Peak Northwest

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...

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 incredibl...

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...

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 progra...

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, h...

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...

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 wackin...

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 difficul...

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 jo...

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 stre...

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 Ski...

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 sc...

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 ro...

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 coas...

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 sea...

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.

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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:

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:

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 destin...

It’s not every day that you get a brand new attraction in the Columbia River Gorge.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we head out to the new Mitchell Point Tunnel, open to pedestrians and cyclists only, found on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail west of Hood River.

The 665-foot tunnel, which features rock windows that open to spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge, is one of the most impressive human-made attractions in the Columbia Gorge. It will be a major part of the 73-mile bike trail when that project is f...

Wildflower season is here! The only question is where you’re going to go hiking to see them.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover all the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, which is easily the most colorful spot to get outside this time of year.

From famous trails like Dog Mountain and the Tom McCall Preserve, to farther-flung destinations like Dalles Mountain Ranch and the Lyle Cherry Orchard, there is no shortage of options here. Pick one (or three!) and get a fresh burst of color into your life...

Not everyone appreciates a ski trip in spring, but those who visit central Oregon in the shoulder season might find a newfound fondness for the region.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a quick trip to Bend, with a stop for some spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor and a night in Sunriver.

From the snowy slopes of the popular mountain to the brewpubs and bike trails around Bend, there’s a lot to do an enjoy on a trip to the region. Here’s how to make the most of an overni...

There are plenty of incredible overnight destinations in Oregon, but what about Warm Springs?

Home of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the reservation has not only beautiful rolling high desert hills, but also the immensely popular Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and the Museum at Warm Springs.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we outline a brief itinerary for a great overnighter to the central Oregon destination.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Everybody should have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities.

That’s the mission of Adventures Without Limits, an Oregon nonprofit that takes people outside and finds creative solutions to whatever barriers they may be facing. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Anna Eick, program coordinator for the organization.

The group has a wide variety of outings through the year, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, Eick said. The trips are open not only to people of all abilities, but also all ages, genders, ethnicities and soci...

You might be able to recognize a few locations featured in some of the most famous films made in Oregon, like “Twilight” or “The Shining,” but how do you find them all?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore the Oregon Film Trail, a series of markers erected at famous filming locations throughout the state.

We’re joined by Kristi Turnquist, life and culture for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who has been covering the evolution of the film trail. In recent years, more markers have been going up at locations from the Astoria to Baker Cit...

If your idea of spring break travel is less Cancun and more Corvallis, then we have a few ideas for you.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of the most overlooked attractions in the Willamette Valley that are perfect for some family-friendly day trips this spring.

While most people will flock to the Oregon coast, Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge, you can break the mold by visiting some of these great, off-beat destinations that are sprinkled throughout the region.

Here are some highlights from this we...

There’s always a good reason to stop in Sandy – especially if you’re in need of a quick bite to eat.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the small town between Portland and Mount Hood, which entices travelers with breakfast burritos, donuts, bagels and other grab-and-go food options.

We have five of the best spots to stop off at, whether you’re going up or coming back down from Oregon’s tallest mountain.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Maybe you’ve seen the videos come across your social media feed. They show a man, with a backwards hat and hiking poles, grumpily tromping down some beautiful, forested trail. The caption: “going on a stupid hike for my stupid mental health.”

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to southern Oregon resident Andy Neal, creator of the videos, who has been turning his viral moment into a career advocating for mental health and outdoor recreation.

Neal, who was relatively new to both filming and hiking when he first went viral in 2022, has sinc...

At She Shreds clinics, “egos get left behind.”

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Jenn Lockwood, training supervisor at the Mt. Hood Meadows Learning Center, who runs the She Shreds program.

Lockwood said the program, which features both camps and clinics, offers women a space to learn together, grow their skills and create community. Participants often stay in touch, she said, and wind up creating their own communities to continue skiing together.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

An internet series dedicated to the experience of Black travelers has paid a visit to one of the best destinations in Oregon.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black discuss their recent trip up the Oregon coast, which will be released in upcoming episodes on their YouTube channel.

Based in Seattle, the couple helps travelers connect with Black history in destinations around the country, rating each destination on its amenities, scenery and the comfort level for Black travelers.

Here are some highlights from this we...

Plenty of people take the Amtrak train from Portland to Seattle, but how many keep riding all the way to Canada?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our colleague Veronica Nocera recounts her recent train ride between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. (a route that resumed service in 2023), as well as her weekend north of the border.

Nocera, who has taken both a train and a plane between the two cities, offered some insights into the big differences between the two modes of transportation, and whether she’d recommend one over the other for...

Oregon is in the middle of a dark sky renaissance.

With new Dark Sky Parks, a pair of Dark Sky Communities and one massive Dark Sky Sanctuary, it seems like half of eastern Oregon has suddenly become dark sky country. But what does it mean?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into Oregon’s new push for astrotourism, and break down these new designations, all of which come from DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to the protection of the night sky.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:<...

It might not be a shocking revelation that traveling with a baby is a challenge. More shocking is that it’s perfectly doable.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie shares six travel lessons he’s learned from his first six months as a parent – they might not be what you think.

Traveling with babies, especially those younger than six months, can be a much different challenge than traveling with kids or even toddlers. Some of the best advice about family travel doesn’t necessarily apply to those who aren’t walking, eating or even sitt...

It’s been a very good year to be a skier in Oregon.

With snowpack at great levels as we near mid-winter, snow sports enthusiasts have been flocking to Oregon’s tallest mountain to take full advantage.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, from the best places to rent gear, to navigating the sweeping terrain on the side of the mountain.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

With the new year, there are some new changes coming to the Peak Northwest podcast.

Chief among them is our new co-host, Chiara Profenna, the religion and culture reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who will be replacing longtime co-host Vickie Connor.

As we welcome Chiara to Peak Northwest, we bid a fond farewell to Vickie, who has been with the show for nearly three years. While she will no longer be the podcast’s full-time co-host, Vickie will remain onboard behind the scenes.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Pacific Northwest stargazers have a lot to look forward to in 2025 – even if there’s no solar eclipse on the calendar.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of this year’s must-see astronomical events, including a total lunar eclipse, planet parade and plenty of meteor showers to keep your eyes glued to the night sky.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just enjoy looking up, there’s a lot to appreciate in the cosmos this year.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

If you’re looking for good fish and chips, you’d do well to stop in Astoria.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we stop by a few of Astoria’s best fish and chip shops, while discussing what it is that makes this place so good for fried fish and French fries. A trio of dedicated destinations show what makes this food scene shine.

Just make sure you don’t listen to this episode before lunch.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

The new year is here, which means it’s once again time to start dreaming and scheming up some fresh Pacific Northwest travels.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we dip our toes into the 2025 Northwest Travel Guide, pulling out a few of the best places to visit and things to do around the region, from outdoor adventures to road trips and more.

It’s also time for our annual reminder: Book your travel now, before it’s too late!

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

What is it about a Pacific Northwest forest?

From the smell to the air to the feeling you get among the trees, we talk all about our love of Northwest forests on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest.

Special guest Ross Reid, who’s known on social media as Nerdy About Nature, discusses the joy of educating people about forest ecology, and touches on the issues our regional forests face.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

There’s nothing like a hot spring soak in the coldest, darkest days of the year.

Oregon, famously gray and/or chilly for a significant portion of the year, is thankfully home to a wealth of places to go soaking, spread out across scenic landscapes throughout the state.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore some of Oregon’s best and most beautiful places to soak, from the wellness spas in Portland to the rustic pools found way out in the high desert. Wherever you are in Oregon, there’s bound to be hot w...