Peak Northwest
Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Why this Oregon campground tucked into the forest is becoming a favorite for weekend adventurers
Oregon’s forests, rivers and waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities for a weekend getaway, and the McKenzie River area is a popular destination for exploring the outdoors. With scenic hiking trails, rushing waterfalls and campgrounds tucked into the Willamette National Forest, it’s an ideal place to spend a few days outside.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading to the McKenzie River area for a late-summer camping adventure.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What it’s like camping at Ice Cap Campground in the Willamet...This hidden Coast Range lake is a fly fishing paradise
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What makes Lost Lake a hidden gem for fly fishing. What makes the Tualatin River worth exploring, from its fishing opportunities to the surprising wildlife encounters along its banks. What beginners should know about getting into fly fishing and exploring Oregon’s lakes and rivers.
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The brutal beauty of running a half marathon through Oregon’s waterfalls and muddy forest trails
The Silver Falls Half Marathon takes runners through the forests, waterfalls and rugged trails of one of Oregon’s most scenic state parks. But racing on the trails brings challenges that go beyond the usual road race, from steep hills to slippery footing.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re recapping the Silver Falls Half Marathon, which took place Oct. 18 at Silver Falls State Park.
I’m joined by my coworker Michael Russell, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s restaurant critic, to talk about the race, the challenges of trail running and what makes...
An unexpected turn on Mount McLoughlin left an experienced hiker needing rescue
Mount McLoughlin in southern Oregon is a challenging climb with steep, rocky terrain and sweeping views from the summit. But even experienced hikers can find themselves in an emergency when something goes wrong on the trail.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re talking about a hiking trip on Mount McLoughlin that took an unexpected turn when hiker John Lulich fell about 2 miles from the trailhead and needed to be rescued.
I’m joined by Lulich, who walks us through what happened, how his group responded and what the experience taught...
How one Oregon group is making hiking more accessible for wheelchair users
Earlier this summer, The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Austin De Dios spent time with Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, a Portland-area group that brings wheelchair users and other hikers together for regular outdoor adventures. Franklin Ouchida, leader of Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, joins Peak Northwest to talk about how the group got started, what it takes to make a trail accessible and why having a community to explore with can make such a difference.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Oregon Wheelchair Hiking got started. What makes a trail genuinely accessible for someone using a wheelchair or...This breathtaking Washington wilderness offers much more than its famous Pacific Crest Trail stretch
Goat Rocks Wilderness is best known as one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s much more to this rugged corner of the Washington Cascades than a single iconic ridgeline.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading north into the mountains for a conversation about backpacking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, where alpine meadows, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks come together in one of the region’s most breathtaking backcountry destinations.
Host Chiara Profenna is joined by her coworker Heather...
Planning an Ashland trip? Here's what to do beyond the Shakespeare Festival
Ashland is best known as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there’s much more to the Southern Oregon town than Shakespeare.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading south for a few days in Ashland, where we explored the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, wandered through downtown, tried some unusual food and found a few unexpected ways to experience the city.
I’m joined by two of my coworkers, retail reporter Veronica Nocera and visual journalist Allison Barr. The three of us recently took a newsroom road trip from Portland...
The fragrant, highly prized mushroom hiding in Oregon’s forests right now — and how to find it
Fall is one of the best times to head into Oregon’s forests, and for mushroom hunters, it also marks the start of matsutake season. These fragrant, highly prized mushrooms can be found in forests across the state, but finding them takes some knowledge, patience and plenty of walking.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading into the forest to learn more about one of Oregon’s most sought-after wild mushrooms.
Joining me is Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, a local organization that tea...
Why we absolutely cannot wait for fall in the Pacific Northwest
You don’t need to wait for the leaves to change to start getting excited about fall in Oregon. But with cooler weather, cozy weekends and some of the best events of the year just around the corner, we’re more than ready for the season.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re talking all things fall, from the best reasons to love the season to some of our favorite ways to enjoy it around Oregon.
We’re getting into the cozy side of fall, including soup season, wa...
How do these 3 filmed-in-Oregon classic movies hold up?
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...
Summer’s almost over. Here are the best places to get in one last picnic by the water
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 sessi...
How a Girl Scout camp on the Oregon coast connected 3 generations of women
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.
He...
The secrets to making a delicious, stress-free camp cookout meal
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 e...
Oregon river floating guide: Where to tube near Portland
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 hig...
This 80-mile stretch of river has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northwest
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...
Banff and beyond: Why Canada’s mountains are a perfect place for the trip of a lifetime
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 Van...
This deep-cuts bucket list will take you to Oregon's hidden natural treasures
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...
These dark, mysterious lava tubes are a perfect Pacific Northwest adventure
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...
Reddit asked our Oregon travel reporter anything. Here’s what he said
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 s...
Sisters is calling: Everything to do, see and eat in the central Oregon destination
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 w...
Author Jeff VanderMeer, a new Oregonian, on walking, writing and why he loves Portland
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, spra...
How to plan a perfect summer trip around this gem of the Oregon coast
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 Flor...What I learned on my very first camping trip in Oregon
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.
He...
Meet the sisters who launched a hiking group for BIPOC hikers
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 AmigxP...Free foraging walks are teaching people to harvest invasive species
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 invo...
What you need to know before hiking Dog Mountain, the iconic wildflower destination
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 lo...
Morel season is here: How to forage for the delicious mushrooms in Oregon
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.
...Is this Columbia River Gorge park cursed?
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.
...
What it’s like to raft a reawakened river in southern Oregon
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...
Zen and the art of glass float hunting on the Oregon coast
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 endi...
Let’s talk about Abiqua Falls: Everything you need to know about Oregon’s newsiest waterfall
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...
Hiking in heels: How Drag Me Outside became Portland’s newest hiking group
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 mak...
The weird, hidden attractions found in one of the Oregon coast’s coolest towns
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...
How to plan a fun, affordable spring break vacation in Oregon
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...
How one Portland podcast converts listeners into tree nerds
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 star...How to tap a common tree to make Northwest maple syrup
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 back...
Why Lewis and Clark hated their winter in the Pacific Northwest
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 reside...
Meet the Crag Rats: Oregon mountain rescue team is still going strong after 100 years
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...What we love about Oregon: From big trees to fried fish
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...How Oregon State Park changes could impact your 2026 travel plans
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:<...
