Peak Northwest

Most recreation areas in the Columbia River Gorge are well-loved, seeing throngs of visitors every spring and summer to enjoy a beautiful day in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic regions. So what’s the deal with the Eagle Creek Overlook? On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the weird history behind the historic park at the mouth of Eagle Creek. Designed for the crowds that never came, and twice saved from ruin, the park remains one of the most enigmatic destinations in Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A brief history of Eagle Creek, one of the most important recreation areas in Oregon. How dam watchers spurred the creation of the Overlook area. Why didn’t anybody show up? How two separate efforts finally made the park into what it is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandy Yeahpau has done a lot of whitewater rafting in Oregon, but she never thought she’d get the chance to run the Klamath River. That changed in 2024, when the river’s dams were removed and the waterway ran free for the first time in generations, allowing not only the salmon to return but also boaters, many of whom jumped at the opportunity to explore the reawakened river. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Yeahpau recounts her rafting trip on the Klamath River, which she said was both a great adventure and a deeply moving experience. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A brief explainer on the 2024 dam removals. Why it’s important to take this trip with an outfitter. What Yeahpau saw on the river that stirred her spirit. How to plan your own rafting trip on the Klamath River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finders Keepers is one of Oregon’s greatest treasure hunts, hiding more than 3,000 glass floats every year on the beaches of Lincoln City. And while those might seem like good odds, finding a float requires more than just looking. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we take a stroll along the beaches of Lincoln City in search of hidden glass floats, discovering what it takes to actually find one. Co-host Jamie Hale recounts his recent float hunting journey, which took some unexpected twists and turns, and wound up with a surprising ending. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is Finders Keepers? Jamie’s plan to find a float in Lincoln City. Why the Lincoln City beaches are perfect for this kind of treasure hunt. Some of the best restaurants and attractions to see on your way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While all of Oregon’s beautiful waterfalls deserve our attention, one in particular has been getting national headlines lately. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk all about Abiqua Falls, the Silverton-area waterfall that went up for sale on Redfin over the winter, causing a stir locally and turning heads across the country. While the unusual sale has been the focus of recent attention, there’s a lot more to discuss about the beloved landmark, including its still uncertain fate and the treacherous journey hikers face to get there. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How did a waterfall end up on Redfin? What’s the latest with the sale? Could Abiqua Falls really become an Oregon state park? What you need to know about the treacherous drive and hike to the waterfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland’s latest outdoors group is helping people discover the city’s many beautiful trails, and high-heeled hiking boots are encouraged. Drag Me Outside, a new hiking group that focuses on accessible, low-impact trails around the city, is led by two environmental scientists who are also drag performers. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to the duo behind Drag Me outside: Evergreen Hosp aka Thespis D.Light and Fiona Skye, aka Efemmera Gendera. The pair talk about their backgrounds in ecology and ornithology, and the importance of making a safe outdoor space for the local queer community. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The origin story of Drag Me Outside. Why it’s important to make safe outdoor spaces for the queer community. Why birds are an important symbol of the group. How people can sign up for the drag hikes around Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s no denying that Astoria is a cool place. From the natural splendor to the maritime history and the cultural cachet (at least in the ‘80s and ‘90s), the Oregon coast town naturally draws a community of creatives who are passionate about their home. But while most of the town’s greatest sights are out in the open — standing tall and proud like the Astoria Column — many of Astoria’s weirder, more offbeat attractions are hidden away. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we descend into basements, enter unmarked doors and find hidden entrances to some of the weird, hidden attractions of Astoria. Samantha Swindler, features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, gives us her latest recommendations after another visit to the coastal destination. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A 1980s sci-fi movie still draws fans to filming locations in town. How cable TV was born in Astoria. Why the Vampira Walking Tour is one of the best historical tours around. An underground spaceship arcade, a speakeasy izakaya and a basement “freak boutique.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for a more affordable spring break vacation? Think more Cannon Beach than Cancun. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into some of the best, most affordable spring break trips in Oregon, offering a fun vacation that doesn’t break the bank. Some ideas are as simple as changing up your mode of transportation, others are about finding fun much closer to home. With so much to see and do in small towns across the state, it’s easy to plan a perfect spring break trip in Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why the bus to Cannon Beach is more than just a good way to save money. Last-minute camping trips can take you to state parks you would never have thought to visit. These local events help keep spring break fun. Which small towns to visit for a nice day trip close to home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson are converting people into tree huggers, one podcast episode at a time. The Portland duo is behind Completely Arbortrary, a science and entertainment podcast all about trees. Running since 2021, the podcast focuses on one tree per episode, diving into the features, facts and lore behind each. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Clapp and Crowson about their podcast, discussing what it is about trees that captivates people. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the two friends started the podcast in the midst of the pandemic. While based in Oregon, the podcast focuses on trees from around the world. What is it about trees? Where you should start in the extensive Completely Arbortrary catalog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might be a lot easier to do in Vermont, but you can make your very own maple syrup right here in the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the world of bigleaf maple syrup, Oregon and Washington’s spin on the classic treat. Eliza Nelson, founder and director of the Oregon Maple Project, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about bigleaf maple syrup, talks about the joy of watching people discover local-made syrup, and how people can learn how to tap trees in their own backyard. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What’s the difference between bigleaf maple syrup and sugar maple syrup? Why bigleaf syrup isn’t usually put on pancakes. How to tap a bigleaf maple tree for sap. What will it take to get bigleaf maple syrup in grocery stores? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They hated the rain. There wasn’t enough sunshine. Everybody wanted to hug. We’re not talking about your east coast friends who just moved to Portland, we’re talking about legendary explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who spent one miserable winter in the Pacific Northwest before making a desperate flight upriver. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Jill Harding, visitor services program manager at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, about the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s famous stay on the lower Columbia River. Like many new residents, they learned firsthand just how tough a Northwest winter can be. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How joy turned to misery almost immediately. The expedition was well equipped for the journey — just not for the Northwest. The famous story of the stolen canoe. Why you should visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you get injured on Mount Hood or lost in the Columbia River Gorge, odds are good that a Crag Rat will find you. The Crag Rats are one of the nation’s oldest mountain rescue organizations, first formed in 1926. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we speak with Christopher Van Tilburg, a mountain rescue doctor with the Crag Rats and author of a new book about the organization, “Crisis on Mount Hood: Stories from 100 Years of Mountain Rescue.” Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the Crag Rats perform their rescues. What it takes to be on the mountain rescue team. The storied 100-year history behind the group. How did they get the name Crag Rats anyway? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do we love about Oregon? A whole lot, as it turns out. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we honor Oregon’s birthday and Valentine’s Day with a love letter to our favorite state. It’s not just the resplendent nature — from quiet forests to majestic mountains to magical desert rivers — we love just about every part of this state, right down to the fried fish. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: It’s hard to pick, but these are our favorite Oregon landscapes. Why small towns have some of the best charm. Is Portland the perfect city? Oregon’s world-class food scene is spoiling us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Oregon state park adventures might look a little different this year. With new parking and camping fees coming to Oregon state parks, as well as new rules about booking and canceling your campground reservation, there is a lot to navigate when making your travel plans for 2026. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow up last week’s conversation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about the new changes, with tips for navigating your state park adventures for the year ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What you need to know about the new camping rules. Why state park cabins and yurts are still a great deal. Get ready to pay at coastal parks. Consider traveling to some of these lesser-visited state parks to avoid new fees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From fee increases to new rules for campground reservations, there are some big changes coming to Oregon State Parks this year. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Stefanie Coons, interim director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, about what park visitors can expect for the year ahead, as the department hits a major budget shortfall. Coons has temporarily taken over the department as parks director Lisa Sumption works as interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. As you make your spring and summer plans at Oregon parks, here’s what you need to know. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How bad is the budget shortfall? Visitors can expect higher camping and parking fees for 2026. What is Division 15 and what do those rule changes mean? Several major construction projects are now on hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, this year’s museum season has something for you. This time of year — after the holidays and before spring break — are the perfect time to visit Oregon’s museums. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss all the best exhibits coming to museums in Portland and around the state. From the Portland Art Museum’s massive expansion to the exhibits and animals at Bend’s High Desert Museum, there’s a lot to see this winter. The art, history and cultural museums offer a place to escape from the elements and discover something new. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What to expect with the Portland Art Museum’s big expansion. Downtown Portland is full of fascinating museums. Why the High Desert Museum is worth a visit. How to find little museums tucked away around Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The post-holiday slump is real. After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who don’t leave home might be missing out on one of the best travel seasons in Oregon. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the post-holiday travel season – a small window of time when tourist towns are free of crowds and hiking trails, while muddy, are beautiful in the crisp (or soggy) winter afternoons. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How New Year’s resolutions, even if simple intentions, can get you back outside. Some of the best snow-free hiking trails around Portland. The off-season can be a great time to visit some of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest tourist towns. Shorter days make great excuses to take day trips to explore local small towns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a rough start to ski season in Oregon, people are champing at the bit to get up on Mount Hood. Oregon’s highest slopes aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. From sledding to snowmobiling there are a lot of ways to slide down the mountain. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over all the ways to play in the snow, setting you up for a fun season ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How’s the ski season shaping up so far? Why tubing has become one of the go-to winter activities on Mt. Hood. If you’re just trying to touch snow, area sno-parks are the place to be. A local club is a vital resource for snowmobilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026 Northwest Travel Guide, offering five ideas from around the region, from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures. Even if you’re not making any reservations just yet (although you really should soon), it’s worth at least thinking about what you might want to do, and where you might want to go, in the year ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Sisters is buzzing with activity right now. Some of the best whitewater rafting is found just outside the Columbia Gorge. This brand-new hotel in Hood River is set to become a major hub for local tourism. How to build a road trip around small town bakeries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who is also a Nordic skiing enthusiast. Russell recounts his journey from spectactor of the 2018 Winter Olympics to an avid cross-country skier. As Russell tells it, anybody can get into cross-country skiing, whether you’ve ever touched a ski or not. While Nordic skiers can work their way up to the level of elite athletes (or do their best to), the sport can be easy to pick up, especially if you’re just trying to have a nice day in the snow. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the Winter Olympics inspired Michael Russell to try out Nordic skiing. There are levels to cross-country skiing. The best places in Oregon to ski. How Michael Russell almost ate snow in front of his idol, Jessie Diggins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving, highlighting some of the best experiential gifts for outdoor adventurers. There’s nothing wrong with a new pair of socks and an REI gift card, but what about the gift of a tree climbing trip or a relaxing soak in some of Oregon’s most serene hot springs? We have all the details on how to secure gift cards for some of the best outdoor experiences in the state. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Tree climbing at Silver Falls is one of the most unique adventures in Oregon. Whale watching is one of the best experiences for your money. Want to go big? Consider a hot air balloon ride. What’s better than the gift of relaxation? This hot spring is the perfect place to do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You don’t have to be a fan of “The Polar Express” to enjoy these holiday trains – though it might help. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of Oregon and Washington’s most popular holiday-themed excursions on historic railroads, which have officially kicked off for the season. Some trains cater specifically to fans of “The Polar Express” while others offer the typical accoutrements of the holiday season: lights, cookies, cocoa and Santa. They’ve become some of the most popular and best loved holiday traditions in the region. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the two “Polar Express” trains are bringing the story to life. What you need to know about all the holiday train rides in the region. These historic railroads offer a variety of rides year-round. What is it that people love about trains? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Are you mushroom foraging curious? Maybe you’ve been out a few times, but haven’t known what to look for? Worry not, the world of chanterelles is close at hand. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get an education from Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, a local organization that teaches outdoor skills. Liotta dives into the basics of mushroom foraging, discusses how to get over our fears and, crucially, tells us what to do with all those tasty chanterelles. While many foragers jealously guard their knowledge, Liotta is happy to share. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes the Pacific Northwest so good for mushrooms? Getting over your fear of mushrooms, one nibble at a time. How to get started foraging for chanterelles. Liotta’s favorite chanterelle recipe, which is perfect for Thanksgiving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

King tide season is almost here. The exceptionally high tides, which in 2025 will occur in November, December and January, according to the Oregon King Tide Project, are an opportunity for excitement on the Oregon coast, but come with a heavy dose of caution for anyone hoping to see them. Before you pull on your rain gear and head out into the elements, here is everything you need to know about the king tides this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

found freedom, confidence and community. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon who was recently named to Team USA Para Surfing. At 40, Purry discovered adaptive surfing and has since become an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in outdoor sports. From navigating Oregon’s cold, wild coastline to preparing for her upcoming debut at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, Purry shares how she trains, connects with other adaptive athletes and embraces the ocean on her own terms. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Purry found surfing later in life and what it’s taught her about confidence and resilience. What adaptive surfing looks like in practice, from team support to navigating waves with a guide. The growing adaptive sports community and how organizations like AmpSurf are helping others get involved. Why highlighting adaptive athletes matters and how listeners can support Team USA Para Surfing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many Oregonians, the outdoors is a place of adventure, but it can also be a space for community and belonging. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Dr. Shirley A. Jackson, volunteer leader for Outdoor Afro Oregon and west regional leader for the national organization reconnecting Black people to land, water and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation and conservation. From local hikes and bird watching to cosmic tubing and jump roping, Jackson shared some of the ways she cultivates community by increasing access to Oregon’s natural spaces. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Outdoor Afro is building community and connection in Oregon’s natural spaces. Ideas for enjoying the outdoors through fall and winter, rain or shine. Ways to get involved and join upcoming Outdoor Afro events. Why creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in nature matters for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Mount Hood the best autumn getaway in Oregon? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to do on Mount Hood in the fall, from apple picking to mushroom foraging, beautiful hikes to early-season skiing. Fall is a great time of year on Oregon’s tallest mountain, situated between the summer backpacking season and the winter ski season, offering an abundance of activities for people of all persuasions. Whether you want a laid-back road trip or a big adventure, you’ll find something great to do on Mount Hood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a lot to love about the southeast corner of Oregon – if you’re willing to drive. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow Vickie Connor, a visual journalist for The Oregonian/OregonLive, as she explores this far-flung region of the state. While her trip was short, Connor discovered a ton of southeast Oregon’s greatest treasures, from a towering fire lookout to hidden desert hot springs, and even spied some of the region’s famously reclusive wildlife. It’s hard to get enough of this part of Oregon, where dark skies give access to some seriously starry nights, and natural beauty seems to pop up out of nowhere. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why the Drake Peak Fire Lookout was stunningly beautiful – and a little creepy. No, it’s not an oasis: these roadside milkshakes are worth a stop. What to do in the Alvord Desert, one of Oregon’s most spectacular landscapes. Soaking at the Alvord Hot Springs is all about timing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boat tours on Crater Lake are among the top bucket list experiences in Oregon, but after this past summer, it will be a few years before they head back out on the water. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, features reporter Janet Eastman recounts her ride on one of the last Crater Lake boat tours until 2029, which took her and a group of tourists around the blue-hued lake and to the famed Wizard Island. With the season now over and the trail that leads down to the boats about to close for a major renovation project, the boat tours will need to be pushed back to bucket lists in the future. But as Eastman’s experience shows, it will be well worth the wait. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How being on the water offers a whole new perspective of Crater Lake. What it’s like to hang out on Wizard Island. Boat tours offer not just scenic beauty but fascinating history as well. Why are the boat tours cancelled for the next few years? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon is perfect in the fall. From the crisp, bright days of September to the gray, mossy days of December, the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer this time of year. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss eight of the most essential fall activities in Oregon, helping you make the most of the season. Are you an outdoors enthusiast? You have to try your hand at mushroom foraging or hiking to a mountain hot spring. Love the autumn harvest? There’s no better place than Sauvie Island or the Fruit Loop. From road trippers to city people, there’s bound to be something here for you. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Two of the best places to pick apples and harvest pumpkins. Fall is the start of hot spring season in Oregon, and there are a lot of springs to choose from. Some of the best spots for fall color in the state. One of Oregon’s best fall destinations is right in the heart of Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon is not known as a particular hot spot for whale watching – at least not compared to places like the Puget Sound or Hawaii – but at least one spot has enough action that it’s been dubbed the “whale watching capital of Oregon.” On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a trip to Depoe Bay, the whale watching destination on the central Oregon coast, where we look for gray whales, eat good seafood and explore all the other attractions around town. While most gray whales swim right past Depoe Bay on their annual migration, a small population likes to stick around. These “summer residents” have earned a following and helped establish a whale watching industry in town. As the whales gather in the shallows offshore, the people gather on the shores to watch. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where, when and how to go whale watching in Depoe Bay. The food scene in town is worth exploring, from Gracie’s Sea Hag to Pirate Coffee Company. A series of small parks around town offer beautiful ocean views. What would a coast town be without some good shoppy shops? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is almost officially over, and while some Oregonians may be eagerly transitioning into fall, there’s still time to get in your final few summer activities. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over 10 of the best ways to round out an Oregon summer, making sure you make the most of the last days of the season. While many are oriented around water – hanging out by a river, taking a trip to the coast – there are so many other ways to enjoy the warm, sunny season while it lasts. So before you hang up your swimsuit for your flannel, make sure to get in a couple more summer activities for good measure. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Sugarpine Drive-In combines two great Oregon summer pastimes. Why late summer is the best time to get into the mountains. This might be the perfect time for a road trip across eastern Oregon. Caves are often associated with the spooky season, but summertime is the best time to get underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably traveled through some small cities in Oregon, but it’s unlikely you’ve been to cities this small. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we head to the five smallest cities in the state, places that barely have a population or main street to speak of. That’s not to say there’s nothing to see there. Samantha Swindler, features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive took a road trip out to all five tiny cities, talking to locals and learning everything she could about these places. From Old West reenactments to incredible stargazing and one particularly unusual city council meeting, here’s what you can discover in the smallest small towns in Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What are Oregon’s five smallest cities and how small are we talking about? Greenhorn and Granite are so small and so remote, that few people ever pass through. How Shaniko embraces its Old West history to draw in tourists. Why locals in Antelope may be especially leery of outsiders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an age-old question for anyone who’s flown the nest: What are you going to do when your parents come to town? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over one family’s perfect itinerary for showing off Oregon, from coastal landscapes to incredible Portland restaurants. While adventures will be different for every family, the intention is typically the same: finding a way to balance your desire to show your parents the places you love, with the need to cater to their own needs and desires. With so many good options in Oregon, it’s easy enough to do. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: There are few better ways to show off Oregon than a trip to the coast. These Portland restaurants are some of the best spots in town. Why a hike to Pittock Mansion is a great introduction to the outdoors. In the summer, you can’t beat a day on the river – any river. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitewater paddling is everyone’s cup of tea, but some people feel like they don’t even have the chance to try. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to the leaders of nonprofit organization Diversify Whitewater, who talk about the barriers that some paddlers face, and how the organization is helping serve those underserved communities. While Diversify Whitewater is not based in the Pacific Northwest, it has been bringing its Kayak Progression program, in which people gradually gain comfort on the water, to Oregon and Washington waterways. Those accepted into the program get access to an activity that may have felt inaccessible, the organization said, and can find a community of likeminded people. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The origin story of Diversify Whitewater. What barriers do these paddlers face? What is the Kayak Progression program? How you can get ready to sign up for the organization’s 2026 events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 196 miles over two days, from the top of Mount Hood to the sand at the Oregon Coast, there’s a reason they call it the “mother of all relays.” On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at what it takes to tackle the Hood to Coast Relay, Oregon’s biggest annual footrace, which is returning this weekend. Cristian Vargas, founder of Juntos PDX and Caminando Running Club, joined the podcast to talk about training his team for the big relay race. Co-host Chiara Profenna, who will be running the relay this weekend, has been training with Vargas all spring in preparation. Their methods and mentality going into the relay show just how tough this event can be. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Everything you need to know about Hood to Coast. How running the race inspired Vargas to start his own team. A training regimen includes waking up before sunrise to run. Why the Caminando Running Club is already looking ahead to 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If cute cottages and ghostly tree stumps are your idea of a good time, you’ll want to plan your next Oregon coast vacation for Neskowin. The tiny town on the north Oregon coast is known for its quiet, residential feel, with no small shops and few restaurants to speak of. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into everything you need to know to visit. The major attractions in Neskowin are both wild: the Ghost Forest, which is a collection of ancient, submerged stumps that emerge at low tide, and Proposal Rock, a dominating sea stack that’s covered with a small forest. Beyond the beach, there isn’t much to Neskowin – and for many slower-paced coastal travelers, that’s absolutely perfect. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Booking a place to stay in Neskowin can be a little complicated. We have the lowdown on the two places to eat in town. How to see the Ghost Forest at low tide. What else can you do around the area? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if you consider yourself a runner, you probably aren’t prepared for a run quite like this. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the Cascade Lakes Relay, a 216-mile race across the landscape of central Oregon that can get a little wilder and weirder than your average footrace. Similar to Oregon’s famed Hood to Coast Relay, the Cascade Lakes Relay involves teams of runners who collectively tackle the length of the course over the course of two days. That means late-night shifts, spartan sleeping conditions and lots of wackiness along the way. Jamie Goldberg, politics and education editor for The Oregonian/Oregonlive, joined the podcast to talk about her recent experience running the relay. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Goldberg survived a dusty midnight run through the mountains. Rain and snow made the summertime event a little chillier than expected. A pop-up rave and one double-decker party bus kept things lively during the race. Team culture is a major part of relay races, even if the runs are all solo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon is renowned for its wilderness areas, found in high desert landscapes and around towering volcanoes, but you don’t need to go far from the state’s largest city to get there. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness of the Mt. Hood National Forest, found just 50 miles east of Portland. This wilderness area has rushing rivers, dense evergreen forests dripping with moss and great views of the tallest mountain in Oregon. It’s a perfect destination for day hikers and backpackers alike, with hikes that range from easy to difficult. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: • Why the Salmon River Trail is one of Oregon’s best backpacking spots. • Devils Peak is an easy hike with a great payoff. • Hunchback Mountain is one of the most challenging trails in the wilderness. • What you’ll find on the Eagle Creek Trail (no, not that Eagle Creek Trail). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland has a lot of great places to see and things to do, but there’s nothing quite like this. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a trip along the 4T Trail, a roughly 9-mile loop that takes combines public transit with hiking trails, taking visitors on an epic tour of Southwest Portland. The 4T Trail covers a lot of ground, from the Willamette River way up to Council Crest, over to Washington Park and down to downtown. The four T’s stand for the four modes of transportation used throughout the journey: tram, trail, train and trolley. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is the 4T Trail route? What it’s like to tackle the whole thing. While most of the trail is easy to do, there are a couple of dicey sections. Some advice on doing the 4T Trail yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surviving in the wilderness isn’t a game, but learning the skills necessary to do it can still be plenty of fun. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Tony Peniche, creator of the PNW Survival Games, talks about his attempts to turn some basic survival skills into big entertainment. Peniche’s games take hardcore survivalists and inexperienced people through skills like building shelter, making fire and putting together a raft, seeing who can execute at the highest level. An annual competition held in Oregon, the games may soon get their own show on a streaming service, bringing a much bigger audience to the local event. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The unlikely origin story of the PNW Survival Games. Who are the participants in these events? What would the TV show version of the games look like? How you can join (or just watch) the competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the snow melts and the alpine flowers begin to bloom, it’s time for the folks at Mt. Hood Skibowl to start taking out all their toys. With racecars, ziplines and the beloved alpine slide, there’s a lot that goes into transforming the snowy ski area into a summer adventure park. That’s not to mention the hiking trails that emerge from the snowmelt and the skilift that gets rebranded to the “sky chair” for the season. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Mike Quinn, vice president and general manager of Mt. Hood Skibowl, talks all about what goes into the transformation, and how people can best enjoy the summer slopes. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What goes into transforming Skibowl into the summer adventure park? Activities are offered a la carte, allowing people to design their own days. Does climate change affect when and how the summer season is offered? How to make the most of a summer day on the mountain.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no shortage of beautiful bike rides in Oregon, but the Reach the Beach cycling event is a truly remarkable experience. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Vickie Connor, a visual journalist with The Oregonian/OregonLive, about her experience on this epic bike ride. Reach the Beach is a 105-mile ride from Sauvie Island to the Oregon coast, running through the scenic Clatsop State Forest. A fundraise for the American Lung Association, the ride is done in teams that are there not to race, but to share in the scenic ride. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Vickie got involved with Reach the Beach. Why the ride is definitely hard, but not necessarily in the way that Vickie thought. The best part of the day? It might have been the salmon hash. Reach the Beach is just one of many cycling challenges in Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summertime in Oregon is magical. But between the coastal beaches, the ice cream shops, the wine country getaways and the mountain views, how is anybody supposed to see it all? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss a few of the best ways to make the most of an Oregon summer, from one of the best Mt. Hood hikes to some of the best cities to explore on foot. No matter how you approach it, the important thing is to release the expectation of doing it all. Even the most ambitious summer road trip won’t get you to all the most beautiful and interesting destinations in Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: This Mount Hood hike is a perfect place to see the mountain. How to explore Portland on a budget. Why the coast is everybody’s go-to summer getaway. A controversial take on how to visit Oregon’s wine country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably driven from Portland to Astoria. Maybe you’ve even taken the bus. But have you ever traveled between the two cities by boat? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about the twice-a-year travel experience that’s taking people down the Columbia River, providing a very different way to travel to the north Oregon coast. Lizzy Acker, who reported on the Astoria cruise earlier this spring, joins the podcast to talk about her experience, and some options for those who want to embark on a longer car-free trip along the coastline. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Everything you need to know about the Portland Spirit cruise. Acker recounts her trip down the Columbia River. While most travelers take a bus right back to Portland, Acker chose to spend the night in Astoria. It’s possible to take an even longer car-free vacation along the Oregon coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On hot summer days, Portlanders flock to the water – thankfully there’s a lot of that here. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss the many, many swim spot options in and around the city, for people who are looking to dip their toes or take a dip in a cooling river or lake. Joining us to discuss swim spots is local swimmer Hadley Brooks, who for the last several years has embarked on a personal “summer of swimming” project, in which she has found a different place to swim each week of the season. In the process, she has become an expert on local swim spots – as well as the necessary safety precautions to take before getting in the water. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How to stay safe before swimming in free-flowing bodies of water. Why Brooks started her “summer of swimming,” and the rules of her project. Between the Willamette and Columbia rivers, there are a ton of places to swim in Portland. Those looking for wilder places can go just a little farther afield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon is famous for its waterfalls, but not all are so easy to find. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore a hidden waterfall corridor along the North Umpqua River in the southern Cascade Mountains, ranking the best plunges and falls in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes all you need is a quick trip to the ocean. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a baby day trip to the north Oregon coast – with an actual baby in tow. With stops in Cannon Beach, Manzanita and Nehalem, we find out what it’s like to explore the coast, from fish and chips shops to the sandy beach, with an infant along for the ride. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Start the day at one of the best bakeries on the north coast. Baby’s first visit to the ocean was full of new experiences. A search for great fish and chips led us to a new favorite. Some of the best little shops around this stretch of the coast. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of places to stay the night on the Oregon coast, but some spots are just special. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into our recent list of the best hotels on the Oregon coast, highlighting seven that are especially noteworthy. These places include affordable stays right off the highway, luxury destinations on the sand and unique spots with funky decor. Bookmark these hotels for your next Oregon coast vacation. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A pair of hotels in Astoria show the wide variety of lodging options in the city. Why the Stephanie Inn has won so many accolades. Is there anything better than a private hot tub on a balcony overlooking the ocean? The best place to cosplay as a lighthouse keeper. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of places to find dark skies in Oregon, but relatively few that are set up to let you gaze deeply into the cosmos. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Paul Poncy, observatory manager at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory in central Oregon, which is one of the state’s best places to go stargazing. Aside from the dark skies, the observatory also has several telescopes and good educational programming, all found in the vacation town of Sunriver, just south of Bend. It’s a good destination for anyone interested in space, or an add-on activity for those in the area. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Protecting dark skies is important for the people, plants and animals of central Oregon. How astrotourism has brought more people to Sunriver. What can visitors see through the observatory’s telescopes? What’s the deal with Sunriver’s defunct dark sky designation? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices