Peak Northwest

Just when you think you’ve seen and done everything in Northeast Oregon, you discover something new.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie recounts his latest trip to Joseph, where he found even more to see and do in the remote corner of the state, from light-up kayaks to a railroad hike and a tour of one fascinating general store.

Between the mountains, small towns, glacial lakes and wild rivers, there really is no shortage of things to do in this part of Oregon. It’s going to take a few more trips – or a dozen – before we consider Northeast Oregon to be thoroughly explored.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Summer low tides have arrived on the Oregon coast, uncovering a host of intertidal adventures.

From tide pools to secret beaches, there are a lot of things to see on the rugged coastline when the tide goes out – as long as you can do so safely.

Exploring the intertidal areas in Oregon is rewarding but dangerous. Between slippery and jagged rocks, rough cliffs, sea creatures and the rising tide, there are a lot of hazards to consider. Leave your flip flops at home.

Those who show up prepared can expect to find a whole new universe to explore: a place where strange, colorful creatures occupy the cracks of exposed rock, where underwater caves and tunnels open up, albeit briefly, to land walkers like us.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Seattle to Portland bike ride is one of the most anticipated cycling events in the region. Thousands of endurance riders gather to bike more than 200 miles over the course of one or two days. While it might seem like a daunting ride, with enough preparation and training, the event can be extremely rewarding and confidence-building.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest podcast, we hear from Jenna Phillips, a.k.a Jenna Bikes, about her time participating in and training for Seattle to Portland. This episode is the latest installment of My Epic Adventure, a sub-series of the podcast.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Bike packing is the ultimate mix of cycling and camping. It’s also one of the best ways to explore Oregon, especially in the summer months, whether you’re biking through towns or traveling through the backcountry.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor recounts her first and recent bike packing trip and all the reasons she loves this new hobby.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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How do you bring more diversity into the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor recreation areas? Try following the lead of Wild Diversity.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak with Mercy M’fon, founder and co-director of Portland-based nonprofit, which is actively working with BIPOC and LGBTQ communities to get greater representation outdoors.

M’fon takes us through the origins of Wild Diversity and explains how the organization is going far beyond just hosting hikes, making an impact on the wider outdoors scene in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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From the towering heights of Multnomah Falls to the delicate spray of Fairy Falls, there’s a lot to love about the Waterfall Corridor – and there are a lot of people to love it with.

One of the most popular attractions in Oregon, the eight-mile stretch of the Columbia River Gorge is known for its stunning scenery and big crowds, which swell every spring and summer.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down everything you need to know to visit, from avoiding peak times to securing the necessary permits.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Epic summer vacations are nice, but there’s something to be said about a simple day trip.

Here in western Oregon, it’s incredibly easy to find any number of beautiful day trips, with the ocean, mountains, forest, rivers and desert all found within a three-hour radius. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into a few great options for this summer.

Day trips prove that you don’t need a big budget or lengthy itinerary to enjoy an adventure –you don’t even need a car. As you make your summer vacation plans, consider these local excursions that make vacation quick, easy and (relatively) stress free.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Rockaway Beach does not usually make the lists of best beach towns. Narrow it down to the north Oregon coast specifically, and it still faces stiff competition with Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria, Seaside and Pacific City.

That could be even more reason to go.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a weekend trip to Rockaway Beach to discover all the overlooked destination has to offer. With corn dogs, ice cream, fried fish and kitschy shops, it definitely has a classic beach town vibe, while the beaches themselves can be expansive, quiet and beautiful.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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As it stands, Oregon only has one full-fledged national park at Crater Lake. If things had gone differently, we could have had more.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive back through time to talk about four places around the state that were once considered for national park status – and why they weren’t ultimately picked.

We also discuss whether or not the National Park Service should reconsider. Do Oregon’s beautiful natural landmarks deserve more respect? Or would it be a terrible idea?

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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It should be no surprise that the historic town at the intersection of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers, where people have been gathering and celebrating since time immemorial, is a great place to spend the day.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go out exploring Oregon City, a perfect day trip close to Portland, especially in the spring and summer when the town is buzzing and blooming with activity.

It might be the city’s cultural significance and history that’s so appealing. Or it could be the good food scene, which always makes a day trip more enjoyable. Maybe it’s just the charming Municipal Elevator, which takes pedestrians to the upper part of town.

Listen along and then go find out for yourself what makes Oregon City so special.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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