you can make your time as relaxed or as intense as you wish. You can hike a nice trail to see tall, awe-inspiring waterfalls. You can enjoy some calm, flat waters atop a kayak. Or you can combine the two, take the risk factor up tenfold and paddle your sit-in kayak down a 100-foot tall waterfall (after a lot of training and preparation, of course). Waterfall kayaking is a niche sport that takes kayakers years of whitewater experience to work toward. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with Michael Jonsson, a waterfall kayaker we spotted at Eagle Creek as he took on Punchbowl Falls and more with two friends. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is waterfall kayaking and how do you get into it?
Michael shares some of his favorite falls to kayak.
Michael shares some details we didn’t see at Eagle Creek.
How you can make your way to eventually kayak at this level.
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You may have seen the whimsical bear statues placed around downtown Grants Pass in the summer, but have you ever wondered where they go to hibernate? Their off-season home, a place called the Bear Hotel, is one of the most fascinating under-the-radar attractions in southern Oregon, offering a fun, family-friendly place to spend an afternoon. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Melissa Vierra, marketing manager of Evergreen Federal Bank – which owns and operates the Bear Hotel – to find out more about the colorful attraction. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What exactly is the Bear Hotel?
What are some fan favorites among all the bear statues?
There’s a lot more than bear statues in the Bear Hotel.
More things to do and see in Grants Pass and southern Oregon.
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The Columbia River Gorge is a staple for Pacific Northwest adventures. From awe-inspiring trail views, to waterfalls and wildflowers, the gorge is a must-see destination, especially with its close proximity to Portland. Visitors this summer, however, will need to do an extra layer of research. It’s a new world in the Gorge during peak hiking season, and chances are you’ll need a permit -- and a plan -- ahead of time. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Jamie and Vickie discuss when the new Columbia River Gorge car permit will go into effect, how to purchase it and how it will be enforced.
What trail needs a special permit during wildflower season.
What parking permits are required throughout the gorge.
Vickie shares some of her favorite gorge hikes.
Jamie chats about his favorite wildflower trails.
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Peak Northwest is undergoing some change this spring, with a brand new co-host just in time for the busy travel season. Replacing our original co-host, Jim Ryan – who recently left for Seattle – is Vickie Connor, a videographer for The Oregonian/OregonLive who also works on the Peak Northwest video series. On this week’s episode, we get to know all about Vickie’s background, her interests and what kinds of adventures she’s excited to tackle this year. As a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, there’s a lot for her to see. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Vickie didn’t learn to love the outdoors until a little bit later in life.
What kinds of travel and outdoor excursions does she enjoy?
Dog-friendly adventures are a huge part of her Northwest travel plans.
Vickie takes us through her Pacific Northwest bucket list.
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Before it was a podcast — or had a name at all — Peak Northwest was Jim Ryan’s offbeat brainchild. Jim, at the time a breaking news reporter, pitched Oregonian/OregonLive editors a video series about how to set out on signature Oregon adventures. The concept stuck — kind of. The news organization launched the Peak Northwest video series, then the podcast, in fall 2019. Video shoots have since taken Jim to the top of Oregon’s tallest mountain, into the waters of the Pacific Ocean and along all 30.2 miles of Portland’s Wildwood Trail. The podcast has given him a chance to talk with an array of passionate guests and share some of our region’s many wonders. But this is Jim’s last episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, as he started a new job Monday as an editor for The Seattle Times. Fear not, Peak Northwest is continuing on with a new co-host and more adventures. In his final episode, Jim shares some of his favorite Oregon places, along with memories from his time in Portland and sentiments about Peak Northwest. Some highlights:
Jim tells a story about the formative experience of climbing Mount St. Helens for the first time.
He discusses some of his favorite places in Oregon: Mount Hood and Smith Rock State Park among them.
Jim details the magic of northwest Oregon’s forested trails, shouting out two of his favorites: the Eagle Creek and Wildwood trails.
He describes his appreciation for Portland as a “generalist’s paradise” and shares details about his new job.
Jamie Hale provides a primer about the future of Peak Northwest as videographer Vickie Connor joins the podcast as co-host.
Jamie and Andrew Theen, podcasts editor, surprise Jim with a montage of funny soundbites.
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Long weekends are cause for celebration — and a prime time for road trips. While we hardly shy away from covering some serious ground during standard two-day weekends, an extra day off gives us an opportunity to set our sights a bit farther afield. And with Memorial Day weekend on the not-too-distant horizon, we decided to dedicate this episode of the Peak Northwest podcast to a collection of top-notch destinations that require a bit more driving than many would like to cram into a two-day weekend. Some highlights:
Jamie and Jim wax poetic about the possibilities three-day weekends provide.
They rattle off a variety of recommendations for long spring weekends. (Spoiler: Destinations range from Oregon’s Alvord Desert to Washington’s Olympic National Park.)
Jim sneaks in a spring skiing suggestion.
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There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast – especially on the southern coast, home to some of the best sands in the state. Running roughly from Reedsport to the Oregon-California border, the southern Oregon coast features sweeping sand dunes, towering cliffs, tide pools and incredible ocean views. Picking favorites on this stretch of coastline is a tall order. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we do our best to play favorites, pulling out three beaches that stand out above the rest, and picking some of the southern coast’s best non-beach attractions for good measure. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Floras Lake is one of the most fascinating beaches on the southern coast.
Tap into your inner child at Sisters Rock.
Secret Beach is not much of a secret.
There’s a lot more to do on the southern Oregon coast than just visit beaches.
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The Northwest is an angler’s paradise. The region’s rivers, lakes and coastline boast ample opportunities for fishing and other outdoor pursuits. But we’re far from angling experts here on the Peak Northwest podcast. So we recruited Bill Monroe — who covers fishing, hunting and wildlife for The Oregonian/OregonLive — to give us a primer on one of his favorite pastimes. Some highlights:
Bill provides an overview of fishing in the Northwest.
He lets us in on the magic of angling and why it’s special to him.
Bill rattles off some of the fishing he’s looking forward to in the coming months.
He provides tips for people looking to try fishing and recommends some spots for newcomers.
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If you had to guess which Oregon state park sees the biggest crowds, you might try busy destinations like Silver Falls or Smith Rock, or maybe big coastal parks like Fort Stevens or Beverly Beach. You probably wouldn’t think of Valley of the Rogue, which was far and away the busiest state park in 2021, as it has been for years. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Nathan Seable, the man in charge at Oregon’s busiest state park site, to find out why so many people visit – and why most of them are missing out on the southern Oregon park’s best attractions. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where and what is Valley of the Rogue State Park?
Home to a busy rest stop, much of the park is overlooked.
Valley of the Rogue is also one of the busiest state park campgrounds in the region.
The Rogue River offers great recreational opportunities in the park.
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On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we talk to Bob Grossfeld, manager of the Sunriver Observatory, where visitors can peer through telescopes to see the wonders of the cosmos. Those who can’t make it out to the observatory can still go stargazing on their own, he explains, with nothing more than a pair of binoculars. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When most Oregonians want waterfalls, we head to the Columbia River Gorge, home to dozens of iconic plunges. But travel toward the Oregon coast instead and you can find many more waterfalls hidden in the forests of the Coast Range mountains. We dedicated a Peak Northwest podcast episode back in 2020 to the waterfalls in the northern part of the range. And on this week’s episode, we talk about some of the most impressive waterfalls in the southern Coast Range. Some highlights:
Jamie and Jim describe the splendor of a stroll through the forest, seeking waterfalls that are especially beautiful this time of year.
Jamie details the difficulty of finding some of the waterfalls in the southern Coast Range.
We discuss a selection of Jamie’s favorite southern Coast Range plunges.
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You can always head out to the Oregon coast for spring break, but if you’re hoping to avoid the crush of crowds, consider sticking around the Willamette Valley instead. There’s plenty of fun to be found closer to the Portland metropolitan area, and one corridor in particular where you’ll find a wide variety of attractions that are perfect for a spring break trip: Oregon Route 47. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the Willamette Valley highway that runs from Clatskanie to McMinnville, cutting through the coast range forests and wine country on its way. From bike paths to hiking trails, food carts to roadside attractions, there’s a lot to find along Oregon 47. Whether you’re taking spring break along with Oregon’s public schools this month, or in need of some trip ideas for later this season, the scenic highway is a perfect place to explore. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s state parks saw more visitors than ever in 2021, but not all parks were packed with people. Among the least-visited state park sites – generally tiny waysides or out-of-the-way parks – there are plenty of overlooked attractions. From waterfalls to ocean beaches and high desert wonders, these stunning parks deserve a little more attention. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into five overlooked state parks in Oregon, discussing how, when and why you should pay them a visit. Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Two high desert destinations in central Oregon offer fascinating geologic attractions and beautiful trails.
An overlooked park in the Columbia Gorge is a good jumping-off point for nearby adventures.
Humbug Mountain is easy to miss, but definitely worth a stop on the southern Oregon coast.
Golden and Silver Falls is a waterfall wonderland, buried deep in the coastal mountains of southwest Oregon.
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This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with national skijoring champion Jessica Pulliam, who tells us all about the thrilling sport — in which dogs (or horses or vehicles) pull people on skis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Huge crowds of people flock to Mount Hood’s ski areas and sno-parks on beautiful weekends, enjoy the day and drive right back home — only to find themselves stuck in the gridlock of U.S. 26. It doesn’t have to be that way. With so many great places to see, and so much to do on Mount Hood — not to mention night skiing and other off-peak activities — you might be able to skip some traffic and spend more time on the mountain while you’re at it. This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast provides a snapshot of some of the best restaurants, attractions and adventures to check out on Mount Hood this winter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to check out Seaside, but trying to avoid the crowds? A winter trip is a perfect way to explore all the north Oregon coast town has to offer. On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jim Ryan and Jamie Hale break down all the goodness Seaside has to offer. They hit on: - The food scene - The hiking scene - The resplendent winter light Read Jamie’s reports about Seaside See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Crabbing is a Pacific Northwest pastime. We gave it a shot late last year, heading out onto Nehalem Bay for a video shoot with an expert from Kelly’s Brighton Marina. And this week on the Peak Northwest podcast, the marina’s owner, Colin Davis, joins us for a discussion about how to go Dungeness crabbing for the first time. Some highlights:
Jim references his crabbing trip on Nehalem Bay.
Colin breaks down the basics about crabbing.
We talk about what first-timers should know before heading out.
We discuss crabbing regulations.
Colin lets us in on the best time of year to go crabbing.
He fills us in on the different experiences of crabbing from a boat or dock.
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Downhill skiing is one popular way to experience the majesty of the mountains, come wintertime. But there are plenty of other options for those seeking a different kind of mountain experience. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss snowy activities that don’t involve buying a lift ticket or spending time at a ski resort. Check out this guide to Oregon Sno-Parks, read Jamie’s story about his first-ever snowshoeing trip and peruse our guide to Mount Hood in the winter. Watch the latest Peak Northwest video to see Jim try surfing on the Oregon coast. [This is a rebroadcast of a January 2020 'before times' edition of the pod] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the beer, cider and wine scene in Cascade Locks — as well as ways to enjoy the outdoors in and around the small Columbia River Gorge town. By the end of the episode, you'll be itching to get in your car — or on your bike — to get to there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We dig into this year's Northwest Travel Guide and talk about some ideas for the year ahead, from small towns to big outdoor adventures. Spoiler alert: There are many great ideas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whether you're hiking through a rainy forest, going skiing or exploring the high desert this winter, it's important to dress properly for the conditions. We have tips on what to wear for your outdoor adventures, from head to toe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're looking for a place to get outside during the dark, rainy days of Oregon winter, look no further than the dense rainforests that surround us. https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2021/12/forested-hikes-in-northwest-oregon-are-a-perfect-way-to-appreciate-the-rainy-season.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Peak Northwest podcast normally heads to the great outdoors, but this week we’re keeping it inside for a chat with dining critic Michael Russell about his recent list of Portland’s best new restaurants. Think of it as fuel for your next hike or skiing excursion. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s not quite winter — just yet, at least. But it is ski season. And snow is beginning to pile up in the mountains. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan offer a preview of Oregon’s ski season. Some highlights:
Jamie and Jim discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to affect the ski season.
We relay the Climate Prediction Center’s Mount Hood forecast for December 2021 to February 2022.
We break down what’s new at Mount Hood resorts and at Mt. Bachelor this season.
We provide tips for traveling to and from the mountain — and what to pack in your car.
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Whether it’s cutting down and decorating a tree, preparing festive dishes for family and friends, or simply spending time with loved ones, the holiday season is steeped in tradition. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan reflect on the holiday season by sharing their traditions — and hearing the pastimes of fellow Oregonian/OregonLive journalists. Some highlights:
Jamie and Jim discuss their holiday traditions — or lack thereof.
Jamie shares a surprising pick for his favorite Christmas album.
Several Oregonian/OregonLive journalists share their holiday traditions.
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If you enjoy camping but don’t love sleeping on the ground, there’s a nifty solution at some of Oregon’s most popular state parks. In addition to the tent and RV sites that populate campgrounds, some parks come equipped with additional accommodations: cabins and yurts that offer a more comfortable way to spend the night. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss what to expect and what to bring with you if you’re looking to do a little state park glamping. While far from a luxury hotel, these cabins and yurts offer a much cozier way to stay the night immersed in nature. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're taking a week off for Thanksgiving, but we'll be back next week with more Pacific Northwest adventures.
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The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a stunning destination in every season, with Cascade Mountain views, beautiful lakes and outdoor adventures right off the highway. Whether you're gearing up for a winter ski trip or planning your next summer road trip, here's what you need to know about the beautiful byway in Oregon's central Cascades. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway is one super scenic loop drive, taking you across two mountain passes, past beautiful waterfalls and forested trails, and to some of Oregon's most fascinating roadside attractions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss why fall is our favorite time to visit central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What better way to celebrate the release of the new film adaptation of "Dune" than by exploring the landscape that inspired the sci-fi epic in the first place: the stunning Oregon Dunes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to day hike and backpack the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. It's a gem, alright. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marilyn Bishop, founder of Cascadia Quake Kits, discusses what Pacific Northwest residents should do to be prepared for the Big One on this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest! To help you in your fungal foraging, we talk to herbalist and experienced forager Chris Smaka about what to look for and how to find it.
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This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss Oregon's scenic byways: driving routes that snake their way through every beautiful nook and cranny of the state. Buckle up for a beautiful auditory journey across this wonderful state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you know Oregon has dozens of covered bridges (54) all over the state? On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan discuss the simple wonders in getting off the main drag and finding Oregon's delightful covered bridges. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Which state parks saw the most visitors last year, and which saw the least? We break down the numbers from a truly strange year that saw state park visitation plunge across the board. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail. Running about 60 miles from downtown Corvallis to Ona Beach south of Newport, the long-distance hiking and mountain biking trail crosses through a dense Coast Range forest, using old logging roads and newly cut trails. Like the neighboring Oregon Coast Trail, some sections of the hike require walking along the shoulders of open roads. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The end of summer looms, but that doesn't mean the end to exciting adventures around Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jim and Jamie float a bunch of wonderful options for end of summer activities across the region. [Note: This episode was recorded in 2020 and we held it back due to the catastrophic wildfires, but everything still resonates] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Take a hike, go backpacking, paddle downriver or spend a few nights relaxing at a lodge. There are so many different ways to experience the wild and scenic Rogue River. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss hiking, biking and sightseeing options at Oregon's lone national park.
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On the latest episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, artist Yong Hong Zhong talks about how he pivoted from a career in animation to becoming a renowned watercolors painter. We talked about his method, how people can pick up a paintbrush and start capturing moments in the wild and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most people head to the spectacular redwood groves of northern California, passing by the beautiful, but admittedly smaller, redwoods on the south Oregon coast. We defend our state's honor and discuss what those trees are like, why you should visit and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with the artist who leads the “Circles in the Sand,” events on the southern Oregon coast. You're going to want to listen to this one twice. The artist, Denny Dyke, drops wisdom left and right. We also talked about other fun things to do in Bandon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss what you should know before planning a trip during Oregon's wildfire season. Reporter Kale Williams also breaks down how Oregon's changing climate is contributing to the state's wildfire season. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a brief reopening was spoiled by landslides earlier this year, the Eagle Creek Trail has reopened once again, giving many hikers their first taste of the Columbia River Gorge trail since the Eagle Creek fire closed it in 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to enjoy Olympic National Park: from the coastline to the forest, lodges to campgrounds.
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This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we're joined by two search & rescue volunteers who share what they want hikers to know before hitting the trail and what hikers should do if they require a rescue, among other topics.
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This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with Jason Hardrath, an Oregon teacher who's trying to climb the 100 mountains on Washington's Bulger List... in 50 days. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When the tide is out, there's so much more to discover along Oregon's coastline. From tide pools to hidden treasures, we have the best things to see and do, along with tips on how to stay safe while you're out there.
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Heading out into the wilderness is a rich and beautiful experience, but it also comes with some inherent risks. From sneaker waves to hungry bears, we'll go over all the biggest dangers people face in the outdoors, and how to stay safe while you're out there.
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On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, reporter Lizzy Acker joins us to discuss a list of over 100 Oregon destinations made for those looking to get back out and explore now that it’s becoming safer to do so. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is often overlooked in favor of the popular attractions on the Oregon side of the gorge. But the Washington side has plenty to offer in its own right. And this week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss where to hike and visit on the oft-jilted side of the gorge. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There’s far more to see in Salem than the state Capitol topped with a golden lumberjack, and far more to do than visit the state fair. The “Cherry City” boasts a vibrant food scene, beautiful public gardens and riverfront parks, all nestled into the center of the Willamette Valley. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we detail the best attractions, outdoor spaces and places to eat and drink in Oregon's capital city. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s hard to play favorites when it comes to the Oregon coast, yet we find ourselves returning, time and again, to the central stretch of our coastline. Looking for natural wonders? How about Cape Perpetua and the Oregon Dunes. Want a beach town to settle into? Try Yachats, Newport or Depoe Bay. There are good restaurants everywhere and roadside attractions galore, from the Sea Lion Caves to Thor’s Well and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of the best places to see on the central Oregon coast, helping you plan your own perfect getaway out to the ocean – just don’t expect to see it all on one trip. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Northwest is home to some seriously incredible waterfall hikes, but there’s nothing else quite like the Trail of Ten Falls, which passes by 10 beautiful waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park. The waterfalls are the result of millions of years of geology, formed as streams and creeks cut through layers of ash and volcanic basalt, deposited by eruptions in the Cascade Mountains. They range from the 177-foot South Falls to 27-foot Drake Falls, each beautiful in its own unique way. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we offer a primer on the spectacular Trail of Ten Falls — and what else Silver Falls State Park has to offer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Northwest is home to a host of fascinating natural features, from the Columbia River Gorge to the coastline and Cascades. But have you ever wondered what natural forces have shaped the landscapes we love? This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with Leslie Moclock and Jacob Selander, the authors of “Rocks, Minerals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest,” for a primer on our region’s geology. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are few sites more beautiful than fields of wildflowers over the Columbia River Gorge. Already one of the most scenic places in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia Gorge gets a big splash of color each spring as rolling hills on either side of the river fill with yellow, purple, pink, white and red flowers. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about not just where to go to see the flowers, but also when to visit and how to enjoy them responsibly. Read Jamie’s full story, How to see wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Forest Park is one of the best natural spaces in Oregon, and one of the best urban forests in the U.S. It’s no wonder that so many people cherish the Portland park. But accessing Forest Park isn’t as easy as other outdoor recreation areas. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into Portland’s sprawling urban forest, going over the trailheads, trails and best sites to see while you’re there. Read Jamie’s full story, Forest Park unraveled: How to discover Portland’s sprawling urban forest. See Jim’s video about running the length of the Wildwood Trail through Forest Park. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Meet Dave Hill and Nina Aragon, two Oregon State University researchers behind the Community Snow Observations project, which enables backcountry users, such as snowmobilers and snowshoers, to submit snow depth measurements using a mobile app. Those measurements are important for more than just recreation, as they help researchers better understand the snowpack and hazards such as avalanches. They also support water runoff models that inform us about water resources, ecology, tourism and the effects of a changing climate. Jim took a trip to Santiam Pass earlier this year, during which Dave and Nina taught him how to take proper snow depth measurements. The trip was captured in the latest episode of the Peak Northwest video series. Find it here: https://youtu.be/V6os0rGRZVM Find the Community Snow Observations project communitysnowobs.org. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the sun sets later and later this spring, we’re getting a little more time every evening to get out and explore the nature. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we take a look at some of the best spring evening hiking spots around the Portland metropolitan area and break down our top five favorites. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of the show, we depart the beautiful Pacific Northwest — purely hypothetically, of course. As many folks dream of vacations they'll take post-pandemic, we share some of the big trips we've dreamed up. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Traveling during the shoulder season – just before or just after the peak season for tourism – is not just a way to beat the crowds, but an opportunity to see the Pacific Northwest in a whole new light. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over some of our favorite shoulder season destinations and some of the precautions you might need to take before heading out there this spring. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, two representatives from the nonprofit Trailkeepers of Oregon discuss what it takes to maintain hiking trails and how you can get involved. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Henry Backus and Matisse Nash set out late to the Cascade Mountains from Portland. The two planned to stay the night at a secluded campsite east of Eugene, then visit a nearby hot springs in the morning. What was supposed to be a quick overnighter turned into a three-day nightmare, as heavy snow started to fall in the mountains, trapping their car on a remote forest road. Their story is a cautionary tale for all who venture out to Oregon’s mountains in winter, but also one that shows how to escape a hairy situation with some quick thinking, hard work and a little bit of luck. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gray whales will once again migrate past the Pacific Northwest this spring, bringing some 25,000 of the massive mammals to the Oregon coast. Even though that seems like a sizable crowd, they can be hard to spot. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we have some whale watching tips and tricks that are sure to help you out. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aching to go camping? You don't have to wait for warmer weather. We provide a rundown of how to go snow camping in the snow — and stay warm while you're out. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch a powerful storm batter the coastline, hike through a lush coastal rainforest, enjoy a good meal from a local restaurant and catch a radiant sunset over Haystack Rock. Winter is a magical time at Cannon Beach, and one that scores of tourists have been enjoying this season, even as the experience is blunted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss what this winter has been like at the tourist town on the north Oregon coast, and how to navigate the restrictions and risks brought about by COVID-19. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch a powerful storm batter the coastline, hike through a lush coastal rainforest, enjoy a good meal from a local restaurant and catch a radiant sunset over Haystack Rock. Winter is a magical time at Cannon Beach, and one that scores of tourists have been enjoying this season, even as the experience is blunted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss what this winter has been like at the tourist town on the north Oregon coast, and how to navigate the restrictions and risks brought about by COVID-19. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you’re looking for bald eagles, head to the border between southern Oregon and northern California. Every winter, the Klamath Basin hosts the largest concentration of bald eagles in the continental U.S., according to the Klamath Basin Audubon Society. The birds tend to hang around between late November and early March, with the largest numbers showing up in January and February, so it’s the right time to head to the Oregon-California border and scope out the eagles for yourself. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we break down what you want to know before heading off on a bird watching trip to see bald eagles in the Klamath Basin. Photojournalist and eagle enthusiast Mark Graves joins us later in the show. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the challenges of travel planning in a strange and uncertain year, using this year’s Northwest Travel Guide as a jumping-off point to generate a few ideas. Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean stagnation, but the unique circumstances surrounding this year will require Pacific Northwest travelers to be strategic and creative See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Late last year, Peak Northwest co-host Jim Ryan took a tour of the Salmonberry Trail, a historic rail line that’s currently closed to the public but could one day become an 86-mile multi-use path connecting the Portland area to the Oregon coast. For this week's episode of the podcast, we connected with Jon-Paul Bowles, executive director of the Salmonberry Trail Foundation and Jim's guide on the Salmonberry last year, to learn more about the rails-to-trails project. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all know that nature can be healing, but sometimes it’s not just as easy as going outside. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we spoke with Zoë Presley, a Portland-based psychotherapist and forest therapy guide, to talk about "forest bathing" and help us understand how best to find healing in the great outdoors. Read Jamie’s previous story about finding healing in nature at home during the pandemic. Learn more about forest therapy online, You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Crowded trailheads. Packed campgrounds. Busy beaches, rivers and lakes. Oregon outdoor recreation areas saw a huge flood of visitors in 2020, many of whom were new to outdoor recreation. We discuss the crowds and offer some advice for people who don’t have a lot of outdoor recreation experience. (Don’t miss our previous episodes on Camping 101, Backpacking 101 and relieving yourself responsibly while in nature.) You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many outdoor enthusiasts have dreamed of building their ultimate adventure vehicles— the type of rigs you can use to get where you’re going and sleep comfortably along the way. For this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we caught up with Brooke Weeber, a Portland-based artist and adventurer who built out her own adventure van in 2020. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Traveling with friends and family is fun, but there’s something special about enjoying the Pacific Northwest on your own. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into both the joys and difficulties of solo travel – from day hikes to road trips – getting some advice from Kim Waara, an avid solo traveler based in Portland. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A mysterious monolith placed in — and later removed from — the Utah desert captivated the country this fall. And while we were following the twists and turns of the story, our minds wandered back to another high-profile case that raised questions about art and vandalism in nature, this on in southeast Oregon. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why pay top dollar for a perfect Christmas tree when you can pay a nominal fee, tromp off into the woods and cut down your own? While you might not walk away with the prettiest fir in the world, harvesting your Christmas tree from the national forest is a Pacific Northwest pastime – and a great excuse to get outside this time of year. On this week’s episode, we get some advice from Heather Ibsen, public affairs officer with the Mount Hood National Forest, who has a lot of experience cutting Christmas trees from the forest. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Back before the COVID-19 pandemic set in here in Oregon, Peak Northwest co-host Jim Ryan schemed up a mission: try to see as many Columbia River Gorge waterfalls as possible — from sunrise to sundown. He recruited co-host Jamie Hale and video producer Brooke Herbert, and they headed out to the gorge. By sundown, they’d seen 16 waterfalls — and captured each of them on camera. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, Jim and Jamie relive the trip, which spanned from Vista House to Starvation Creek Falls. Check out the new Peak Northwest video episode about the excursion. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the Northwest weather turns dreary, we're looking for ways to stay active through the winter — especially this year, when we're staying close to home. We'll also take a look back at lessons learned from Oregon's first coronavirus shutdown. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the smoke clears on yet another devastating wildfire season in Oregon, questions naturally begin to arise: How bad is it? When can we go back? How long will it take for the forests to grow back? Answers don’t always come quickly or easily, but to the question of “how long,” we can at least turn to some of the forests in Oregon that have been devastated by other major fires – most notably the Tillamook Burn. The Tillamook Burn was actually a series of wildfires that burned the same part of the northern Coast Range every six years between 1933 and 1951. And while it’s not a perfect comparison to some of the recent wildfires, the re-growing forest there can offer hope to those feeling despondent over the fire damage this year. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the many hiking trails that wind through the Tillamook State Forest, exploring a forest in the process of recovery nearly 70 years after the Tillamook Burn. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we speak with Dave Tragethon from Mt. Hood Meadows about what precautions the ski resort has made amid the coronavirus pandemic, and what skiing will look like this season. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we make the case for spending that time hiking in Camas — the small suburban town in southwest Washington. And to help us out, we brought on Camas resident Sally Hale, who just happens to be Jamie's mother. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re highlighting some of the spookiest travel destinations in Oregon, whether you’re planning a Halloween vacation or are in search of a spooky day hike for the season. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s rivers and lakes hold endless appeal, beckoning enthusiasts of all kinds to their chilly waters. There are the swimmers and boaters, the kayakers and the stand-up paddleboarders. And then, of course, there are the anglers: those casting out in search of their latest catch. Peak Northwest podcast hosts Jim Ryan and Jamie Hale are fishing novices. But on this week’s show, colleague and avid angler Rosemarie Stein gives them the rundown on Oregon fly fishing. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seven days, 19 hours, 23 minutes. That’s how long it took Eugene resident Emily Halnon to run the length of Oregon, from south to north, on the famed Pacific Crest Trail this summer. Halnon set a new record time on the Oregon section of the PCT, which totals over 450 miles, and raised more than $33,000 for rare cancer research in the process. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, Halnon discusses her record-setting run, the planning it required and the reason she set off in the first place. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Head to the mouth of the Columbia River, where the mightiest river in the American West meets the biggest ocean on the planet, and you’ll find one of the greatest little cities in Oregon. Astoria has always had a lot to offer visitors, and that remains true amid the coronavirus pandemic – though it understandably changed the tourism experience. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we talk about what visiting Astoria is like these days, and the best things to do while you’re there. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon is an evergreen state, known for its iconic Douglas-firs and their coniferous brethren. But come autumn, the state’s deciduous trees can also put on quite the show — bursting with fall color and making some of our beloved outdoor areas even more beautiful. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier, rising and falling through jaw-dropping, arduous terrain over the course of roughly 90 miles. For most, the trip is measured in days. But for a select few, it takes only hours. Portland ultrarunner and middle school teacher Tyler Green recently became the fastest person to circle Mount Rainier via the Wonderland Trail — claiming the fastest known time, or “FKT,” with a record of 16 hours, 40 minutes and 55 seconds. Green spoke last month with Peak Northwest hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan about his record-setting run. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With wildfires still burning across the Northwest, we're putting some of the episodes we'd already recorded on the shelf. Instead, we talked a little this week about the fires, their effects on people across the region and, of course, how they’ve affected some of the outdoor spaces we treasure. We'll be back with more episodes soon. Meanwhile, please stay safe and healthy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On a recent week of vacation, Jamie took four day trips to four different ecosystems within three hours of Portland, finding a safe way to visit several stunning landscapes in a short period of time. On this week’s episode, Jamie talks about his various excursions, from the slopes of Mount St. Helens to the Oregon coast, and from lush forests to the arid high desert. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, Jim gives us the lowdown on his adventure climbing three of Oregon’s beautiful mountains in three days. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mount Hood towers over Portland, but these other volcanic peaks aren't all that far, and they have a lot to offer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Timberline Trail is one of Oregon’s most iconic footpaths. It circumnavigates Mount Hood over roughly 40 miles, traveling through forests, across rivers and through gorgeous meadows — providing backpackers with spectacular views at every turn. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connected with Portland hiker Kyla Skerry, who recently solo-hiked the trail. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hot summer weather has a way of convincing you to ditch your worldly obligations with a single destination in mind: one of Oregon’s stunning lakes. Our previous episode on Oregon hot springs, referenced in this episode: https://play.acast.com/s/peaknorthwest/oregonhotsprings You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the rewards of backpacking abound, it can be difficult to get started — and plan your first trips. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we cover some backpacking basics and provide recommendations for hikers seeking a night or two in the backcountry. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Pacific Northwest is home to plenty of awesome scenes of natural beauty, but capturing that moment in an awesome photo requires a little more effort. Here are some tips, tricks and tools of the trade to help you take better pictures outside. You don't need anything more than your phone. Check out Jim’s great photo from a recent climb up Three Fingered Jack. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode of the Peak Northwest podcast is all about planning and packing for your next overnight outdoor excursion. We've got tips for beginners and experienced campers alike. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After months of sticking close to home, hikers in the Pacific Northwest are finally getting back out on the trail. But for those of us who have become a little out shape during the pandemic, as well as those who may be getting into hiking shape for the first time, those first couple hikes can be a struggle. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’ve offered up 10 tips for feeling better on the trail, from what you eat to how you breathe. Check our updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what’s still closed before going out. You can support this podcast and local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It can be hard to escape crowds in a normal year, let alone a time when more people than ever are sticking close to home and in search of an escape into nature. One way to beat the crowds is to skip the popular areas and head to some lesser-known hiking trails and other natural areas. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we offer up a dozen lesser-known spots at three of Oregon’s most popular recreation areas: the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood and the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s high time to dial in your camp cooking setup. We aren’t exactly experts in this department. So we enlisted the help of Samantha Bakall, a freelance food, diversity and travel writer who’s long honed the art of whipping up a delicious camp meal. Subscribe to Six Feed, a newsletter that Samantha co-authors about local dining during the pandemic, at sixfeed.substack.com. You can support this podcast and local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer is only days away, and many outdoor spaces have reopened amid the coronavirus crisis.But the question remains: Where should I go? This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we offer some recommendations for people looking to get their nature fix. Take a look at Oregon's wilderness areas. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. You can support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive. Go to OregonLive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many outdoor areas throughout the region have reopened after being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. But just because your favorite outdoor area is open doesn’t mean you should expect business as usual when you arrive — or that you should travel there at all. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to plan safe, responsible day trips during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. Have a question for us about how to navigate the outdoors in the COVID-19 age? Leave a voicemail on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. We hope to answer some of your questions on future episodes. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the coronavirus crisis continues, closures and restrictions remain in place for many outdoor areas across the region. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we continue to dig into the complicated issues around recreating outside during the pandemic. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. Read Jamie’s story about whether people need to wear a face mask while hiking. View a handy chart about how to handle your business outdoors. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trails, parks and boat ramps are slowly reopening in Oregon as we inch our way closer to summer. But with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, the threat of transmitting COVID-19 in public places means that closures and restrictions remain in place for many outdoor spaces across the state. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cut through the confusion and answer some of the big questions outdoor enthusiasts have right now. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what’s still closed before going out. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the finale of our campfire stories, producer Dave Killen shares the tale of a mountain climbing misadventure and cross-country road trip. Then, we share a heartwarming story from a listener. We're getting back to more typical Peak Northwest programming, but we've loved hearing and sharing stories from listeners, and we want to keep that going. If you’d like to submit a story, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're focusing on tales of spooky adventures on this week’s Peak Northwest podcast episode — the latest in our series of campfire tales. Want to submit an outdoors or adventure story of your own? Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. We’re hoping to feature more submitted stories in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We asked for your stories from the outdoors. And you delivered, responding with some darn good ones. So this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast — the fourth in our series of campfire tales — features several great stories submitted over the past few weeks. Want to submit an outdoors or adventure story of your own? Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. We’re hoping to feature more submitted stories in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all like to share the best moments from our outdoor adventures, but sometimes our most difficult experiences are the most rewarding. On this week’s episode, we look past the pretty photos to share experiences that pushed us to the limit — and taught us some valuable lessons in the process. We want to hear your stories, too! To submit your own campfire story, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. We’ll be featuring some of our favorites in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whether it’s a bear sighting, a critter who gets too close or a feisty creature who wants you to scram, we all have stories about memorable contacts with animals while out in nature. So this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast — the latest in our “campfire stories” series — is dedicated to unforgettable animal encounters. Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. We’re hoping to feature some of our favorites in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re breaking out some of our favorite campfire stories, and and we want to hear yours! If you’re interested in sharing a story from a past adventure, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to podcasts@oregonian.com. Keep your stories about 3 minutes or less. We hope to include some of our favorites in future episodes. Read Jamie’s story about his trip to the Enchanted Valley. Check out Jim’s report about how firefighters saved the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Watch Jim’s latest Peak Northwest video or catch up on past episodes. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest, but our favorite outdoor spaces are presently sitting empty, as most of us stick close to home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Oregon. It hasn’t been easy for the outdoorsy among us. After all, a walk around the neighborhood is no hike in the mountains. But there are ways to stay active and sane during this period of quarantine. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore some of the routines, workouts and escapes we’ve been trying at home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has shaken up life as we know it, with thousands of people in the Northwest becoming sick and many more finding themselves unemployed. Amid the upheaval, a loss of travel and recreation should fall low on our list of concerns. But we, like you, long for days outdoors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, albeit one with great rewards.For this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talked to a panel of parents to get their tips and tricks about traveling with kids. We also talked to a younger pair of experts on the topic. NOTE: Since the coronavirus outbreak has spread through Oregon and around the world, traveling with kids (or even traveling at all) is not a great idea right now. With that in mind, these tips are great to keep in your back pocket for whenever you hit the road again. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s spring break is fast approaching. And while lots of spring breakers have their plans set in stone, some others don’t. At least not yet. So this week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we rattle off road trip ideas for the lucky folks who have time off later this month... but don’t quite know what to do with it. We’d be remiss, of course, not to reference the spread of the coronavirus in the Northwest and around the world. We urge spring breakers to stay up on the news and heed the advice of public officials as the virus continues to spread. Check out Jamie’s compilations of spring break destinations around Oregon, the state’s best roadside attractions and spring break ideas around Portland. Plan for warmer days with Jamie’s list of 12 epic summer road trips across Oregon. Listen to our podcast episode about things to do in the snow — especially if you’re interested in our first road trip suggestion. Watch Jim’s most recent Peak Northwest video episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The heartiest of runners pound the pavement year-round. But as spring approaches, the prospect of warmer, sunnier days is bound to beckon more runners to Portland’s sidewalks and trails. So before the season turns, we sat down with Oregonian/OregonLive engagement editor Julie Evensen, an avid runner, to talk all things running. Read Jamie’s Portland runner’s guide to check out a compilation of footraces and runs around the city this year. Watch the latest episode of the Peak Northwest video series, where Jim and his partner ski to one of Oregon’s famed fire lookouts. Check out a previous video episode, where Jim and his partner run the 30.2-mile Wildwood Trail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon has a lot of extremely busy state parks, but it also has plenty of places that see few visitors at all. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Seth Miller, executive director of the Oregon State Park Foundation, to discuss the least visited state parks from 2019. See Jamie’s story on the 20 least popular Oregon state parks, and the 20 most popular Oregon state parks from 2019. Watch a video of bighorn sheep being flown into Cottonwood Canyon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We discuss a few of our favorite winter options in and around Portland. We also shout out some Portland-area wildlife preserves that are worth a visit. Check out Jamie’s rundown of 10 wildlife preserves close to Portland. Watch a Peak Northwest video episode of Jim running the Wildwood Trail. Head over to the Hoyt Arboretum website to peruse its seasonal highlights. Watch Jim’s most recent Peak Northwest video episode, in which he goes climbing at Smith Rock State Park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We head to the rainy Coast Range mountains to discover hidden waterfalls in the woods. See Jamie’s stories on Niagara Falls and Drift Creek Falls. Also check out our list of the 10 things to pack for a day hike in Oregon, and get some tips on rainy day hiking in our previous episode of the podcast. To find directions to some of the more remote waterfalls, as well other hikes around Oregon, head to OregonHikers.org. Follow Peak Northwest on Instagram at @PeakNorthwest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bend is a special place any time of year, but we’re particularly fond of Oregon’s high-desert hangout during the wintertime. Read Jamie’s 20 reasons to love Bend, and check out Michael Russell’s beer lover’s guide to central Oregon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Downhill skiing is one popular way to experience the majesty of the mountains, come wintertime. But there are plenty of other options for those seeking a different kind of mountain experience. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss snowy activities that don’t involve buying a lift ticket or spending time at a ski resort. Check out this guide to Oregon Sno-Parks, read Jamie’s story about his first-ever snowshoeing trip and peruse our guide to Mount Hood in the winter. Watch the latest Peak Northwest video to see Jim try surfing on the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast dives into the surprising history of yurts in Oregon — and why campers went nuts for them. Jamie and Jim are joined by Craig Tutor, the former state parks manager who first put yurts into parks back in the early 1990s. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregon coast’s signature cuisine can be summarized in four words: fish, chips and chowder. We sit down with Michael Russell, the Oregonian/OregonLive’s restaurant reporter and critic, to discuss where to find the coast’s finest. Check out Jamie’s 10 favorite fish and chips spots on the Oregon coast. Read Michael’s rundown of where to eat on the North Oregon Coast. Peruse Jamie’s guide to the chowder belt of the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the best ways to get through Oregon’s rainy season is to embrace it. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about the best places to go hiking in the rain, and the preparations you should take before striking off into the elements. Read Jamie’s list of the 12 best rainy day hikes around Oregon. Watch the latest Peak Northwest video to see Jim try out surfing on the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The new year has only just begun, but it’s already high time to start making your 2020 travel plans around the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we go over some helpful tips for booking campsites, hotels and fire lookouts around the region. We also offer up some ideas for trips around Oregon and beyond and dive into some of our own plans for the year ahead. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Jamie look back at their respective years of adventure and exploration. Amy Wang, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s newsletter editor and books columnist, talks about her year-long quest to visit 50 fun places. Reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh discusses his backpacking trip on the beautiful Rogue River Trail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are natural hot springs all over Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest, from rustic mountain springs to high desert resorts. We talk with reporter Molly Harbarger and hot spring aficionado Dana Halferty to talk about where to find hot springs, how to soak in them and why these warm water oases are so popular in the first place. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we join The Oregonian/OregonLive's sports trending editor, Tim Brown, to discuss what skiers and snowboarders need to know before heading up to the mountain this season. (And before you take a trip to the mountain, note that the Dairy Queen restaurant we reference in the episode is in Rhododendron — not Zigzag, as we said.)
Read Jim's ski season preview
13 places to eat and drink around Mount Hood
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Whether you’re looking for a funky farmhouse, barrel-aged Belgian or impeccable pub ale, Hood River’s breweries offer a pint for every palate. This week, Oregonian/OregonLive beer reporter Andre Meunier discusses the city's heralded beer scene. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re talking all things Alvord Desert. The seasonally dry lakebed in the far southeastern corner of the state is known for its beautiful cracked playa, stunning scenery and the adventures it affords – from quiet exploring to jet-powered vehicles. Jamie dives into his recent trip to the playa, where he soaked in hot springs, caught a sunset and did some late-night stargazing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Everybody knows Pendleton for its rodeo, blankets and whiskey, but you’d be doing the eastern Oregon town a disservice by not checking out all the rest it has to offer. Don't miss Beth Nakamura's photos from the Pendleton Round-Up. Read Jayati Ramakrishnan's stories on navigating the Round-Up and encouraging Portlanders to check out the other side of Oregon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Peak Northwest. This week on the podcast, we discuss Jim’s foray into whitewater stand-up paddleboarding, how whitewater SUPing first got on his radar and what it takes to stay upright on the river. Don't miss this video about the trip. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Peak Northwest will take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in our region. Meet your guides, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices