Peak Northwest

You don’t need to hike the Oregon Film Trail to know that there are a lot of great movies made in Oregon. But how do some of the classics hold up? On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we take a fresh look at three filmed-in-Oregon classics that are celebrating milestones this year. From a famous 100-year-old silent film to a 15-year-old western, this trio of movies represents a century of filmmaking in Oregon. They highlight some of the state’s most beautiful places, including roaring rivers and arid high desert plains. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Cottage Grove still celebrates “The General.” A whole generation of Oregonians loved “Stand By Me.” Does it hold up today? Why “Meek’s Cutoff” is one of the best Oregon Trail movies ever made. “Twilight” and “The Hunted” are still worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The temperatures are falling and clouds are on the horizon — summer is nearly at a close. If you’re still itching for a last-minute summer excursion, you would do well to get yourself out to a body of water, ideally for a picnic. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we have a few ideas of places you can go. From riverside beaches to lakeside parks, there is undoubtedly a great late-summer picnic spot near your home. At this time of year — with summer vacations in the rearview mirror and school back in session — these should be no-hassle adventures. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Rivers, lakes, oceans or ponds? Why a day spent by the water is special. Some ideas from the Portland area and beyond. What are you bringing in your picnic basket? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer camp can be a special experience for anyone, but there’s something extra special about Camp Cleawox. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Lizzy Acker, features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently wrote about her deep relationship with the Oregon coast Girl Scout camp. Acker, who started going to the camp when she was 8 years old, followed in her mother’s footsteps, learning all about the magic of the camp. Now Acker’s 6-year-old daughter is finding that magic and continuing the tradition for another generation. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is Camp Cleawox and where exactly is it? Acker’s first impressions of the camp during a very rainy summer. How the camp became a second home on the Oregon coast. Why the experience of taking her daughter to the camp was so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who has struggled with a camp-cooked meal knows the stress of making meals in the great outdoors. Rashad Frazier is here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be so hard. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we get some practical advice — and some great food ideas — from Frazier, author of the camp cookbook “Cook Out” and cofounder of Portland-based outdoor hospitality brand Camp Yoshi. Frazier’s secret? Make things simple. While fresh-caught crab boil with foraged ingredients can be nice, that level of effort isn’t necessary. There are many easier, perfectly delicious meals you can make that won’t bring unneeded stress to the campsite. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Frazier’s journey from restaurant kitchens to campfire cookouts. How to make every camp-cooked meal a little easier. The importance of a backup plan. More than a few ideas for your next camping trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Pacific Northwest heats up, there’s no better way to cool off than drifting down a river on an inner tube, kayak or raft. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna dive into the region’s best river floats, from the wildly popular Clackamas River to scenic stretches of the Sandy, Willamette and Deschutes rivers. Along the way, they share what makes for a great float, offer essential safety tips and talk about some of Oregon’s favorite summertime waterways. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes a river ideal for floating. The best places to float on the Sandy, Clackamas, Willamette and Deschutes rivers. A few lesser-known floating destinations worth adding to your summer adventure list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many locals already know one of the open secrets in the Pacific Northwest: some of the best beach spots are found not on the coast, but along the rivers. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we look at one of the most scenic river corridors in the region, the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile stretch of river that is home to some of the best beaches in Oregon and Washington. The sandy or rocky beaches that line either side of the Columbia River are perfect places for day trips, with room to spread out, gorgeous scenery and convenient amenities. Some of the biggest and most beautiful spots are also the ones best equipped to handle crowds; the smaller, hidden beaches might feel a little rougher around the edges. They’re all worth a visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a group of childhood friends looked for a destination to take a trip of a lifetime, they landed on one of the most awesome regions of the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Anusha Fathepure, a politics and education reporting intern for The Oregonian/OregonLive, recounts her trip to the northern Cascade and Rocky mountains, all centered on a visit to Canada’s Banff National Park. Between canoeing in the blue waters of Banff’s mountain lakes, hiking in the snow fields atop Mount Rainier and spending time in Vancouver and Seattle, their 10-day adventure was one they’ll never forget. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How did Fathepure’s friends land on the Pacific Northwest as their big trip destination? Picking a 10-day itinerary was a lot of work. A hike on Mount Rainier was more than they bargained for. The best sights they saw along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People often assume that outdoors and travel reporter Jamie Hale has been everywhere in Oregon, but even he has a bucket list of places he hasn’t seen. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Hale opens up his deep-cuts bucket list: destinations around the state that, for one reason or another, he has yet to visit. These places, often remote or rugged in nature, represent a side of Oregon that relatively few people make the trek to see. Still, they contain some truly spectacular sights: towering trees and eroded columns of rock, sweeping sagebrush landscapes and arid, windswept mountains. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What are the Pillars of Rome, and are they worth the drive to see? Three of Oregon’s most remote mountain ranges are rugged adventures. Valley of the Giants has incredible trees that are difficult to reach. The one place Hale regrets not getting to sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath your feet as you hike around our local volcanoes, this is the place for you. This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast explores the dark, mysterious lava tubes of Ape Cave in southwest Washington. Found on the south side of Mount St. Helens, the cave system is a fascinating adventure for Northwest explorers. Between the more challenging upper cave system and the easy lower section, Ape Cave offers an adventure for hikers of all levels. We have everything you need to know about how and when to go check it out. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How was Ape Cave formed and what exactly is it? Why you need to make sure to bring two sources of light into the cave. There are a few very specific rules to keep the cave safe. What’s the difference between the upper and lower cave trails? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you want to know about traveling through Oregon? Reddit users had the chance to ask their burning questions of Jamie Hale, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s outdoors and travel reporter who recently did an AMA (that’s Ask Me Anything) on the r/Oregon subreddit. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Hale shared some of the best questions from Redditors and dove into his answers. The discussion ranged from federal lands passes to Oregon’s best hot springs and some of Hale’s favorite places around the state. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Some recreation areas aren’t accepting federal lands passes — what’s the deal? What are some of the best places to take toddlers and babies on a summer day? Where is the best place to float near Portland and when is the best time to do it? What are Hale’s favorite places in Oregon? He has more than a few. 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

One of central Oregon’s best tourist destinations has it all: good food, great views and easy access to outdoor recreation. And no, we’re not talking about Bend. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into Sisters, a small town that has drawn tourists for decades. While some people make sure to stop at the Sno Cap Drive In and others are drawn in by the Old West facades that line downtown, there is more to Sisters than initially meets the eye. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why you need to visit the Best Western alpacas. Food carts are redefining dining in Sisters. Here are the best places to try. A tiny hike with huge views, just a few minutes outside town. How to fully explore the natural beauty around Sisters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jeff VanderMeer, best known for the creepy alien nature at the heart of his Southern Reach series, is suddenly engrossed in a different landscape completely: the neighborhoods of Portland. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, VanderMeer, who recently moved to Oregon, talks about his long walks across the city, and all the things he’s discovered along the way. While far from the world of “Annihilation,” Portland has managed to captivate him like few other places have, he said, and the things he’s seeing on his long, sprawling walks across the city are inspiring his upcoming novels. It’s not just the beautiful parks, but the small discoveries on sidewalks and back alleys along the way. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How VanderMeer first fell in love with Portland. His walks often go park to park, running through neighborhoods and reaching up to 10 miles at a time. VanderMeer highlights three of his favorite walks through Portland. How the author works on his books while walking through the city. 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

If you’re looking for a perfect, low-key summer getaway, look no further than Florence — Oregon, that is. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore the central Oregon coast town, home to sweeping dunes, good food and all manner of outdoor activities. Ever wanted to try sandboarding? Maybe you want to kayak a freshwater lake just off the ocean? Interested in exploring a particular species of carnivorous plants? You can find it all in Florence. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The Florence Rhododendron Festival is the Oregon coast’s answer to Portland’s Rose Festival. Why snowboarders might be at a disadvantage when it comes to sandboarding. The best places to eat in Florence. Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head and other sights around the area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many Oregonians practically grow up at campgrounds, there are plenty of adults who have never enjoyed a night sleeping under the stars. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, co-host Chiara Profenna recounts her very first camping trip, taken this spring on the Oregon coast. Profenna took her partner and dog out for one night at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence. The bare-bones overnighter was nevertheless a huge learning experience for Profenna, who walked away with some worthwhile lessons and a new appreciation for sleeping outdoors. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Profenna ended up taking her first camping trip as an adult. What to pack (and what not to pack) to go camping. Cooking over the fire vs. going out to eat. Overall lessons from a first time camping experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outdoor recreation hasn’t always felt accessible or inviting to everyone. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore AmigxPNW, a group dedicated to creating spaces for Black, brown and Indigenous communities of color to connect through hiking, camping and outdoor exploration across the Pacific Northwest. Guests Maria Velador Gonzales and Diana Velador Gonzales, co-founders of AmigxPNW, share how the group got started, how people can join upcoming hikes and why representation and community matter in outdoor spaces. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How and why AmigxPNW was created. What first-time participants can expect from the group’s hikes and events. Why representation matters in outdoor recreation spaces. How community-building can help people feel more connected to nature and each other. 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

If you’ve ever been curious about foraging in the wild, or felt intimidated by where to start, this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast is for you. Foraging can seem like a daunting hobby to get into, but it doesn’t have to be. On this week’s episode, we explore Wildwood Folk School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching people how to forage for wild plants, understand local ecosystems and build community through outdoor education. Guest Shelby Lynn, foraging instructor for Wildwood Folk School, shares insights into their programs, how to get involved and why foraging is about more than just finding food. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly is a folk school. Wildwood Folk School’s free foraging plants walks and other programs. The essentials of foraging responsibly and targeting invasive species. How to use your bounty for cooking, crafting or medicinal purposes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With spring now fully sprung, and the wildflowers out in full force, it’s time for the annual pilgrimage to Dog Mountain. On this episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into everything you need to know before tackling the iconic Columbia River Gorge adventure, known not only for its flower-strewn meadows, but for the very steep trail to get to them. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the outdoors, you’ll likely need to do a little planning before taking on the tough little hike. With steep trails, unpredictable weather and loads of poison ivy, there’s a lot to consider. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: When is wildflower season on Dog Mountain? How hard is the hike, really? What to pack for your adventure. Some tips on doing a difficult hike like this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring mushroom foragers in Oregon are already coming back from the forests with their bounty: baskets full of beautiful, delicious morels. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast we get back into tips for beginner foragers, this time highlighting the morel mushroom, one of the most popular foraged mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, returns to the podcast to give a primer on how to properly identify morels, where to find them and how to cook them into a delicious meal. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is a morel and how can you identify it? A note of caution about so-called “false morels,” some of which are toxic. Where to find morels throughout the season. How to cook the delicious mushrooms, and few recipe ideas for foragers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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