Peak Northwest

When you think about classical music, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a performance in a beautiful concert hall with perfect acoustics and a large stage. Hunter Noack, creator and pianist of In A Landscape, had other plans. Originally from Newport, the Oregon-raised musician has brought his classical performances to mountains, lakes, deserts and the coast, all with a Steinway grand piano in tow. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we chat with Noack about In A Landscape after we saw him perform live at Wallowa Lake State Park. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Noack tells us about his inspiration for In A Landscape. The music Noack chooses is intentional based on the location of the performance. Stories from some of the most (literally) heated locations. The logistics of traveling to remote areas with a grand piano. How audience members have a uniquely interactive experience by listening with headphones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may be one of the farthest-flung tourist towns in Oregon, but Joseph is well worth the long drive to get there. Peak Northwest podcast hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor spent a busy few days in town and left feeling like they'd barely scratched the surface of things to do there. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The Jennings Hotel is a great place to stay, with modern amenities and a convenient location. Wallowa Lake is a must-visit for anybody visiting town. We packed a lot of adventure into our two full days in town, exploring the mountains, the town and more. What places and activities are we looking forward to on our next visit? If you’re a fan of this show and are interested in potentially sponsoring it - email our marketing people at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A trip to the south-central Oregon coast for a work trip stole the heart of podcast co-host Vickie Connor, as she explored this part of the state for the first time on a four day work trip. Filled with natural wonder from anemones to sea lions and phenomenal rock formations on the beach, this section of the Oregon coast is guaranteed to leave you with a feeling of awe and admiration. Plus, the trip is doable in a short span of days. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where to stay and eat in Bandon. Experiencing Circles in the Sand labyrinths. Driving up the 101 from Bandon to Portland. Viewing sea lions and seals at Simpson Reef Overlook. Hiking the Oregon dunes. If you’re a fan of this show and are interested in potentially sponsoring it - email our marketing people at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not just the rain that’s been putting a damper on spring adventures in Oregon – record gas prices have also been making us rethink our weekend day trips to the coast or Columbia Gorge. Not content to simply complain about what we’re paying at the pump, on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we tick off some local excursions around the Portland area, including close-in hiking trails and area towns to explore. If a lengthy day trip is too rich for your taste, you can always take the opportunity to check out some local destinations that you might have overlooked. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Sauvie Island is more than just beaches, there are several great hiking trails to explore. You don’t need to go way out into the Columbia Gorge for a good outdoors experience. Head to Portland’s suburbs for a wealth of hiking opportunities. Local cities like Vancouver and Salem are great for day trips or overnighters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With waterfalls, hot springs and crystal-clear lakes, the scenery on the McKenzie River Trail is among the very best in Oregon. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk all about the 26.4-mile hiking trail, found in Oregon’s central Cascade Mountains east of Eugene, and all there is to see along the way. Whether you’re hoping to tackle the whole trail this summer or checking out the day hikes this fall, there’s a lot to enjoy and appreciate about the trail. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Clear Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon. Two waterfalls are found on one short loop hike on the trail. Blue Pool is a popular destination for day hikers. Hot springs on the McKenzie River Trail are really hit or miss. Where can you stay on and near the trail? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oftentimes, stereotypes portray outdoor adventurers to look a certain way or have a specific background. But access to the outdoors is meant for everyone to enjoy, even if you didn’t grow up exploring all corners of the forest. Even if summiting mountains at record speeds isn’t your thing. For so many, just getting outside and having a good time is a huge accomplishment. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with Summer Michaud-Skog, founder of Fat Girls Hiking movement and author of “Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability.” Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Summer discusses how Fat Girls Hiking got started. We ask Summer about some of her favorite hikes. Summer tells us about her book and what she hopes people get from it. How you can join in on a Fat Girls Hiking trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best parts about enjoying our great outdoors is that you can make your time as relaxed or as intense as you wish. You can hike a nice trail to see tall, awe-inspiring waterfalls. You can enjoy some calm, flat waters atop a kayak. Or you can combine the two, take the risk factor up tenfold and paddle your sit-in kayak down a 100-foot tall waterfall (after a lot of training and preparation, of course). Waterfall kayaking is a niche sport that takes kayakers years of whitewater experience to work toward. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with Michael Jonsson, a waterfall kayaker we spotted at Eagle Creek as he took on Punchbowl Falls and more with two friends. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is waterfall kayaking and how do you get into it? Michael shares some of his favorite falls to kayak. Michael shares some details we didn’t see at Eagle Creek. How you can make your way to eventually kayak at this level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have seen the whimsical bear statues placed around downtown Grants Pass in the summer, but have you ever wondered where they go to hibernate? Their off-season home, a place called the Bear Hotel, is one of the most fascinating under-the-radar attractions in southern Oregon, offering a fun, family-friendly place to spend an afternoon. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Melissa Vierra, marketing manager of Evergreen Federal Bank – which owns and operates the Bear Hotel – to find out more about the colorful attraction. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly is the Bear Hotel? What are some fan favorites among all the bear statues? There’s a lot more than bear statues in the Bear Hotel. More things to do and see in Grants Pass and southern Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Columbia River Gorge is a staple for Pacific Northwest adventures. From awe-inspiring trail views, to waterfalls and wildflowers, the gorge is a must-see destination, especially with its close proximity to Portland. Visitors this summer, however, will need to do an extra layer of research. It’s a new world in the Gorge during peak hiking season, and chances are you’ll need a permit -- and a plan -- ahead of time. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Jamie and Vickie discuss when the new Columbia River Gorge car permit will go into effect, how to purchase it and how it will be enforced. What trail needs a special permit during wildflower season. What parking permits are required throughout the gorge. Vickie shares some of her favorite gorge hikes. Jamie chats about his favorite wildflower trails. 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

Peak Northwest is undergoing some change this spring, with a brand new co-host just in time for the busy travel season. Replacing our original co-host, Jim Ryan – who recently left for Seattle – is Vickie Connor, a videographer for The Oregonian/OregonLive who also works on the Peak Northwest video series. On this week’s episode, we get to know all about Vickie’s background, her interests and what kinds of adventures she’s excited to tackle this year. As a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, there’s a lot for her to see. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Vickie didn’t learn to love the outdoors until a little bit later in life. What kinds of travel and outdoor excursions does she enjoy? Dog-friendly adventures are a huge part of her Northwest travel plans. Vickie takes us through her Pacific Northwest bucket list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before it was a podcast — or had a name at all — Peak Northwest was Jim Ryan’s offbeat brainchild. Jim, at the time a breaking news reporter, pitched Oregonian/OregonLive editors a video series about how to set out on signature Oregon adventures. The concept stuck — kind of. The news organization launched the Peak Northwest video series, then the podcast, in fall 2019. Video shoots have since taken Jim to the top of Oregon’s tallest mountain, into the waters of the Pacific Ocean and along all 30.2 miles of Portland’s Wildwood Trail. The podcast has given him a chance to talk with an array of passionate guests and share some of our region’s many wonders. But this is Jim’s last episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, as he started a new job Monday as an editor for The Seattle Times. Fear not, Peak Northwest is continuing on with a new co-host and more adventures. In his final episode, Jim shares some of his favorite Oregon places, along with memories from his time in Portland and sentiments about Peak Northwest. Some highlights: Jim tells a story about the formative experience of climbing Mount St. Helens for the first time. He discusses some of his favorite places in Oregon: Mount Hood and Smith Rock State Park among them. Jim details the magic of northwest Oregon’s forested trails, shouting out two of his favorites: the Eagle Creek and Wildwood trails. He describes his appreciation for Portland as a “generalist’s paradise” and shares details about his new job. Jamie Hale provides a primer about the future of Peak Northwest as videographer Vickie Connor joins the podcast as co-host. Jamie and Andrew Theen, podcasts editor, surprise Jim with a montage of funny soundbites. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long weekends are cause for celebration — and a prime time for road trips. While we hardly shy away from covering some serious ground during standard two-day weekends, an extra day off gives us an opportunity to set our sights a bit farther afield. And with Memorial Day weekend on the not-too-distant horizon, we decided to dedicate this episode of the Peak Northwest podcast to a collection of top-notch destinations that require a bit more driving than many would like to cram into a two-day weekend. Some highlights: Jamie and Jim wax poetic about the possibilities three-day weekends provide. They rattle off a variety of recommendations for long spring weekends. (Spoiler: Destinations range from Oregon’s Alvord Desert to Washington’s Olympic National Park.) Jim sneaks in a spring skiing suggestion. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast – especially on the southern coast, home to some of the best sands in the state. Running roughly from Reedsport to the Oregon-California border, the southern Oregon coast features sweeping sand dunes, towering cliffs, tide pools and incredible ocean views. Picking favorites on this stretch of coastline is a tall order. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we do our best to play favorites, pulling out three beaches that stand out above the rest, and picking some of the southern coast’s best non-beach attractions for good measure. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Floras Lake is one of the most fascinating beaches on the southern coast. Tap into your inner child at Sisters Rock. Secret Beach is not much of a secret. There’s a lot more to do on the southern Oregon coast than just visit beaches. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Northwest is an angler’s paradise. The region’s rivers, lakes and coastline boast ample opportunities for fishing and other outdoor pursuits. But we’re far from angling experts here on the Peak Northwest podcast. So we recruited Bill Monroe — who covers fishing, hunting and wildlife for The Oregonian/OregonLive — to give us a primer on one of his favorite pastimes. Some highlights: Bill provides an overview of fishing in the Northwest. He lets us in on the magic of angling and why it’s special to him. Bill rattles off some of the fishing he’s looking forward to in the coming months. He provides tips for people looking to try fishing and recommends some spots for newcomers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you had to guess which Oregon state park sees the biggest crowds, you might try busy destinations like Silver Falls or Smith Rock, or maybe big coastal parks like Fort Stevens or Beverly Beach. You probably wouldn’t think of Valley of the Rogue, which was far and away the busiest state park in 2021, as it has been for years. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Nathan Seable, the man in charge at Oregon’s busiest state park site, to find out why so many people visit – and why most of them are missing out on the southern Oregon park’s best attractions. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where and what is Valley of the Rogue State Park? Home to a busy rest stop, much of the park is overlooked. Valley of the Rogue is also one of the busiest state park campgrounds in the region. The Rogue River offers great recreational opportunities in the park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we talk to Bob Grossfeld, manager of the Sunriver Observatory, where visitors can peer through telescopes to see the wonders of the cosmos. Those who can’t make it out to the observatory can still go stargazing on their own, he explains, with nothing more than a pair of binoculars. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When most Oregonians want waterfalls, we head to the Columbia River Gorge, home to dozens of iconic plunges. But travel toward the Oregon coast instead and you can find many more waterfalls hidden in the forests of the Coast Range mountains. We dedicated a Peak Northwest podcast episode back in 2020 to the waterfalls in the northern part of the range. And on this week’s episode, we talk about some of the most impressive waterfalls in the southern Coast Range. Some highlights: Jamie and Jim describe the splendor of a stroll through the forest, seeking waterfalls that are especially beautiful this time of year. Jamie details the difficulty of finding some of the waterfalls in the southern Coast Range. We discuss a selection of Jamie’s favorite southern Coast Range plunges. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can always head out to the Oregon coast for spring break, but if you’re hoping to avoid the crush of crowds, consider sticking around the Willamette Valley instead. There’s plenty of fun to be found closer to the Portland metropolitan area, and one corridor in particular where you’ll find a wide variety of attractions that are perfect for a spring break trip: Oregon Route 47. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the Willamette Valley highway that runs from Clatskanie to McMinnville, cutting through the coast range forests and wine country on its way. From bike paths to hiking trails, food carts to roadside attractions, there’s a lot to find along Oregon 47. Whether you’re taking spring break along with Oregon’s public schools this month, or in need of some trip ideas for later this season, the scenic highway is a perfect place to explore. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon’s state parks saw more visitors than ever in 2021, but not all parks were packed with people. Among the least-visited state park sites – generally tiny waysides or out-of-the-way parks – there are plenty of overlooked attractions. From waterfalls to ocean beaches and high desert wonders, these stunning parks deserve a little more attention. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into five overlooked state parks in Oregon, discussing how, when and why you should pay them a visit. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Two high desert destinations in central Oregon offer fascinating geologic attractions and beautiful trails. An overlooked park in the Columbia Gorge is a good jumping-off point for nearby adventures. Humbug Mountain is easy to miss, but definitely worth a stop on the southern Oregon coast. Golden and Silver Falls is a waterfall wonderland, buried deep in the coastal mountains of southwest Oregon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with national skijoring champion Jessica Pulliam, who tells us all about the thrilling sport — in which dogs (or horses or vehicles) pull people on skis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Huge crowds of people flock to Mount Hood’s ski areas and sno-parks on beautiful weekends, enjoy the day and drive right back home — only to find themselves stuck in the gridlock of U.S. 26. It doesn’t have to be that way. With so many great places to see, and so much to do on Mount Hood — not to mention night skiing and other off-peak activities — you might be able to skip some traffic and spend more time on the mountain while you’re at it. This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast provides a snapshot of some of the best restaurants, attractions and adventures to check out on Mount Hood this winter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to check out Seaside, but trying to avoid the crowds? A winter trip is a perfect way to explore all the north Oregon coast town has to offer. On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jim Ryan and Jamie Hale break down all the goodness Seaside has to offer. They hit on: - The food scene - The hiking scene - The resplendent winter light Read Jamie’s reports about Seaside See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crabbing is a Pacific Northwest pastime. We gave it a shot late last year, heading out onto Nehalem Bay for a video shoot with an expert from Kelly’s Brighton Marina. And this week on the Peak Northwest podcast, the marina’s owner, Colin Davis, joins us for a discussion about how to go Dungeness crabbing for the first time. Some highlights: Jim references his crabbing trip on Nehalem Bay. Colin breaks down the basics about crabbing. We talk about what first-timers should know before heading out. We discuss crabbing regulations. Colin lets us in on the best time of year to go crabbing. He fills us in on the different experiences of crabbing from a boat or dock. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Downhill skiing is one popular way to experience the majesty of the mountains, come wintertime. But there are plenty of other options for those seeking a different kind of mountain experience. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss snowy activities that don’t involve buying a lift ticket or spending time at a ski resort. Check out this guide to Oregon Sno-Parks, read Jamie’s story about his first-ever snowshoeing trip and peruse our guide to Mount Hood in the winter. Watch the latest Peak Northwest video to see Jim try surfing on the Oregon coast. [This is a rebroadcast of a January 2020 'before times' edition of the pod] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the beer, cider and wine scene in Cascade Locks — as well as ways to enjoy the outdoors in and around the small Columbia River Gorge town. By the end of the episode, you'll be itching to get in your car — or on your bike — to get to there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dig into this year's Northwest Travel Guide and talk about some ideas for the year ahead, from small towns to big outdoor adventures. Spoiler alert: There are many great ideas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're hiking through a rainy forest, going skiing or exploring the high desert this winter, it's important to dress properly for the conditions. We have tips on what to wear for your outdoor adventures, from head to toe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're looking for a place to get outside during the dark, rainy days of Oregon winter, look no further than the dense rainforests that surround us. https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2021/12/forested-hikes-in-northwest-oregon-are-a-perfect-way-to-appreciate-the-rainy-season.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Peak Northwest podcast normally heads to the great outdoors, but this week we’re keeping it inside for a chat with dining critic Michael Russell about his recent list of Portland’s best new restaurants. Think of it as fuel for your next hike or skiing excursion. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not quite winter — just yet, at least. But it is ski season. And snow is beginning to pile up in the mountains. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan offer a preview of Oregon’s ski season. Some highlights: Jamie and Jim discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to affect the ski season. We relay the Climate Prediction Center’s Mount Hood forecast for December 2021 to February 2022. We break down what’s new at Mount Hood resorts and at Mt. Bachelor this season. We provide tips for traveling to and from the mountain — and what to pack in your car. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s cutting down and decorating a tree, preparing festive dishes for family and friends, or simply spending time with loved ones, the holiday season is steeped in tradition. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan reflect on the holiday season by sharing their traditions — and hearing the pastimes of fellow Oregonian/OregonLive journalists. Some highlights: Jamie and Jim discuss their holiday traditions — or lack thereof. Jamie shares a surprising pick for his favorite Christmas album. Several Oregonian/OregonLive journalists share their holiday traditions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you enjoy camping but don’t love sleeping on the ground, there’s a nifty solution at some of Oregon’s most popular state parks. In addition to the tent and RV sites that populate campgrounds, some parks come equipped with additional accommodations: cabins and yurts that offer a more comfortable way to spend the night. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss what to expect and what to bring with you if you’re looking to do a little state park glamping. While far from a luxury hotel, these cabins and yurts offer a much cozier way to stay the night immersed in nature. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're taking a week off for Thanksgiving, but we'll be back next week with more Pacific Northwest adventures. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a stunning destination in every season, with Cascade Mountain views, beautiful lakes and outdoor adventures right off the highway. Whether you're gearing up for a winter ski trip or planning your next summer road trip, here's what you need to know about the beautiful byway in Oregon's central Cascades. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway is one super scenic loop drive, taking you across two mountain passes, past beautiful waterfalls and forested trails, and to some of Oregon's most fascinating roadside attractions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss why fall is our favorite time to visit central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to celebrate the release of the new film adaptation of "Dune" than by exploring the landscape that inspired the sci-fi epic in the first place: the stunning Oregon Dunes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to day hike and backpack the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. It's a gem, alright. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marilyn Bishop, founder of Cascadia Quake Kits, discusses what Pacific Northwest residents should do to be prepared for the Big One on this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest! To help you in your fungal foraging, we talk to herbalist and experienced forager Chris Smaka about what to look for and how to find it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss Oregon's scenic byways: driving routes that snake their way through every beautiful nook and cranny of the state. Buckle up for a beautiful auditory journey across this wonderful state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know Oregon has dozens of covered bridges (54) all over the state? On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan discuss the simple wonders in getting off the main drag and finding Oregon's delightful covered bridges. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which state parks saw the most visitors last year, and which saw the least? We break down the numbers from a truly strange year that saw state park visitation plunge across the board. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail. Running about 60 miles from downtown Corvallis to Ona Beach south of Newport, the long-distance hiking and mountain biking trail crosses through a dense Coast Range forest, using old logging roads and newly cut trails. Like the neighboring Oregon Coast Trail, some sections of the hike require walking along the shoulders of open roads. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The end of summer looms, but that doesn't mean the end to exciting adventures around Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jim and Jamie float a bunch of wonderful options for end of summer activities across the region. [Note: This episode was recorded in 2020 and we held it back due to the catastrophic wildfires, but everything still resonates] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a hike, go backpacking, paddle downriver or spend a few nights relaxing at a lodge. There are so many different ways to experience the wild and scenic Rogue River. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss hiking, biking and sightseeing options at Oregon's lone national park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, artist Yong Hong Zhong talks about how he pivoted from a career in animation to becoming a renowned watercolors painter. We talked about his method, how people can pick up a paintbrush and start capturing moments in the wild and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people head to the spectacular redwood groves of northern California, passing by the beautiful, but admittedly smaller, redwoods on the south Oregon coast. We defend our state's honor and discuss what those trees are like, why you should visit and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with the artist who leads the “Circles in the Sand,” events on the southern Oregon coast. You're going to want to listen to this one twice. The artist, Denny Dyke, drops wisdom left and right. We also talked about other fun things to do in Bandon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices