Peak Northwest

By The Oregonian/OregonLiveSociety & Culture Sports Places & Travel Wilderness

Peak Northwest episodes

October 31, 20245 of the spookiest hikes in Oregon
What makes a hike spooky? Is it the dark, misty environment of a Northwest fall day? Or the old, abandoned buildings sometimes found on the trail?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we investigate five of the spookiest hiking areas around Oregon, just in time for the dark season.
Our picks range from the Oregon coast to the high desert, with plenty of deep, dark forests in between. For those who want to get a little creeped out while exploring outside (or those who don’t), these are the places to know.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Is there anything scarier than the dark, concrete tunnels of an old military battery?
One Portland attraction has been haunting hikers for generations.
Caving is literally a descent into darkness.
Why wildfire burn areas are totally eerie.

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32 min
October 24, 20245 Pacific Northwest holiday events worth traveling to
Just about every town in America has a tree lighting event, walk-through light display or downtown shopping night for the holidays, but a few spots like to do something a little extra.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at the Pacific Northwest holiday events that might be worth traveling to, from busy winter festivals to visits from Krampus.
There’s something delightful about small towns going all out for the holidays, one-upping each other for the biggest, best and busiest events –and offering Northwest travelers a window into local holiday traditions.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why you should check out Leavenworth’s Christmastown, even though it will be a scene.
The best light display in Oregon? It might be at a state park on the coast.
Get a taste of Victorian Christmas pageantry in this southern Oregon destination.
A small town in Washington has a delightfully creepy Krampus tradition.

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28 min
October 17, 20246 perfect fall hiking spots close to Portland
With apologies to summer, fall is a perfect season for hiking.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover some of the very best fall hiking destinations close to Portland, which areconvenient outings for the ever-shortening days.
Covering Mount Hood, the Coast Range, the Columbia River Gorge and Portland proper, these hikes are great places to take in the crisp air, the changing leaves, and all the other sights and smells of autumn.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why Silver Falls State Park is a no-brainer.
Two spots in Portland that are perfect for the season.
A walk to the tip of Sauvie Island has a fun surprise at the end.
The Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood come with an added seasonal benefit: fewer crowds.

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29 min
October 10, 2024A two week solo backpacking trip exploring the Wallowas
For some adventurers, a two to four day backpacking trip can be the perfect amount of time to disconnect with the business of day to day life and reconnect with the nature around us. But, for others, a longer trip is needed, or in this case, wanted.
This week on Peak Northwest podcast, breaking news and enterprise reporter Fedor Zarkhin recounts his most recent trip to the Wallowas, where he backpacked solo for 14 days.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The must-see natural attractions of the Wallowas.
What goes into food planning when backpacking for longer stints.
Navigating with a good old fashioned physical map.
The joys of disconnecting from technology.
Multiple majestic mountain goat sightings.

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38 min
October 03, 2024A first-time triathlete's takeaways from IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities
A triathlon can be a daunting experience. Combine swimming, cycling and running into one event and you have a race that countless endurance athletes look forward to each year.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Vickie Connor recounts her latest race: IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where to start as a first-time triathlete.
Biking through Richland, Washington’s scenic wine country.
What goes into training and nailing down nutrition.
The joys of local events in the region to prepare for this race.
Finding community through swimming, biking and running groups in Portland.

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30 min
September 26, 2024How to explore Southern Oregon's highway of waterfalls
If you find yourself traveling from Portland to Crater Lake National Park, consider taking a slightly longer, scenic route to enjoy the trip.
This week on Peak Northwest podcast, we talk about a few of the many highlights of Highway 138, lovingly known at Oregon’s highway of waterfalls. The stretch of roadway between Roseburg and Diamond Lake offers numerous stops, including not only waterfalls, but hot springs, riverside campgrounds and hikes with fascinating lava rock formations.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Toketee Falls is just as majestic in person as it is through photographs.
Oregon’s third tallest waterfall includes a short hike to get up close and personal.
Beautiful camping options.
Drive a bit further to eat pizza at Diamond Lake.

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28 min
September 19, 2024Crater Lake's Ride the Rim bike event is a must-do for Oregon cyclists
If you’re up for the challenge, biking around Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive is arguably one of the best cycling routes in the state. Even sweeter, the road is almost entirely closed to vehicle traffic for two days every summer.
This week on Peak Northwest podcast, co-host Vickie Connor chats about participating in Ride the Rim 2024 and why the trip is a perfect end cap to your bike summer.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why participating in the annual free event is a more fun and supported way of doing this ride.
How far and difficult the full ride is.
Opting for a mid-ride cliff jump into the lake is almost always a good idea.
Lodging options in the area.
You may even have a bear cub sighting.

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31 min
September 12, 2024A first-timer's guide to the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim
Each year, hundreds of brave swimmers board a sternwheeler boat in the Columbia River Gorge to swim from the Washington side of the river to a finish line in Oregon. It’s an 80-year-tradition, now hosted in Cascade Locks.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Vickie Connor recounts her recent open water swim at the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim event.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What it feels like to swim 1.1 miles across the Columbia River.
How to prepare for an open water swim.
How paddle boarders and kayakers guide you to a safe finish line.
Opportunities to learn technique as a beginner in the pool and open water in Portland.

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29 min
September 05, 2024 What to expect running Hood to Coast relay for the first time

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44 min
August 29, 2024Where to find 6 unique wine experiences in and around Portland
It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley has several epic wine spots and vineyards. But some places are going above and beyond to offer unique experiences in addition to their tasting selections.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we are joined by engagement editor, Julie Evensen and video editor Teresa Mahoney, to chat about some of the coolest spots to drink wine in and around the Portland area.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Portland offers wine experiences where you can get tarot card readings along with your tasting.
Ride horseback through several wineries — no car needed.
Enjoy your glass with epic views in the Gorge.
Create your own adventure by choosing your camp site near a winery.
An unassuming wine spot at a garden center.
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35 min