If you get injured on Mount Hood or lost in the Columbia River Gorge, odds are good that a Crag Rat will find you.

The Crag Rats are one of the nation’s oldest mountain rescue organizations, first formed in 1926. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we speak with Christopher Van Tilburg, a mountain rescue doctor with the Crag Rats and author of a new book about the organization, “Crisis on Mount Hood: Stories from 100 Years of Mountain Rescue.”

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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What do we love about Oregon? A whole lot, as it turns out.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we honor Oregon’s birthday and Valentine’s Day with a love letter to our favorite state. It’s not just the resplendent nature — from quiet forests to majestic mountains to magical desert rivers — we love just about every part of this state, right down to the fried fish.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Your Oregon state park adventures might look a little different this year.

With new parking and camping fees coming to Oregon state parks, as well as new rules about booking and canceling your campground reservation, there is a lot to navigate when making your travel plans for 2026.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow up last week’s conversation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about the new changes, with tips for navigating your state park adventures for the year ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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From fee increases to new rules for campground reservations, there are some big changes coming to Oregon State Parks this year.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Stefanie Coons, interim director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, about what park visitors can expect for the year ahead, as the department hits a major budget shortfall.

Coons has temporarily taken over the department as parks director Lisa Sumption works as interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

As you make your spring and summer plans at Oregon parks, here’s what you need to know.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, this year’s museum season has something for you.

This time of year — after the holidays and before spring break — are the perfect time to visit Oregon’s museums. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss all the best exhibits coming to museums in Portland and around the state.

From the Portland Art Museum’s massive expansion to the exhibits and animals at Bend’s High Desert Museum, there’s a lot to see this winter. The art, history and cultural museums offer a place to escape from the elements and discover something new.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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The post-holiday slump is real.

After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who don’t leave home might be missing out on one of the best travel seasons in Oregon.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the post-holiday travel season – a small window of time when tourist towns are free of crowds and hiking trails, while muddy, are beautiful in the crisp (or soggy) winter afternoons.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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With a rough start to ski season in Oregon, people are champing at the bit to get up on Mount Hood.

Oregon’s highest slopes aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. From sledding to snowmobiling there are a lot of ways to slide down the mountain. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over all the ways to play in the snow, setting you up for a fun season ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026 Northwest Travel Guide, offering five ideas from around the region, from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures.

Even if you’re not making any reservations just yet (although you really should soon), it’s worth at least thinking about what you might want to do, and where you might want to go, in the year ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who is also a Nordic skiing enthusiast. Russell recounts his journey from spectactor of the 2018 Winter Olympics to an avid cross-country skier.

As Russell tells it, anybody can get into cross-country skiing, whether you’ve ever touched a ski or not. While Nordic skiers can work their way up to the level of elite athletes (or do their best to), the sport can be easy to pick up, especially if you’re just trying to have a nice day in the snow.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving, highlighting some of the best experiential gifts for outdoor adventurers.

There’s nothing wrong with a new pair of socks and an REI gift card, but what about the gift of a tree climbing trip or a relaxing soak in some of Oregon’s most serene hot springs? We have all the details on how to secure gift cards for some of the best outdoor experiences in the state.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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