Peak Northwest

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