Peak Northwest

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

It’s not quite winter — just yet, at least. But it is ski season. And snow is beginning to pile up in the mountains. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan offer a preview of Oregon’s ski season. Some highlights: Jamie and Jim discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to affect the ski season. We relay the Climate Prediction Center’s Mount Hood fore...

Whether it’s cutting down and decorating a tree, preparing festive dishes for family and friends, or simply spending time with loved ones, the holiday season is steeped in tradition. In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan reflect on the holiday season by sharing their traditions — and hearing the pastimes of fellow Oregonian/OregonLive journalists. Some...

If you enjoy camping but don’t love sleeping on the ground, there’s a nifty solution at some of Oregon’s most popular state parks. In addition to the tent and RV sites that populate campgrounds, some parks come equipped with additional accommodations: cabins and yurts that offer a more comfortable way to spend the night. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss what to expect and what...

We're taking a week off for Thanksgiving, but we'll be back next week with more Pacific Northwest adventures. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a stunning destination in every season, with Cascade Mountain views, beautiful lakes and outdoor adventures right off the highway. Whether you're gearing up for a winter ski trip or planning your next summer road trip, here's what you need to know about the beautiful byway in Oregon's central Cascades. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Lea...

The Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway is one super scenic loop drive, taking you across two mountain passes, past beautiful waterfalls and forested trails, and to some of Oregon's most fascinating roadside attractions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss why fall is our favorite time to visit central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to celebrate the release of the new film adaptation of "Dune" than by exploring the landscape that inspired the sci-fi epic in the first place: the stunning Oregon Dunes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to day hike and backpack the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. It's a gem, alright. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marilyn Bishop, founder of Cascadia Quake Kits, discusses what Pacific Northwest residents should do to be prepared for the Big One on this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest! To help you in your fungal foraging, we talk to herbalist and experienced forager Chris Smaka about what to look for and how to find it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss Oregon's scenic byways: driving routes that snake their way through every beautiful nook and cranny of the state. Buckle up for a beautiful auditory journey across this wonderful state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know Oregon has dozens of covered bridges (54) all over the state? On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan discuss the simple wonders in getting off the main drag and finding Oregon's delightful covered bridges. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices