Peak Northwest

Hot summer weather has a way of convincing you to ditch your worldly obligations with a single destination in mind: one of Oregon’s stunning lakes. Our previous episode on Oregon hot springs, referenced in this episode: https://play.acast.com/s/peaknorthwest/oregonhotsprings You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the rewards of backpacking abound, it can be difficult to get started — and plan your first trips. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we cover some backpacking basics and provide recommendations for hikers seeking a night or two in the backcountry. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pacific Northwest is home to plenty of awesome scenes of natural beauty, but capturing that moment in an awesome photo requires a little more effort. Here are some tips, tricks and tools of the trade to help you take better pictures outside. You don't need anything more than your phone. Check out Jim’s great photo from a recent climb up Three Fingered Jack. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the Peak Northwest podcast is all about planning and packing for your next overnight outdoor excursion. We've got tips for beginners and experienced campers alike. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of sticking close to home, hikers in the Pacific Northwest are finally getting back out on the trail. But for those of us who have become a little out shape during the pandemic, as well as those who may be getting into hiking shape for the first time, those first couple hikes can be a struggle. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’ve offered up 10 tips for feeling better on the trail, from what you eat to how you breathe. Check our updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what’s still closed before going out. You can support this podcast and local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be hard to escape crowds in a normal year, let alone a time when more people than ever are sticking close to home and in search of an escape into nature. One way to beat the crowds is to skip the popular areas and head to some lesser-known hiking trails and other natural areas. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we offer up a dozen lesser-known spots at three of Oregon’s most popular recreation areas: the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood and the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s high time to dial in your camp cooking setup. We aren’t exactly experts in this department. So we enlisted the help of Samantha Bakall, a freelance food, diversity and travel writer who’s long honed the art of whipping up a delicious camp meal. Subscribe to Six Feed, a newsletter that Samantha co-authors about local dining during the pandemic, at sixfeed.substack.com. You can support this podcast and local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is only days away, and many outdoor spaces have reopened amid the coronavirus crisis.But the question remains: Where should I go? This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we offer some recommendations for people looking to get their nature fix. Take a look at Oregon's wilderness areas. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. You can support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive. Go to OregonLive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many outdoor areas throughout the region have reopened after being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. But just because your favorite outdoor area is open doesn’t mean you should expect business as usual when you arrive — or that you should travel there at all. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to plan safe, responsible day trips during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. Have a question for us about how to navigate the outdoors in the COVID-19 age? Leave a voicemail on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We hope to answer some of your questions on future episodes. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the coronavirus crisis continues, closures and restrictions remain in place for many outdoor areas across the region. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we continue to dig into the complicated issues around recreating outside during the pandemic. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what areas are still closed. Read Jamie’s story about whether people need to wear a face mask while hiking. View a handy chart about how to handle your business outdoors. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trails, parks and boat ramps are slowly reopening in Oregon as we inch our way closer to summer. But with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, the threat of transmitting COVID-19 in public places means that closures and restrictions remain in place for many outdoor spaces across the state. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cut through the confusion and answer some of the big questions outdoor enthusiasts have right now. Check our regularly updated list of what outdoor spaces have reopened and what’s still closed before going out. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the finale of our campfire stories, producer Dave Killen shares the tale of a mountain climbing misadventure and cross-country road trip. Then, we share a heartwarming story from a listener. We're getting back to more typical Peak Northwest programming, but we've loved hearing and sharing stories from listeners, and we want to keep that going. If you’d like to submit a story, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. Support this podcast and local journalism by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're focusing on tales of spooky adventures on this week’s Peak Northwest podcast episode — the latest in our series of campfire tales. Want to submit an outdoors or adventure story of your own? Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We’re hoping to feature more submitted stories in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked for your stories from the outdoors. And you delivered, responding with some darn good ones. So this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast — the fourth in our series of campfire tales — features several great stories submitted over the past few weeks. Want to submit an outdoors or adventure story of your own? Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We’re hoping to feature more submitted stories in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all like to share the best moments from our outdoor adventures, but sometimes our most difficult experiences are the most rewarding. On this week’s episode, we look past the pretty photos to share experiences that pushed us to the limit — and taught us some valuable lessons in the process. We want to hear your stories, too! To submit your own campfire story, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We’ll be featuring some of our favorites in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s a bear sighting, a critter who gets too close or a feisty creature who wants you to scram, we all have stories about memorable contacts with animals while out in nature. So this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast — the latest in our “campfire stories” series — is dedicated to unforgettable animal encounters. Leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We’re hoping to feature some of our favorites in future episodes, and we’d love to hear from you. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re breaking out some of our favorite campfire stories, and and we want to hear yours! If you’re interested in sharing a story from a past adventure, leave a message on our podcast hotline, 503-221-4345, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. Keep your stories about 3 minutes or less. We hope to include some of our favorites in future episodes. Read Jamie’s story about his trip to the Enchanted Valley. Check out Jim’s report about how firefighters saved the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Watch Jim’s latest Peak Northwest video or catch up on past episodes. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest, but our favorite outdoor spaces are presently sitting empty, as most of us stick close to home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Oregon. It hasn’t been easy for the outdoorsy among us. After all, a walk around the neighborhood is no hike in the mountains. But there are ways to stay active and sane during this period of quarantine. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore some of the routines, workouts and escapes we’ve been trying at home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has shaken up life as we know it, with thousands of people in the Northwest becoming sick and many more finding themselves unemployed. Amid the upheaval, a loss of travel and recreation should fall low on our list of concerns. But we, like you, long for days outdoors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling with kids can be a challenge, albeit one with great rewards.For this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talked to a panel of parents to get their tips and tricks about traveling with kids. We also talked to a younger pair of experts on the topic. NOTE: Since the coronavirus outbreak has spread through Oregon and around the world, traveling with kids (or even traveling at all) is not a great idea right now. With that in mind, these tips are great to keep in your back pocket for whenever you hit the road again. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon’s spring break is fast approaching. And while lots of spring breakers have their plans set in stone, some others don’t. At least not yet. So this week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we rattle off road trip ideas for the lucky folks who have time off later this month... but don’t quite know what to do with it. We’d be remiss, of course, not to reference the spread of the coronavirus in the Northwest and around the world. We urge spring breakers to stay up on the news and heed the advice of public officials as the virus continues to spread. Check out Jamie’s compilations of spring break destinations around Oregon, the state’s best roadside attractions and spring break ideas around Portland. Plan for warmer days with Jamie’s list of 12 epic summer road trips across Oregon. Listen to our podcast episode about things to do in the snow — especially if you’re interested in our first road trip suggestion. Watch Jim’s most recent Peak Northwest video episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The heartiest of runners pound the pavement year-round. But as spring approaches, the prospect of warmer, sunnier days is bound to beckon more runners to Portland’s sidewalks and trails. So before the season turns, we sat down with Oregonian/OregonLive engagement editor Julie Evensen, an avid runner, to talk all things running. Read Jamie’s Portland runner’s guide to check out a compilation of footraces and runs around the city this year. Watch the latest episode of the Peak Northwest video series, where Jim and his partner ski to one of Oregon’s famed fire lookouts. Check out a previous video episode, where Jim and his partner run the 30.2-mile Wildwood Trail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon has a lot of extremely busy state parks, but it also has plenty of places that see few visitors at all. This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Seth Miller, executive director of the Oregon State Park Foundation, to discuss the least visited state parks from 2019. See Jamie’s story on the 20 least popular Oregon state parks, and the 20 most popular Oregon state parks from 2019. Watch a video of bighorn sheep being flown into Cottonwood Canyon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss a few of our favorite winter options in and around Portland. We also shout out some Portland-area wildlife preserves that are worth a visit. Check out Jamie’s rundown of 10 wildlife preserves close to Portland. Watch a Peak Northwest video episode of Jim running the Wildwood Trail. Head over to the Hoyt Arboretum website to peruse its seasonal highlights. Watch Jim’s most recent Peak Northwest video episode, in which he goes climbing at Smith Rock State Park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We head to the rainy Coast Range mountains to discover hidden waterfalls in the woods. See Jamie’s stories on Niagara Falls and Drift Creek Falls. Also check out our list of the 10 things to pack for a day hike in Oregon, and get some tips on rainy day hiking in our previous episode of the podcast. To find directions to some of the more remote waterfalls, as well other hikes around Oregon, head to OregonHikers.org. Follow Peak Northwest on Instagram at @PeakNorthwest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bend is a special place any time of year, but we’re particularly fond of Oregon’s high-desert hangout during the wintertime. Read Jamie’s 20 reasons to love Bend, and check out Michael Russell’s beer lover’s guide to central Oregon. 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast dives into the surprising history of yurts in Oregon — and why campers went nuts for them. Jamie and Jim are joined by Craig Tutor, the former state parks manager who first put yurts into parks back in the early 1990s. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oregon coast’s signature cuisine can be summarized in four words: fish, chips and chowder. We sit down with Michael Russell, the Oregonian/OregonLive’s restaurant reporter and critic, to discuss where to find the coast’s finest. Check out Jamie’s 10 favorite fish and chips spots on the Oregon coast. Read Michael’s rundown of where to eat on the North Oregon Coast. Peruse Jamie’s guide to the chowder belt of the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best ways to get through Oregon’s rainy season is to embrace it. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about the best places to go hiking in the rain, and the preparations you should take before striking off into the elements. Read Jamie’s list of the 12 best rainy day hikes around Oregon. Watch the latest Peak Northwest video to see Jim try out surfing on the Oregon coast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new year has only just begun, but it’s already high time to start making your 2020 travel plans around the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we go over some helpful tips for booking campsites, hotels and fire lookouts around the region. We also offer up some ideas for trips around Oregon and beyond and dive into some of our own plans for the year ahead. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Jamie look back at their respective years of adventure and exploration. Amy Wang, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s newsletter editor and books columnist, talks about her year-long quest to visit 50 fun places. Reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh discusses his backpacking trip on the beautiful Rogue River Trail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are natural hot springs all over Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest, from rustic mountain springs to high desert resorts. We talk with reporter Molly Harbarger and hot spring aficionado Dana Halferty to talk about where to find hot springs, how to soak in them and why these warm water oases are so popular in the first place. 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 join The Oregonian/OregonLive's sports trending editor, Tim Brown, to discuss what skiers and snowboarders need to know before heading up to the mountain this season. (And before you take a trip to the mountain, note that the Dairy Queen restaurant we reference in the episode is in Rhododendron — not Zigzag, as we said.) Read Jim's ski season preview 13 places to eat and drink around Mount Hood See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re looking for a funky farmhouse, barrel-aged Belgian or impeccable pub ale, Hood River’s breweries offer a pint for every palate. This week, Oregonian/OregonLive beer reporter Andre Meunier discusses the city's heralded beer scene. 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’re talking all things Alvord Desert. The seasonally dry lakebed in the far southeastern corner of the state is known for its beautiful cracked playa, stunning scenery and the adventures it affords – from quiet exploring to jet-powered vehicles. Jamie dives into his recent trip to the playa, where he soaked in hot springs, caught a sunset and did some late-night stargazing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody knows Pendleton for its rodeo, blankets and whiskey, but you’d be doing the eastern Oregon town a disservice by not checking out all the rest it has to offer. Don't miss Beth Nakamura's photos from the Pendleton Round-Up. Read Jayati Ramakrishnan's stories on navigating the Round-Up and encouraging Portlanders to check out the other side of Oregon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Peak Northwest. This week on the podcast, we discuss Jim’s foray into whitewater stand-up paddleboarding, how whitewater SUPing first got on his radar and what it takes to stay upright on the river. Don't miss this video about the trip. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peak Northwest will take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in our region. Meet your guides, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices