Peak Northwest

Ever wanted to explore a cave? Lava Beds is the place to be. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, our colleague Janet Eastman tells us about her experience exploring the caves at Lava Beds National Monument, found just across the border in northern California. Featuring more than a dozen caves of various complexity, Lava Beds is a great place to either dip your toes into cave exploration or do some serious spelunking. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What kind of gear do you need to go caving? Janet talks about her experience in the caves. It’s easy to opt out of more difficult excursions if you’d prefer to take it easy. There are a lot of other things to do and see at Lava Beds, outside of the cave systems. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why aren’t there more huckleberries on Huckleberry Mountain? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, a recent trip to the Mt. Hood National Forest leads to an investigation of the fickle huckleberry plants, which are especially susceptible to the whims of the natural world around them. With a warming climate, in a place that is regularly ravaged by wildfire, what becomes of our beloved huckleberry season? Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Jamie recounts his hike up Huckleberry Mountain. There are several reasons why huckleberries may grow in some places and not others. Where are some good places to find huckleberries? Despite the lack of berries, Huckleberry Mountain was still a great hike. 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

You’ve never toured the Columbia River Gorge quite like this. With dozens of waterfalls, small towns, hiking trails and viewpoints spread out across both Oregon and Washington, there are a lot of ways to explore the scenic river corridor east of Portland. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we explore one of the crazier ways to do it: a zigzag road trip. Come along as we take a whirlwind trip to one of the most scenic places in the Pacific Northwest, crossing bridges and pulling off the highway for some seriously incredible views. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly is a zigzag road trip? All the tolls and fees you need to keep in mind when traveling the Gorge. Viewpoints galore greet visitors to the Washington side of the river. The Wildflower Corridor may not be in bloom, but it’s still a gorgeous stretch. Saving the best for last with a home stretch in the waterfall corridor. 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

Those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest have probably fielded the same question from friends and family who fly into town to visit: I’ll be exploring the area for a week – where should I go? With so many natural wonders, incredible restaurants, beautiful attractions and charming towns across the region, that can feel like an impossible question to answer. How do you pick between the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon coast? How can you play favorites among our volcanic peaks? And what about the many treasures of the high desert? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we break down the many options for Northwest travelers, discussing the pros and cons of each place. Whether you’re a tourist yourself or helping others plan, this episode is for you. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The Columbia Gorge-Mount Hood loop is a perfect road trip for visitors. Why Cannon Beach is the go-to north coast destination. Olympic National Park is big, beautiful and absolutely worth a trip. Some places are beautiful but just too far to recommend for a quick trip. 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

With snow melting and trails opening up, late summer is officially mountain climbing season in the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we’re taking advantage of the season to climb to the top of one of central Oregon’s most scenic peaks: South Sister. The sweeping volcano west of Bend is known as one of Oregon’s more baggable peaks, and is beloved for its alpine lakes and stunning views. Vickie recently tackled the climb and came back with a wild story from the mountain. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The gear and preparation you need to climb South Sister. What’s the best way to approach the climb? The struggle and the beauty of the experience. A surprising summer storm made for an exciting summit. 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

It’s always nice to bond with your parents, but how many people choose to bond over a 100-mile bike ride? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Lizzy Acker, trending news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who spent a warm day this summer on a century ride with her dad. Taking a route from Portland to Troutdale and back, the father-daughter duo enjoyed a great adventure that included sunshine, river views, lemonade and a just a few challenges on the way. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How a failed attempt fueled the desire to reach 100 miles. Their route ran largely along bike paths from Portland to Sugarpine Drive-In. What is it like to ride with your dad? How Lizzy is using this experience to get ready for Cycle Oregon. 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

Looking for incredible coastal views? Make your way to the Boardman Corridor. Officially known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the 12-mile stretch of the southern Oregon coast is known for its big views, beaches and hiking trails, all found off a series of pull-outs alongside U.S. 101. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into all the best sights to see at the Boardman Corridor, as well as some tips on navigating the sometimes confusing trailheads and parking areas. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly is the Boardman Corridor? Arch Rock and Natural Bridges are two of the most popular attractions in the area – for good reason. The Thomas Creek Bridge is a major feat of engineering. A trio of beaches offer opportunities to get to the sand, with varying levels of difficulty. 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

A big cosmic show is coming this weekend, and conditions should be good to see it from Oregon. The annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the most reliably spectacular astronomical events of the year, will be peaking on Aug. 12 and 13, bringing beautiful streaking meteors to the night sky. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about how, when and where to see the Perseids, and explain what exactly it is you’ll be looking at. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What are the Perseids? Why this year is a particularly good year to watch the meteor shower. Some of the best dark sky locations to watch the show. Star parties are a great way to watch the meteor shower with likeminded people, and learn a little more about the cosmos. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to round out summer with a few good leg-burners? You’ve come to the right place. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the toughest hiking trails around the Portland area, finding them at Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Coast Range. These are not your average day hikes – they’re intense climbs meant only for the hardiest of hikers. We have all the details to help you settle on the best hike for you, from mileage and elevation gain to the necessary precautions at each place. If you’ve spent the season on some of the easier and more moderate trails, this might be the time to challenge yourself. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Our “hard” hikes include a pair of beautiful spots on Mount Hood. The “harder” hikes feature some popular places on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. A pair of “hardest” hikes go up some of the steepest inclines in the area, with lots of mileage to keep your heart pumping. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from July, 2021. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to enjoy Olympic National Park: from the coastline to the forest, lodges to campgrounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from September, 2022. The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in United States history. The explosion reduced the mountain’s elevation by about 1,370 feet. Today, hikers and mountaineers set off to the volcano for the day-long adventure to climb to the top. The reduced elevation makes the trek suitable for beginner mountaineers, too. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor talks about her first volcanic summit at Mount St. Helens. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Vickie chats about the three different terrain sections of the Mount St. Helens climb via Climber’s Bivouac trailhead. How to snag a permit during peak climbing season. Vickie discusses what she packed that was most helpful. Tips and tricks for having the most enjoyable summit possible. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are tons of incredible road trips in the Pacific Northwest. You can loop the Olympic Peninsula, drive the length of the Oregon coast, cruise the Cascade Mountains or head out to the treasures of the high desert. A road trip to Alaska is on a whole other level. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we talk with our colleague, photographer Dave Killen, who made the epic trip from Portland to Alaska with his partner and their two dogs in a vintage Volkswagen bus he rebuilt himself. The three-week excursion was full of good hiking, incredible scenery and a lifetime of memories. How, exactly, do you go about planning a trip of this magnitude? And is it a reasonable excursion for the everyday Northwest adventurer? Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why choose a road trip to Alaska? There are a couple different routes to get up there. What were some of the most scenic places along the way? Seeing (or hearing) wildlife is bound to happen in this part of the country. Are there any challenges specific to this kind of trip? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between wildflower hikes, scenic bike rides, tree climbing and tide pooling, the first half of 2023 has been especially active for the Peak Northwest crew. On this week’s episode of the podcast, we run through our favorite trips from this year so far, crossing almost the entirety of Oregon, from the roaring ocean, over the mountains to the arid high desert. If you’re still looking for some spring or fall travel ideas around the Pacific Northwest, we have some excellent ideas for you. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: A vintage airstream with a quick walk to the coast is hard to beat. Day tripping through the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge. Our most adventurous adventures of the year. How to pull off a spur of the moment trip to Bend. Rainy days at the Oregon coast are a relaxing way to travel. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to get away and really get away, you might try escaping to Owyhee. Located along the Owyhee River on the far eastern side of Oregon, the Owyhee Canyonlands are a remote high desert getaway with places to hike, boat, fish and explore. Even the drive is incredible. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all things Owyhee, giving a primer on exploring the far-flung destination. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How exactly do you get to Owyhee? What can you do there? The best places to explore while you’re out in the canyonlands. There are a few good places to anchor your trip, though all involve a lot of driving. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you liked to climb trees as a kid, but this is a whole other level. A new company in Oregon is taking people high into the canopy of an old-growth forest, offering a new perspective and a thrilling adventure. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Leo Rosen-Fischer, founder of Tree Climbing at Silver Falls, which takes people hundreds of feet above the forest floor at Silver Falls State Park. The experience of climbing into the forest canopy, as Rosen-Fischer tells it, is like nothing else. And the adventure of ascending up the trunk of a living giant is one you won’t soon forget. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is this tree climbing experience like? It can be hard work ascending a tree, but there are special tools to help those who need it. What’s it like to be high in the forest canopy? If you like tree climbing, try tree camping at Silver Falls. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there anything better than soaking in a hot spring, breathing in the cool mountain air? We don’t think so. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we gush about one of our favorite resorts in Oregon, a place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world. Whether you’re at Breitenbush Hot Springs for the day or staying a couple of nights, it’s a little slice of paradise that all but forces you into a state of relaxation. We have everything you need to know about the resort, and an impassioned endorsement of the retreats they provide. Here’s the full episode: What and where is Breitenbush Hot Springs? What’s the deal with nudity in the hot springs? How the resort has been building back after a devastating wildfire in 2020. What you can expect when you go on a retreat. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to explore another planet, you don’t need to leave Earth to do it – or even Oregon. The John Day Fossil Beds of central Oregon are a strange natural attraction that seem out of this world. Between the glowing colors of the Painted Hills, the strange prehistoric fossils found underground and the blue badlands that emerge from the desert, this is a place like no other. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to see at the national monument, with tips on how to see it all for yourself this season. Bring water, grab your camera and get ready to be wowed. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly are the Fossil Beds? The Painted Hills and beyond: everything you should see while you’re there. How should you plan a trip out there? What you should bring to stay safe while exploring. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First-time backpackers often like to go on shorter, easier trips to break their packs in. It can helpful to go with friends who have a little experience, or pick spots that are closer to society just to be safe. A solo five-day trip into bear country is a bold foray into backpacking. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we continue our My Epic Adventure series with a tale from our own Jamie Hale, who recounts his very first backpacking trip on the Rogue River Trail in southern Oregon. With blisters, bears, snakes and ticks, it’s a true Oregon backpacking adventure. But one luxurious twist made the trip a bit easier to handle, and gave Jamie some much-needed rest along the way. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Jamie landed on this particular trail for his first backpacking trip. What is the Rogue River Trail like? Backpacking into bear country can get a little dicey. Spending a night at Paradise was a game changer. What to know before backpacking the Rogue River Trail yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With countless mountain peaks in view, rolling hills and one of the most breathtaking views of Cove Palisades State Park, it’s hard for cyclists to not love Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Vickie chats with Jamie about her most recent bike trip to central Oregon, where she biked 29-mile loop to celebrate her birthday. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Vickie shares her thoughts on her first visit to central Oregon. Oregon is home to 17 different designated scenic bikeways scattered throughout the state. A breakdown of the route and what to expect. Options for lodging, including camping, for this trip. Our favorite place to grab a cinnamon roll in Madras. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of all the beach towns on the beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline in Oregon, Yachats might well be the most charming. Located on the rocky shores of the central Oregon coast, Yachats features a small but bustling corridor of restaurants and small businesses, with forested trails, tide pools, beaches and towering sea cliffs found nearby. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie recounts a recent trip to Yachats, where a spring rainstorm forced some last-minute adjustments and allowed for a fresh take on the coastal town. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where to find the best fried fish in Yachats (and the best on the Oregon coast). A tour of some of the small shops in town. The Ya’Xaik Trail is a small, but fascinating hike. Tide pooling on a rainy Easter Sunday. The Yachats restaurant scene has a lot to offer. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the weird, wonderful world of tide pooling. Both primal and alien, tide pools are chock full of interesting life, from tiny shore crabs to giant green anemones. Exploring these intertidal areas is a cherished pastime on the Oregon coast, but what do you need to know to get started? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Jamie Kish, a marine biologist and tide pool ambassador based in Yachats, who not only offers some tide pooling tips, but dishes on her own love of these strange, beautiful ecosystems. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Jamie’s journey from east coast kid to Oregon coast enthusiast. What kind of creatures can you find in a tide pool? Are Oregon’s tide pools endangered by climate change? What’s the best way to get started going tide pooling? Jamie’s not only a scientist, but a skilled tide pool photographer. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildflowers are everywhere in the Columbia River Gorge, but one small stretch of the scenic area is more jam-packed with flowers than the rest. This wildflower corridor of the Columbia Gorge, located between Mosier and Lyle, is home to several beautiful recreation areas, where being among the blooms can be as easy as stepping out of your car, or as difficult as hiking up the side of a mountain. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into six incredible spots to see the flowers bloom, located on both the Oregon and Washington side of the Columbia River. If you want to see the wildflowers, you’ll want to act fast: they won’t stick around forever. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Mosier Plateau is one of the newer wildflower hiking areas in the gorge. Rowena Crest is home to some of the best blooms in the area. Trails have recently been expanded at the beautiful Lyle Cherry Orchard. A universal access trail Catherine Creek makes it much easier to see the flowers. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine rolling out of your vintage Airstream trailer, walking across the road and reaching the sand, ready for a beautiful day at the beach. That fantasy can be a reality at Hart’s Camp Airstream Hotel at Pacific City on the north Oregon coast, the destination for this week’s episode of Peak Northwest. Located steps away from Cape Kiwanda – not to mention all the shops and restaurants in Pacific City – Hart’s Camp rents out several Airstream trailers, cottages and cabins beside its sister property, Cape Kiwanda RV Park, which has sites for RVs and tents. After a spring trip to the Airstream hotel, we have the scoop on everything you need to know to check it out for yourself. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where exactly is the Airstream hotel located? An outdoor patio and shower offer a little more breathing room outside the trailer. Cape Kiwanda is a short walk away. There are a few other outdoor attractions close by to check out. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love hanging out at Mount Hood, but hate driving up to the mountain? Do we have some good news for you. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Lizzy Acker, trending news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently wrote about the experience of travelling by bus to Oregon’s tallest mountain. The latest in Acker’s car-free travel series once again features her 3-year-old daughter, Nona, who joined along for snowy walks, skiing and snacking along the way. Taking the bus to Mt. Hood is one thing, but bringing along a toddler is a whole other adventure. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The bus routes that lead from Portland up to Mount Hood. How difficult was taking public transportation up the mountain? An afternoon with Nona in Government Camp. The Summit Ski Area is not only more accessible, but cheaper and less crowded than the other Mount Hood ski resorts. 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

Forget everything that comes to mind when you think about “a day at the lake” – these spots aren’t it. That doesn’t mean the little lakes of the Clatsop State Forest, found on the north end of Oregon’s Coast Range, aren’t worth checking out. Despite lacking amenities and featuring little in the way of actual water, they nonetheless make interesting attractions for year-round hiking between Portland and the coast. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about where and how to find spots like Soapstone Lake and Spruce Run Lake, places that may offer little to fishers, boaters and sunbathers, and instead exist as quiet little attractions tucked into the timberlands. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where do you find this concentration of little lakes? Bloom Lake is easily accessible, right off the highway. Lost Lake might be the only spot here that can rightfully be considered a “lake”. At Soapstone Lake you’ll likely see more newts than people. To get to Spruce Run Lake, you need to tackle a steep little trail through the timberlands. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hiking the entirety of the Wildwood Trail is a classic Portland bucket list item, and something many people accomplish – just not in one day. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to two local hikers who took on the famous 30-mile trail in Forest Park, with tips and words of caution for anybody else who feels up to the challenge. The hikers, Rachel Dumont and Noelle Crombie, who is the enterprise reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, said the adventure was difficult, but incredibly rewarding. And as nice as the scenery was, the real reward was sharing the challenge together, they said. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Rachel and Noelle decided to day hike the Wildwood Trail. How they prepared (or didn’t prepare) for the big hike. Their mood while hiking was nice and carefree – until it wasn’t. What advice would they give hikers looking to follow in their footsteps? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from July, 2021. Be sure to visit the Circles in the Sand Labyrinths this year. Denny Dyke’s elaborate sand drawings are a sight to behold. But to experience the labyrinths for yourself is an entirely different experience. Dyke has since 2011 been drawing the labyrinths into low-tide Oregon beaches, and his Circles in the Sand project really took off in 2015, when he started working on it full-time. This past year he’s seen more people than ever show up at his southern Oregon events, or “draws,” estimating upwards of 400 people each day. For Dyke, a religious practitioner, his “dreamfields” are more than interesting attractions, however. They’re deeply spiritual creations that offer real healing to those who walk them. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we catch up with Dyke about his project. Some highlights: Dyke describes the labyrinths and provides a visual of what they look like. He shares how he got started creating labyrinths. He details how he and his artists create the designs. Dyke explains why Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon became his go-to spot for drawing labyrinths. He describes how he contends with beach conditions. He explains that Circles in the Sand is more than a neat attraction: It’s an attempt to spread love, joy, peace and harmony — and offer real healing to people who visit. Jamie and Jim give listeners the lowdown on other things to do in Bandon. View the full Circles in the Sand schedule at sandypathbandon.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling to the coast this spring, but tired of the same attractions? We have you covered. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we’re headed back to the north Oregon coast to explore some overlooked attractions, just in time for spring break. There’s nothing wrong with Cannon Beach and the Tillamook Creamery, but have you seen the spectacular beauty of Niagara Falls? Stood beneath the Rockaway Big Tree? Spied upon elk at Jewell Meadows? If you’re itching to try something new, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a lot more to see on the north coast than rocks shaped like haystacks. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Oregon’s Coast Range is full of spectacular waterfalls. Where to find the coast’s biggest trees (and stumps) The Fort to Sea Trail is one of the best day hikes on the Oregon coast. Spring break may be your last best chance to see elk at Jewell Meadows. One state park offers three different environments to explore. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some skiers, it’s not as easy as heading up to the mountain, strapping on a pair of skis and hitting the slopes. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak with Carl Burnett, an adaptive ski racer who has been working with Oregon Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the barriers faced by athletes with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. In winter, the organization heads to three Oregon ski areas to give people access to specialized equipment and training that might be otherwise be difficult to access. In summer, they do the same thing on cycling, hiking and mountain bike trails in central Oregon. According to Burnett, the mission is not just about helping skiers with disabilities, but showing the rest of the community what’s possible. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What are the different barriers faced by skiers with disabilities? Gaining access to the outdoors can be a profound experience for those who might find it difficult to get there. How do you teach somebody who’s new to a sit ski? Opening up the mountain to skiers of all abilities can be inspirational for the whole community. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get out and active during the winter, especially for those who don’t ski or snowboard regularly. For co-host Vickie Connor, the activity seemed like the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the winter, especially as someone who is wary of knee injuries, after an ACL tear years ago. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Vickie chats with co-host Jamie Hale about her first snowshoeing experience on Mt. Baker, as well as the rest of her roadtrip there. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Vickie talks about snowshoe rentals and logistics. Bellingham is a great roadtrip stopping point if you’re driving from Portland or Seattle. Upper Lodge to Artist Point trail near Mt. Baker Ski Area is a great introductory, yet heart-pumping trail for first-timers. Where to eat and stay around Mt. Baker. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest podcast, we catch up with former host, Jim Ryan. Jim takes us through his nordic ski trip on the Methow Valley trail system, near Winthrop, Washington, for the latest installment of My Epic Adventure, a sub-series of the podcast. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: You can spend the night on trail in reservable huts. How to get a trail pass for your trip. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s better than spending a snow day with a pack of happy pups? Visitors to central Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor can have that experience by booking a sled dog ride with Oregon Trail of Dreams, an organization run by professional mushers in Bend. Currently run by Rachael Scdoris, the first legally blind person to finish the Iditarod, the one-hour rides offer a brief introduction into the fascinating world of dog sledding. Hop in a sled and you can enjoy some time with a few of her nearly 100 Alaskan huskies, who clearly love what they do. Whether you’ve always dreamed of this kind of adventure, or simply enjoy finding new ways to get outside in the winter, the dog sled rides are guaranteed fun in central Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly happens on these dog sled rides? What kind of dogs pull the sleds? What happens when you get to drive the sled. Oregon Trail of Dreams owner Rachel Scdoris has a fascinating story. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An annular solar eclipse is crossing Oregon this fall, and whether you’re an eclipse-head or a casual stargazer, you’ll probably want to go check it out. The eclipse isn’t happening until Oct. 14, but if you want to see it, you’d do well to start planning now. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about how to prepare for the big cosmic event. Because while the annual solar eclipse won’t be quite as awesome as the total solar eclipse from 2017, it will still be a spectacular sight to behold, creating a “ring of fire” in the sky above Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is an annular solar eclipse? When and where is the eclipse happening? Are there any particularly good places in Oregon to see it? When will the next eclipse come to Oregon? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode first aired on January 14, 2021. We all know that nature can be healing, but sometimes it’s not just as easy as going outside. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we spoke with Zoë Presley, a Portland-based psychotherapist and forest therapy guide, to help us understand how best to find healing in the great outdoors. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, political unrest and economic stress, there are a lot of good reasons to seek refuge in nature right now. And while outdoor recreation can be great for physical health, going outside can also help heal trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental or emotional health issues. Accessing that kind of healing sometimes requires a completely different approach to spending time outside. Fortunately, there are plenty of places around the Pacific Northwest to practice. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Finding healing in nature requires coming in with the right intention, slowing down and being in the moment. You don’t need an extraordinary view to experience awe in nature. Forest therapy is a specific approach to finding healing in nature that’s helpful for many people. Healing through nature can be even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. “Forest bathing,” which doesn’t require going to a forest. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dream of snowboarding or skiing down fresh, untouched powder in the backcountry is well and alive at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in northeast Oregon. All with the help of a powder cat. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest podcast, we hear from one of The Oregonian/Oregon Live’s sports editors, Tim Brown, as he recounts his first cat-snowboarding experience at Anthony Lakes, for the latest installment of My Epic Adventure, a sub-series of the podcast. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Tim explains what cat-skiing and snowboarding is and how it works. Tim gives us a play-by-play of his first few runs down the mountain and what it felt like. How to book at cat-skiing trip at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Hint: have a plan with your friends and a few open dates ready to go. Food and drink recommendations from Tim near the resort. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those used to the lush rainforests of western Oregon might be tempted to think there’s little to see on the more arid side of the Cascade Mountains. The High Desert Museum is here to prove that notion wrong. Located just south of Bend, the museum has spent the last 40 years introducing visitors to the nature, art and people of eastern Oregon. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak to Dana Whitelaw, executive director of the museum, about the permanent and rotating exhibitions, as well as the resident animals that make the museum so special. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What can visitors expect to find at the High Desert Museum? There are a lot of animals who call the museum home. The museum won a prestigious award in 2021. New exhibitions are coming to the museum all the time. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve only ever seen the waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, you may be missing out. While most visitors to Oregon’s waterfall wonderland are content to stick to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, there are also more than 35 miles of backcountry trails to explore, winding their way through the bulk of the 9,200-acre state park. A day or overnight trip to the backcountry is an easy way to find solitude in one of Oregon’s busiest parks, whether you’re hiking, mountain biking or riding horseback. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we’ll take you to the trails, cabins and trees that make up this quiet adventure. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The backcountry at Silver Falls is extensive, but considerably less explored than the main part of the park. The Buck Mountain Loop is a great way to see a big chunk of the backcountry. Cabins at Smith Creek Village are a nice alternative to the state park campground. The Howard Creek Loop is an easy hike for those who want to dip their toes into the backcountry. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to COVID-19, the summer of 2020 was fraught with event cancellations, furloughs and social distancing. But not all was lost. People still also used this time to get away and get outside. Roadtrips were a common way to do this. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest podcast, we hear from The Oregonian/Oregon Live’s transportation and housing reporter, Jayati Ramakrishnan, for the latest installment of My Epic Adventure, a sub-series of the podcast. Jayati spent six days traveling by car far and wide throughout Southern Oregon. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Jayati and her friend drove from Portland to the Alvord Desert in one day. This roadtrip was Jayati’s first camping experience. Alvord Hot Springs can surprisingly get pretty crowded. Steens Mountain was a favorite sight of the trip. Jayati knows the best Thai spot in Brookings and perhaps even the state. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making your travel plans for 2023? Need a little inspiration? We can help with that. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the latest Northwest Travel Guide and pull out 10 great ideas for the year ahead. From outdoor adventures on mountain trails to relaxing hot spring getaways, there’s something here for everyone. And between the many beautiful places in Oregon and Washington, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Consider visiting towns that may be overlooked, like Salem and Forks. Head to the southern Coast Range for some incredible waterfalls. Pamper yourself at Breitenbush Hot Springs or the Salish Lodge & Spa. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is a great roadside attraction near Tacoma. Take a road trip on the Hood River Fruit Loop. 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

As the new year rapidly approaches, we are dreaming up adventures ahead with itineraries, reservation reminders and more. But we would be remiss to gloss over 2022 and its awe-inspiring trips, big and small. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we each count down our top five trips from the past year. Some adventures were big physical feats, while others allowed space to simply connect with a new town or a peaceful spot in nature. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Vickie recounts her two most physically challenging trips: summiting Mount St. Helens and biking around the rim of Crater Lake. Jamie explored many, many beaches on the southern coast. Exploring Joseph and the Wallowa mountains for a Peak Northwest video episode made the list for both Vickie and Jamie. One of Jamie’s favorite trips was a serendipitous stay in Central America for a wedding. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh fall snow is coating the high desert trails of eastern Oregon, and few are more beautiful than the Deschutes River Trail in Bend. Found just southwest of town, the trail is nearly nine miles long, running along the river through the Deschutes National Forest. Along the way, hikers and mountain bikers can find several beautiful waterfalls and stretches of calm river that are perfect spots for kayaking. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’ll talk all about the Deschutes River Trail, with details on where, how and when to check it out. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Don’t get this confused with other trails that go by the same name. Waterfalls are the main highlight of this stretch of the Deschutes River. Kayakers and mountain bikers can see the trail, too. Connector trails lead to points beyond, north into Bend and south to Sunriver. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A trip to the Oregon coast is almost always a magical experience. Oregon’s Cannon Beach is one of the closest coastal towns to Portland. With cute shops and boutiques, a great selection of restaurants and of course, Haystack Rock, there is good reason why so many people choose to spend a day trip or weekend there. What could possibly sweeten the deal, you ask? Not having to drive. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we get into our second episode of our new sub-series, My Epic Adventure, with The Oregonian/OregonLive’s life and culture reporter, Lizzy Acker, as she recounts her most recent trip to Cannon Beach. Lizzy traveled entirely by bus to the coast with her three-year-old daughter. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Lizzy breaks down the logistics of the two-bus trip. How to keep kids entertained on the bus. Restaurant and lodging recommendations from Lizzy. Exploring the beach at night with clear skies makes for great stargazing. We hear from Lizzy’s daughter herself on her takeaways from the trip. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for good views, nice trails, quiet beaches and a quaint lighthouse? No need to head to the coast – just drive out to Sauvie Island. The Warrior Rock Lighthouse, officially the smallest lighthouse in Oregon, is found at the northern tip of Sauvie Island near Portland, serving as a beacon for ships on the Columbia River and a landmark for anyone who hikes out to see it. The lighthouse was built at the end of the 19th century, commissioned by the U.S. government to help ships avoid a large bedrock reef jutting out from the island, according to various articles and histories published over the years. And while the Warrior Rock Lighthouse has long since been automated (and closed to the public), it remains a fascinating landmark on an already beautiful hike along the Columbia River. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’ll reveal how, where and when to go see it. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where is the Warrior Point Trail? How difficult is the hike? What’s the history of the Warrior Rock Lighthouse? What else should hikers know about this adventure? Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rainy fall and mushroom season pretty much go hand in hand. If you’ve seen mushrooms growing on hikes, but haven’t foraged with the intent of eating them, you’re not alone. Hunting and identifying mushrooms can take years of studying. Some are great and tasty, while others strike worry, for fear of being poisonous. But if you’re interested in getting into mushroom foraging there is good news: the region has plenty of learning opportunities for beginners. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Vickie and Jamie discuss their most recent Peak Northwest video shoot at Fort Stevens State Park. Guided by two rangers, who regularly lead mushroom hunting hikes, they foraged with the goal of eating some mushrooms for lunch. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: There are plenty of books and resources for getting into mushroom identification. Why the Oregon coast is great for mushroom growth. How to pick and clean a mushroom. Matsutake mushrooms are delicious cooked over and open campfire. How to join a mushroom hike at Fort Stevens State Park. 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 to walk off that Thanksgiving dinner or avoid shopping malls like the plague, there’s another tradition for you: Green Friday. Celebrated by state parks in both Oregon and Washington on the day after Thanksgiving, and sometimes called Autumn Day or Native American Heritage Day, the fee-free holiday waives all parking fees at parks where they’re normally charged. While park fees, which run from $5 to $10 per vehicle, are pretty nominal compared to the price of gas needed to get to those recreation areas, it’s a nice gesture and a good excuse to get outside. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we have a few suggestions for those interested in celebrating this year. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The history of Green Friday in the Pacific Northwest. Which Oregon state parks normally charge fees? A few of the best state parks in Oregon to check out this season. Washington has plenty of amazing state parks, too. 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

Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park is the scenic 33 mile route that goes around the entirety of the lake. Biking Rim Drive offers an incredible route filled with breathtaking views of the lake, canopies of trees and challenging elevation changes. Closed for a good portion of the year due to snow, Rim Drive is a bucket list ride for cyclists who find time to do it when the weather and conditions are just right. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we kick off our new sub-series, My Epic Adventure, with Vickie’s recent ride around the rim of Crater Lake. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Logistics and breakdown of riding Rim Drive. (Disclaimer: this is a pretty challenging ride). Training and preparation needed for the ride. Lodging options in and around the park. Details for the official 2023 Ride the Rim event. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This fall, a bit of news came out that isn’t news to many Oregonians: Manzanita was named one of the most beautiful small towns in America. That’s according to a list created by Architectural Digest, which included the north Oregon coast town with a two-sentence writeup highlighting the fact that visitors can see “beach dunes and mountains in one view.” Locals and regular visitors to the coast know there’s a lot more to Manzanita than just views (though the views are pretty great). On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we’ll get into all the best places to see and things to do while you’re hanging around town, from big hikes to cozy restaurants right off the beach. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What’s the general vibe of Manzanita, compared to other coast towns? Surfing, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding are all available just outside of town. There are plenty of good food options in Manzanita. The Manzanita Schoolhouse is a fun rental for a big group of people. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from October, 2021. Go hike this epic trail! The Wilson River Trail runs almost 24 miles through the Coast Range, offering hikers a variety of options for excellent fall excursions. Situated on the north side of Oregon 6, the highway between Hillsboro and Tillamook, the trail snakes through a lush, quiet forest featuring deciduous trees that change color in the fall. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the many ways to explore the trail. Some highlights: Jamie details his recent trips to the Wilson River Trail, where he encountered few other hikers. He and Jim discuss how to best day-hike the trail. Jamie notes that the Tillamook Forest Center is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We kick around the trail’s backpacking, trail running and long-distance hiking options. Jamie touches on the trail’s mountain biking and horseback riding options. He dives into plans to extend the trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People using mobility devices, who are blind or who live with cognitive impairment all enjoy outdoor recreation, yet for hikers with disabilities there are still many obstacles in the way. Overcoming those barriers is the goal of Access Recreation, a Portland organization dedicated to supporting hikers with disabilities through its own website, Access Trails, in addition to conducting trainings with land management agencies to help them provide those resources as well. On today’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Jamie spoke with Georgena Moran, founder of Access Recreation, who has spent the last two decades dedicated to this work while finding ways to access hiking trails herself. With so many different kinds of disabilities and barriers that hikers may face, just disseminating basic information about trails can be vitally important, Moran said, from providing pictures of parking lots to offering descriptions of trail surfaces. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Hiking with disabilities reveals challenges that some able-bodied hikers may not be aware of. Access to information is one of the biggest barriers for hikers with disabilities. How Access Recreation works with land management agencies to get more information out there. A few of the best accessible hikes around the Portland area. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want a taste of Bavaria in the Pacific Northwest, then Leavenworth, Wash., is the place to go. You can indulge in bratwurst, pretzels and beer while wearing lederhosen, all while being surrounded by Bavarian architecture. Even the McDonald’s and the gas station are in theme. The town is also located at the base of the Cascades, making it a gateway to standout hikes and climbs. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about where to eat, sleep and adventure, in and around Leavenworth. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Our favorite restaurants serve classic German fare, but a standout soup spot stole our hearts. Oktoberfest and Village of Lights are just a few of the many festivals the town hosts. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm gives you a chance to feed some furry friends (and possibly meet Santa). Where to find thousands of nutcrackers. How to hike in the Alpine Lakes wilderness and potentially see some larch trees chancing colors. Here’s the full episode: Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices