Peak Northwest

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 o...

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...

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 preparatio...

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 Mel...

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 pl...

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...

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 take...

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-...

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 epi...

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 provid...

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, th...

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...

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...

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 ep...

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 i...

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...

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 f...

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 br...

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 abo...

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...

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/adcho...

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