Shows / Peak Northwest
Peak Northwest
Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Episodes
Peak NorthwestThe brutal beauty of running a half marathon through Oregon’s waterfalls and muddy forest trails
The Silver Falls Half Marathon takes runners through the forests, waterfalls and rugged trails of one of Oregon’s most scenic state parks. But racing on the…
Peak NorthwestAn unexpected turn on Mount McLoughlin left an experienced hiker needing rescue
Mount McLoughlin in southern Oregon is a challenging climb with steep, rocky terrain and sweeping views from the summit. But even experienced hikers can find…
Peak NorthwestHow one Oregon group is making hiking more accessible for wheelchair users
Earlier this summer, The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Austin De Dios spent time with Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, a Portland-area group that brings wheelchair…
Peak NorthwestThis breathtaking Washington wilderness offers much more than its famous Pacific Crest Trail stretch
Goat Rocks Wilderness is best known as one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s much more to this…
Peak NorthwestPlanning an Ashland trip? Here's what to do beyond the Shakespeare Festival
Ashland is best known as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there’s much more to the Southern Oregon town than Shakespeare. On this week’s episode of…
Peak NorthwestThe fragrant, highly prized mushroom hiding in Oregon’s forests right now — and how to find it
Fall is one of the best times to head into Oregon’s forests, and for mushroom hunters, it also marks the start of matsutake season. These fragrant, highly…
Peak NorthwestWhy we absolutely cannot wait for fall in the Pacific Northwest
You don’t need to wait for the leaves to change to start getting excited about fall in Oregon. But with cooler weather, cozy weekends and some of the best…
Peak NorthwestHow do these 3 filmed-in-Oregon classic movies hold up?
You don’t need to hike the Oregon Film Trail to know that there are a lot of great movies made in Oregon. But how do some of the classics hold up? On this…
Peak NorthwestSummer’s almost over. Here are the best places to get in one last picnic by the water
The temperatures are falling and clouds are on the horizon — summer is nearly at a close. If you’re still itching for a last-minute summer excursion, you would…
Peak NorthwestHow a Girl Scout camp on the Oregon coast connected 3 generations of women
Summer camp can be a special experience for anyone, but there’s something extra special about Camp Cleawox. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest…
Peak NorthwestThe secrets to making a delicious, stress-free camp cookout meal
Anyone who has struggled with a camp-cooked meal knows the stress of making meals in the great outdoors. Rashad Frazier is here to tell you that it doesn’t…
Peak NorthwestOregon river floating guide: Where to tube near Portland
When the Pacific Northwest heats up, there’s no better way to cool off than drifting down a river on an inner tube, kayak or raft. On this week’s episode of…
Peak NorthwestThis 80-mile stretch of river has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northwest
Many locals already know one of the open secrets in the Pacific Northwest: some of the best beach spots are found not on the coast, but along the rivers. On…
Peak NorthwestBanff and beyond: Why Canada’s mountains are a perfect place for the trip of a lifetime
When a group of childhood friends looked for a destination to take a trip of a lifetime, they landed on one of the most awesome regions of the Pacific…
Peak NorthwestThis deep-cuts bucket list will take you to Oregon's hidden natural treasures
People often assume that outdoors and travel reporter Jamie Hale has been everywhere in Oregon, but even he has a bucket list of places he hasn’t seen. On this…
Peak NorthwestThese dark, mysterious lava tubes are a perfect Pacific Northwest adventure
If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath your feet as you hike around our local volcanoes, this is the place for you. This week’s episode of the Peak…
Peak NorthwestReddit asked our Oregon travel reporter anything. Here’s what he said
What do you want to know about traveling through Oregon? Reddit users had the chance to ask their burning questions of Jamie Hale, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s…
Peak NorthwestSisters is calling: Everything to do, see and eat in the central Oregon destination
One of central Oregon’s best tourist destinations has it all: good food, great views and easy access to outdoor recreation. And no, we’re not talking about…
Peak NorthwestAuthor Jeff VanderMeer, a new Oregonian, on walking, writing and why he loves Portland
Author Jeff VanderMeer, best known for the creepy alien nature at the heart of his Southern Reach series, is suddenly engrossed in a different landscape…
Peak NorthwestHow to plan a perfect summer trip around this gem of the Oregon coast
If you’re looking for a perfect, low-key summer getaway, look no further than Florence — Oregon, that is. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast…
Peak NorthwestWhat I learned on my very first camping trip in Oregon
While many Oregonians practically grow up at campgrounds, there are plenty of adults who have never enjoyed a night sleeping under the stars. On this week’s…
Peak NorthwestMeet the sisters who launched a hiking group for BIPOC hikers
Outdoor recreation hasn’t always felt accessible or inviting to everyone. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore AmigxPNW, a group…
Peak NorthwestFree foraging walks are teaching people to harvest invasive species
If you’ve ever been curious about foraging in the wild, or felt intimidated by where to start, this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast is for you…
Peak NorthwestWhat you need to know before hiking Dog Mountain, the iconic wildflower destination
With spring now fully sprung, and the wildflowers out in full force, it’s time for the annual pilgrimage to Dog Mountain. On this episode of the Peak Northwest…
Peak NorthwestMorel season is here: How to forage for the delicious mushrooms in Oregon
Spring mushroom foragers in Oregon are already coming back from the forests with their bounty: baskets full of beautiful, delicious morels. On this week’s…
Peak NorthwestIs this Columbia River Gorge park cursed?
Most recreation areas in the Columbia River Gorge are well-loved, seeing throngs of visitors every spring and summer to enjoy a beautiful day in one of the…
Peak NorthwestWhat it’s like to raft a reawakened river in southern Oregon
Mandy Yeahpau has done a lot of whitewater rafting in Oregon, but she never thought she’d get the chance to run the Klamath River. That changed in 2024, when…
Peak NorthwestZen and the art of glass float hunting on the Oregon coast
Finders Keepers is one of Oregon’s greatest treasure hunts, hiding more than 3,000 glass floats every year on the beaches of Lincoln City. And while those…
Peak NorthwestLet’s talk about Abiqua Falls: Everything you need to know about Oregon’s newsiest waterfall
While all of Oregon’s beautiful waterfalls deserve our attention, one in particular has been getting national headlines lately. On this week’s episode of the…
Peak NorthwestHiking in heels: How Drag Me Outside became Portland’s newest hiking group
Portland’s latest outdoors group is helping people discover the city’s many beautiful trails, and high-heeled hiking boots are encouraged. Drag Me Outside, a…
Peak NorthwestThe weird, hidden attractions found in one of the Oregon coast’s coolest towns
There’s no denying that Astoria is a cool place. From the natural splendor to the maritime history and the cultural cachet (at least in the ‘80s and ‘90s), the…
Peak NorthwestHow to plan a fun, affordable spring break vacation in Oregon
Looking for a more affordable spring break vacation? Think more Cannon Beach than Cancun. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into…
Peak NorthwestHow one Portland podcast converts listeners into tree nerds
Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson are converting people into tree huggers, one podcast episode at a time. The Portland duo is behind Completely Arbortrary, a…
Peak NorthwestHow to tap a common tree to make Northwest maple syrup
It might be a lot easier to do in Vermont, but you can make your very own maple syrup right here in the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s episode of the Peak…
Peak NorthwestWhy Lewis and Clark hated their winter in the Pacific Northwest
They hated the rain. There wasn’t enough sunshine. Everybody wanted to hug. We’re not talking about your east coast friends who just moved to Portland, we’re…
Peak NorthwestMeet the Crag Rats: Oregon mountain rescue team is still going strong after 100 years
If you get injured on Mount Hood or lost in the Columbia River Gorge, odds are good that a Crag Rat will find you. The Crag Rats are one of the nation’s oldest…
Peak NorthwestWhat we love about Oregon: From big trees to fried fish
What do we love about Oregon? A whole lot, as it turns out. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we honor Oregon’s birthday and Valentine’s…
Peak NorthwestHow Oregon State Park changes could impact your 2026 travel plans
Your Oregon state park adventures might look a little different this year. With new parking and camping fees coming to Oregon state parks, as well as new rules…
Peak NorthwestChanges are coming to Oregon State Parks in 2026: Here’s what you need to know
From fee increases to new rules for campground reservations, there are some big changes coming to Oregon State Parks this year. On this week’s episode of the…
Peak NorthwestMuseum season is here: The best exhibits to see in Portland and beyond
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, this year’s museum season has something for you. This time of year — after the holidays and before spring…
Peak NorthwestWhy the post-holiday season is one of the best times to travel in Oregon
The post-holiday slump is real. After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who…
Peak NorthwestAll the ways you can slide down Mount Hood
With a rough start to ski season in Oregon, people are champing at the bit to get up on Mount Hood. Oregon’s highest slopes aren’t just for skiers and…
Peak NorthwestHow to travel in 2026, from quiet towns to whitewater adventure
The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026…
Peak NorthwestHow to get into cross-country skiing, even if you’ve never touched a ski
It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak Northwest5 perfect gifts for an Oregon outdoor adventurer
Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving…
Peak NorthwestWhy everybody is obsessed with these festive holiday trains
You don’t have to be a fan of “The Polar Express” to enjoy these holiday trains – though it might help. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at…
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Oregon ski season: What to expect for 2025-26
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Peak NorthwestChanterelle mushroom foraging for beginners
Are you mushroom foraging curious? Maybe you’ve been out a few times, but haven’t known what to look for? Worry not, the world of chanterelles is close at…
Peak NorthwestHow to (safely) explore king tides on the Oregon coast
King tide season is almost here. The exceptionally high tides, which in 2025 will occur in November, December and January, according to the Oregon King Tide…
Peak NorthwestThis Oregon surfer is making waves on Team USA
found freedom, confidence and community. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon who was…
- Peak Northwest
This organization is transforming Black Oregonians’ outdoor experiences
For many Oregonians, the outdoors is a place of adventure, but it can also be a space for community and belonging. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest…
Peak NorthwestFrom apple picking to mountain hikes, what to do on Mount Hood this fall
Is Mount Hood the best autumn getaway in Oregon? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to do on Mount Hood in the fall, from apple…
Peak NorthwestAn epic road trip to find the treasures of Southeast Oregon
There’s a lot to love about the southeast corner of Oregon – if you’re willing to drive. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow Vickie Connor, a…
Peak NorthwestOnboard one of the last Crater Lake boat tours for years
Boat tours on Crater Lake are among the top bucket list experiences in Oregon, but after this past summer, it will be a few years before they head back out on…
Peak Northwest8 essential fall activities in Oregon
Oregon is perfect in the fall. From the crisp, bright days of September to the gray, mossy days of December, the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer this…
Peak NorthwestWhat to see and do in the whale watching capital of Oregon
Oregon is not known as a particular hot spot for whale watching – at least not compared to places like the Puget Sound or Hawaii – but at least one spot has…
Peak NorthwestThe 10 best ways to round out your Oregon summer: Peak Northwest podcast
Summer is almost officially over, and while some Oregonians may be eagerly transitioning into fall, there’s still time to get in your final few summer…
Peak NorthwestWhat you can discover in the 5 smallest cities in Oregon
You’ve probably traveled through some small cities in Oregon, but it’s unlikely you’ve been to cities this small. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we…
Peak NorthwestWhat to do when your parents come to visit you in Oregon: Peak Northwest podcast
It’s an age-old question for anyone who’s flown the nest: What are you going to do when your parents come to town? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we…
Peak NorthwestThis group is making whitewater paddling more accessible
Whitewater paddling is everyone’s cup of tea, but some people feel like they don’t even have the chance to try. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we…