Peak Northwest

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 week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a quick trip to Bend, with a stop for some spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor and a night in Sunriver. From the snowy slopes of the popular mountain to the brewpubs and bike trails around Bend, there’s a...

There are plenty of incredible overnight destinations in Oregon, but what about Warm Springs? Home of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the reservation has not only beautiful rolling high desert hills, but also the immensely popular Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and the Museum at Warm Springs. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we outline a brief itinerary for a great overnighter...

Everybody should have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities. That’s the mission of Adventures Without Limits, an Oregon nonprofit that takes people outside and finds creative solutions to whatever barriers they may be facing. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Anna Eick, program coordinator for the organization. The group has a wide variety of outings throug...

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 them all? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore the Oregon Film Trail, a series of markers erected at famous filming locations throughout the state. We’re joined by Kristi Turnquist, life and culture for The Oregonian/OregonLi...

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 some of the most overlooked attractions in the Willamette Valley that are perfect for some family-friendly day trips this spring. While most people will flock to the Oregon coast, Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge, you can break the mold...

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 small town between Portland and Mount Hood, which entices travelers with breakfast burritos, donuts, bagels and other grab-and-go food options. We have five of the best spots to stop off at, whether you’re going up or coming back down from...

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, forested trail. The caption: “going on a stupid hike for my stupid mental health.” On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to southern Oregon resident Andy Neal, creator of the videos, who has been turning his viral moment into a...

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 Learning Center, who runs the She Shreds program. Lockwood said the program, which features both camps and clinics, offers women a space to learn together, grow their skills and create community. Participants often stay in touch, she said, a...

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 Northwest, Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black discuss their recent trip up the Oregon coast, which will be released in upcoming episodes on their YouTube channel. Based in Seattle, the couple helps travelers connect with Black...

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 colleague Veronica Nocera recounts her recent train ride between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. (a route that resumed service in 2023), as well as her weekend north of the border. Nocera, who has taken both a train and a plane between the two...

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 half of eastern Oregon has suddenly become dark sky country. But what does it mean? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into Oregon’s new push for astrotourism, and break down these new designations, all of which come from DarkSky...

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 Northwest, Jamie shares six travel lessons he’s learned from his first six months as a parent – they might not be what you think. Traveling with babies, especially those younger than six months, can be a much different challenge than traveling...

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 tallest mountain to take full advantage. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, from the best places to rent gear, to navigating the sweeping terrain on the side of the mountain. H...

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 culture reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who will be replacing longtime co-host Vickie Connor. As we welcome Chiara to Peak Northwest, we bid a fond farewell to Vickie, who has been with the show for nearly three years. While she will no l...

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 Northwest, we highlight some of this year’s must-see astronomical events, including a total lunar eclipse, planet parade and plenty of meteor showers to keep your eyes glued to the night sky. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just enjoy looking...

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 and chip shops, while discussing what it is that makes this place so good for fried fish and French fries. A trio of dedicated destinations show what makes this food scene shine. Just make sure you don’t listen to this episode before lunch....

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 Northwest we dip our toes into the 2025 Northwest Travel Guide, pulling out a few of the best places to visit and things to do around the region, from outdoor adventures to road trips and more. It’s also time for our annual reminder: Book you...

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 on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest. Special guest Ross Reid, who’s known on social media as Nerdy About Nature, discusses the joy of educating people about forest ecology, and touches on the issues our regional forests face. Here are s...

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 thankfully home to a wealth of places to go soaking, spread out across scenic landscapes throughout the state. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore some of Oregon’s best and most beautiful places to soak, from the wellness sp...

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 from the Portland fire captain who balances her time with an incredible array of global adventures, from ice climbing to bikepacking and international motorcycle excursions. For Nelson, the adventuring hasn’t been an escape, exactly, but a...

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. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss all the new places to eat, shop and hang out at the newly renovated PDX. While travelers might be tempted to rush through the airport on their way to a flight, the new restaurants, shops a...

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 two spots are now getting more attention as one world-class destination. Global travel guide Lonely Planet recently named Mount Hood and the Columbia Gorge as one of the best regions to visit for 2025, ranked alongside spots in Switzerland an...

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 all on a little camping trip to a tiny house off the slopes of Oregon’s tallest mountain. Our two-night excursion to the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village included a walk along the Salmon River, a cozy afternoon inside Timberline Lodge and a night b...

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 of the West coast collective, which creates space for women of color to learn, teach and recreate together outside. Vivian Tang and Jenny Bryan talk about what it’s been like to participate and become leaders in the organization, which orga...

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 of some of Oregon’s most beloved landmarks, pulling out some truly weird and wild stories from the Southern Oregon to the Columbia River Gorge. Forget everything you think you know about where our natural landmarks got their names. Here are s...