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 NorthwestWhat it takes to train for Hood to Coast, Oregon’s ‘mother of all relays’
At 196 miles over two days, from the top of Mount Hood to the sand at the Oregon Coast, there’s a reason they call it the “mother of all relays.” On this…
Peak NorthwestWhy the tiny town of Neskowin is an Oregon coast gem
If cute cottages and ghostly tree stumps are your idea of a good time, you’ll want to plan your next Oregon coast vacation for Neskowin. The tiny town on the…
Peak NorthwestThis 216-mile race through central Oregon is one wild trip
Even if you consider yourself a runner, you probably aren’t prepared for a run quite like this. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the…
Peak Northwest6 best hikes in Mt. Hood's Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness
Oregon is renowned for its wilderness areas, found in high desert landscapes and around towering volcanoes, but you don’t need to go far from the state’s…
Peak NorthwestThe 4T trail: Is this the best urban adventure in Portland?
Portland has a lot of great places to see and things to do, but there’s nothing quite like this. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a trip along…
Peak NorthwestCan you survive the PNW Survival Games?
Surviving in the wilderness isn’t a game, but learning the skills necessary to do it can still be plenty of fun. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Tony…
Peak NorthwestThis Mt. Hood adventure park comes alive every summer
When the snow melts and the alpine flowers begin to bloom, it’s time for the folks at Mt. Hood Skibowl to start taking out all their toys. With racecars…
Peak NorthwestTake on this 105-mile bike ride from Portland to the Oregon coast
There is no shortage of beautiful bike rides in Oregon, but the Reach the Beach cycling event is a truly remarkable experience. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestHow to make the most of an Oregon summer
Summertime in Oregon is magical. But between the coastal beaches, the ice cream shops, the wine country getaways and the mountain views, how is anybody…
Peak NorthwestHow to travel from Portland to the Oregon coast by boat
You’ve probably driven from Portland to Astoria. Maybe you’ve even taken the bus. But have you ever traveled between the two cities by boat? On this week’s…
- Peak Northwest
The best swim spots around Portland for this summer
On hot summer days, Portlanders flock to the water – thankfully there’s a lot of that here. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss the many, many…
Peak NorthwestWhere to find the hidden waterfalls of southern Oregon
Oregon is famous for its waterfalls, but not all are so easy to find. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore a hidden waterfall corridor along…
Peak NorthwestWe took a baby day trip to the north Oregon coast – with a baby
Sometimes all you need is a quick trip to the ocean. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a baby day trip to the north Oregon coast – with an…
Peak Northwest7 of the very best hotels on the Oregon coast
There are a lot of places to stay the night on the Oregon coast, but some spots are just special. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into our…
Peak NorthwestWhy this central Oregon observatory is a great place to look into the stars
There are a lot of places to find dark skies in Oregon, but relatively few that are set up to let you gaze deeply into the cosmos. On this week’s episode of…
Peak NorthwestThe new tunnel in the Columbia Gorge that you have to go see for yourself
It’s not every day that you get a brand new attraction in the Columbia River Gorge. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we head out to the new Mitchell…
Peak NorthwestWhere to find the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
Wildflower season is here! The only question is where you’re going to go hiking to see them. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover all the best…
Peak NorthwestHow to do a spring trip to Mt. Bachelor and Bend
Not everyone appreciates a ski trip in spring, but those who visit central Oregon in the shoulder season might find a newfound fondness for the region. On this…
Peak NorthwestHere’s why Warm Springs is a great overnight destination
There are plenty of incredible overnight destinations in Oregon, but what about Warm Springs? Home of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the…
Peak NorthwestOregon organization offers outdoor adventures for people of all abilities
Everybody should have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities. That’s the mission of Adventures Without Limits, an Oregon nonprofit that…
Peak NorthwestWhere to find Oregon’s most famous filming locations
You might be able to recognize a few locations featured in some of the most famous films made in Oregon, like “Twilight” or “The Shining,” but how do you find…
Peak Northwest5 of the most overlooked attractions in the Willamette Valley
If your idea of spring break travel is less Cancun and more Corvallis, then we have a few ideas for you. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at…
Peak Northwest5 spots that make Sandy a perfect grab-and-go food town on Mt. Hood
There’s always a good reason to stop in Sandy – especially if you’re in need of a quick bite to eat. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the…
Peak NorthwestOregon influencer discusses going viral, finding peace in the forest
Maybe you’ve seen the videos come across your social media feed. They show a man, with a backwards hat and hiking poles, grumpily tromping down some beautiful…
Peak NorthwestShe Shreds helps women ski, build community on Mt. Hood
At She Shreds clinics, “egos get left behind.” On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Jenn Lockwood, training supervisor at the Mt. Hood Meadows…
Peak Northwest‘Traveling While Black’ series visits the Oregon coast
An internet series dedicated to the experience of Black travelers has paid a visit to one of the best destinations in Oregon. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestWhat it’s like to take the train from Portland to Vancouver, B.C.
Plenty of people take the Amtrak train from Portland to Seattle, but how many keep riding all the way to Canada? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our…
Peak NorthwestGuide to Oregon’s Dark Sky Country
Oregon is in the middle of a dark sky renaissance. With new Dark Sky Parks, a pair of Dark Sky Communities and one massive Dark Sky Sanctuary, it seems like…
Peak Northwest6 lessons I’ve learned about traveling with a baby
It might not be a shocking revelation that traveling with a baby is a challenge. More shocking is that it’s perfectly doable. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestHow to enjoy this incredible snowpack on Mt. Hood
It’s been a very good year to be a skier in Oregon. With snowpack at great levels as we near mid-winter, snow sports enthusiasts have been flocking to Oregon’s…
Peak NorthwestIntroducing Chiara Profenna, our new co-host
With the new year, there are some new changes coming to the Peak Northwest podcast. Chief among them is our new co-host, Chiara Profenna, the religion and…
Peak NorthwestThe biggest astronomical events coming in 2025
Pacific Northwest stargazers have a lot to look forward to in 2025 – even if there’s no solar eclipse on the calendar. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestWhy Astoria is the fish and chips capital of the Oregon coast
If you’re looking for good fish and chips, you’d do well to stop in Astoria. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we stop by a few of Astoria’s best fish…
Peak Northwest10 perfect Pacific Northwest adventures for 2025
The new year is here, which means it’s once again time to start dreaming and scheming up some fresh Pacific Northwest travels. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestDiving into Northwest forests with Ross Reid, aka Nerdy About Nature
What is it about a Pacific Northwest forest? From the smell to the air to the feeling you get among the trees, we talk all about our love of Northwest forests…
Peak NorthwestOregon’s best soaking pools to warm you up this winter
There’s nothing like a hot spring soak in the coldest, darkest days of the year. Oregon, famously gray and/or chilly for a significant portion of the year, is…
Peak NorthwestPortland fire captain is a global adventurer and an inspiration
For some people, one huge adventure is enough to hang your hat on. For Erica Nelson, it’s only the beginning. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we hear…
Peak NorthwestWhere to eat, shop and hang out at the newly renovated PDX
Holiday travelers at the Portland International Airport will see a lot of changes, both in the way that it looks and the things you can do while you’re there…
Peak NorthwestHow to see Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge, two world-class destinations
Oregonians are no doubt familiar with Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, two of the state’s most popular places to hike, swim, ski and explore, but the…
Peak NorthwestA little trip to a tiny house off the slopes of Mount Hood
Have you ever wanted to try out tiny house living? Or go glamping in something other than a canvas tent? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get it…
Peak NorthwestWomen of color come together with Trail Mixed outdoor excursions
Across the Pacific Northwest, Trail Mixed is bringing people together. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to two leaders of the Portland chapter…
Peak NorthwestThe weird, wild stories behind the names of Oregon’s landmarks
What’s in a name? Or, in this case, what’s in an Oregon place name? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we’re looking into the history behind the names…
Peak Northwest5 of the spookiest hikes in Oregon
What makes a hike spooky? Is it the dark, misty environment of a Northwest fall day? Or the old, abandoned buildings sometimes found on the trail? On this…
Peak Northwest5 Pacific Northwest holiday events worth traveling to
Just about every town in America has a tree lighting event, walk-through light display or downtown shopping night for the holidays, but a few spots like to do…
Peak Northwest6 perfect fall hiking spots close to Portland
With apologies to summer, fall is a perfect season for hiking. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover some of the very best fall hiking…
Peak NorthwestA two week solo backpacking trip exploring the Wallowas
For some adventurers, a two to four day backpacking trip can be the perfect amount of time to disconnect with the business of day to day life and reconnect…
Peak NorthwestA first-time triathlete's takeaways from IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities
A triathlon can be a daunting experience. Combine swimming, cycling and running into one event and you have a race that countless endurance athletes look…
Peak NorthwestHow to explore Southern Oregon's highway of waterfalls
If you find yourself traveling from Portland to Crater Lake National Park, consider taking a slightly longer, scenic route to enjoy the trip. This week on Peak…
Peak NorthwestCrater Lake's Ride the Rim bike event is a must-do for Oregon cyclists
If you’re up for the challenge, biking around Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive is arguably one of the best cycling routes in the state. Even sweeter, the road is…
Peak NorthwestA first-timer's guide to the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim
Each year, hundreds of brave swimmers board a sternwheeler boat in the Columbia River Gorge to swim from the Washington side of the river to a finish line in…
Peak NorthwestWhat to expect running Hood to Coast relay for the first time
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Peak NorthwestWhere to find 6 unique wine experiences in and around Portland
It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley has several epic wine spots and vineyards. But some places are going above and beyond to offer unique experiences in…
Peak NorthwestHow to spend 3 days backpacking Broken Top Loop
If you’re dreaming of a final challenging backpacking trip this summer or wanting a stunning adventure for early fall, Broken Top Loop trail might just be your…
Peak Northwest5 challenging long-distance hikes on the Oregon coast
If you’ve spent the summer working yourself into peak hiking shape, there are some great trails to test your endurance, not in the mountains but by the beach…
Peak NorthwestKah-Nee-Ta resort is Oregon’s newest vacation destination
Kah-Nee-Ta is back, just in time for the second half of summer vacation. The beloved Warm Springs resort is not completely back to its former glory, but a…
Peak NorthwestA road trip to some of Oregon’s least visited state parks
Summer means big crowds at Oregon’s busiest state parks, places like Silver Falls and Fort Stevens, which draw millions of visitors each year. But what about…
Peak NorthwestHow to make the most of one night at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is one of those places where you can, and probably should, spend a few days exploring. Between Rim Drive, the historic lodge and loads of nearby…
Peak NorthwestA wild expedition to peak of Mount Shasta
Mountain climbers may consider Mount Shasta one of the easier Pacific Northwest mountains to ascend, but it’s no easy feat. On this week’s episode of Peak…
Peak NorthwestSearching for Bigfoot in the Northwest wilderness
Plenty of people talk about Bigfoot, but what is it like to go out searching for the famous cryptid? On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we…
Peak NorthwestWhere to find uncrowded hikes in Oregon
With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, you might find yourself wanting to explore outside. But, you might face the conundrum of knowing your typical go-to…