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 Northwest
How to tour the wildflower corridor of the Columbia Gorge
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…
- Peak Northwest
Try a vintage Airstream hotel on the north Oregon coast
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…
- Peak Northwest
How to take a car-free trip to Mount Hood
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…
- Peak Northwest
Little lakes are hiding in the Clatsop State Forest
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: How to hike the Wildwood Trail in a single day
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…
- Peak Northwest
Revisiting the artist behind the Circles in the Sand on the Oregon coast
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…
- Peak Northwest
Overlooked attractions of the north Oregon coast
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…
- Peak Northwest
Breaking down barriers for skiers with disabilities
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…
- Peak Northwest
Snowshoeing on Mt. Baker and exploring Bellingham
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: Nordic skiing through the Methow Valley Trail system
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…
- Peak Northwest
Go for a sled dog ride at Mt. Bachelor in Bend
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…
- Peak Northwest
How to prepare for the annular solar eclipse
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…
- Peak Northwest
How to find healing in nature
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: Cat snowboarding the backcountry at Anthony Lakes
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…
- Peak Northwest
Exploring the treasures of the High Desert Museum
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…
- Peak Northwest
Exploring the backcountry of Silver Falls State Park
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: Roadtrip through to the Alvord Desert, Steens Mountain and Brookings
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…
- Peak Northwest
2023 Peak Northwest Travel Guide
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…
- Peak Northwest
Our favorite trips of 2022
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…
- Peak Northwest
Deschutes River Trail is a beautiful high desert destination
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: Taking the bus to Cannon Beach for a weekend
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…
- Peak Northwest
How to hike to the smallest lighthouse in Oregon
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…
- Peak Northwest
Hunting for mushrooms on the Oregon coast
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…
- Peak Northwest
Explore Oregon and Washington state parks for ‘Green Friday’`
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…
- Peak Northwest
My Epic Adventure: Biking the rim of Crater Lake National Park
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…
- Peak Northwest
Why Manzanita is one of the best small towns in Oregon
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…
- Peak Northwest
Revisiting the epic Wilson River Trail in the Coast Range
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…
- Peak Northwest
Overcoming the obstacles of hiking with disabilities
People using mobility devices, who are blind or who live with cognitive impairment all enjoy outdoor recreation, yet for hikers with disabilities there are…
- Peak Northwest
How to spend a weekend in Leavenworth
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…
- Peak Northwest
Touring the beautiful Applegate Valley wine country
Down in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, there’s a small but mighty wine scene just waiting to be explored. On this…
- Peak Northwest
Guero Bird Club keeps bird watching fun
Birding is for everyone. That’s the philosophy at Guero Bird Club, a Portland bird watching group run by local torta restaurant Guero, which for the last year…
- Peak Northwest
Exploring the Hood River Fruit Loop in a single day
The Hood River Valley consists of more than 15,000 acres of irrigated farmland. If you enjoy fresh picked fruit, or better yet, picking your own fruit, you’re…
- Peak Northwest
How to run the iconic Hood to Coast relay
Known as the Mother of all Relays, the world’s longest running and walking relay race starts at the base of Mount Hood at Timberline Lodge. Over the course of…
- Peak Northwest
How a La Grande girl became the World Elk Calling Champion
Maybe you’ve seen a herd of elk before. But have you heard the herd? Better yet, have you tried calling one over? If you have no idea what an elk sounds like…
- Peak Northwest
Eastern Oregon roadtrip: Shaniko, Condon, John Day and Baker City
Driving out to eastern Oregon offers travelers an opportunity to see some of the state’s finest desert terrain. If you plan your trip just right, and take a…
- Peak Northwest
What it's like to summit Mount St. Helens for the first time
The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in United States history. The explosion reduced the mountain’s…
- Peak Northwest
Mount Hood’s north side offers spectacular views and endless adventures
Mount Hood holds endless adventuring opportunities. Famous for being a playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, the south side of the mountain receives a…
- Peak Northwest
How Oregon's state parks went from afterthoughts to icons in 100 years
A lot can happen in 100 years. In the century years since Oregon christened its first state park, the system has transformed into a global attraction. On this…
- Peak Northwest
How to spend a summer day on Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island is a popular place, and it’s no surprise why: The sprawling Columbia River island is home to hiking trails, beaches, berry farms and more – the…
- Peak Northwest
Outdoor concert venues and amphitheaters to visit this summer
Music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike have a wealth of options when it comes to hearing music live and outdoors. Portland concertgoers can make a…
- Peak Northwest
Find a suburban hiking adventure this summer
You don’t need to drive out into the Columbia River Gorge or up the slopes of Mount Hood to get into nature – there are plenty of places to get outside in…
- Peak Northwest
Adventuring with kids in the great outdoors
Getting outside with your kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences. If not just for your little one to see nature’s great splendor, then for you, the…
- Peak Northwest
The best places to eat and drink in Eugene
People tend to travel to Eugene for the University of Oregon or its many outdoor recreation opportunities – or for the upcoming World Athletics Championships –…
- Peak Northwest
'In A Landscape' brings classical music to the spectacular outdoors
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…
Peak NorthwestExploring the eastern Oregon town of Joseph at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains
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…
- Peak Northwest
Vickie's first time exploring the south-central Oregon coast:
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…
- Peak Northwest
Local day trips to explore, as Oregon gas prices continue to soar
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…
- Peak Northwest
The McKenzie River Trail is a gateway to scenic beauty
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
Fat Girls Hiking encourages folks to get outside, no matter your size or background
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…
- Peak Northwest
Waterfall kayaking takes whitewater adventure to the next level
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…
- Peak Northwest
Don't sleep on the Bear Hotel, a whimsical attraction in southern Oregon
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…
- Peak Northwest
What you need to know about the new Columbia River Gorge permits
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…
- Peak Northwest
Introducing our new co-host, Vickie Connor
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…
Peak NorthwestA goodbye to co-host Jim Ryan
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…
Peak NorthwestScheming the perfect 3-day spring weekend
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…
Peak NorthwestWhere to find the best beaches on the southern Oregon coast
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…
Peak NorthwestFishing 101 with Bill Monroe
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…
Peak NorthwestWhat to do at Valley of the Rogue, Oregon’s busiest state park
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…
Peak NorthwestHow to go stargazing in Oregon
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…
Peak NorthwestDo go chasing waterfalls...along Oregon's southern Coast Range
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…