Most people stick to the west side off the Cascades to find good waterfalls, but just across the mountains is another incredible waterfall hike at Tumalo Falls.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the Tumalo Falls Loop Hike, a Bend-area adventure that features nearly a dozen beautiful waterfalls along a relatively short and accessible trail.

The waterfalls are found along Tumalo Creek, which runs from the slopes of Broken Top down to the Deschutes River. If you want to experience the loop hike, you’ll want to go during the right season and start early in the day, as crowds tend to descend upon the popular trail even on weekdays.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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With the rainy season upon us, we’re headed inside.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk all about our favorite ways to stay active and spend time inside during the darkest and rainiest months of the year. From yoga and indoor climbing to soaking pools and trip planning, there are a lot of different ways to spend the season.

None of that is to say you can’t continue to get outside this time of year. Ski season is coming soon, and rainy day hikes are always a joy, but it’s always nice to find some balance with inside time as well.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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It’s not every day you come across ruins in an Oregon forest.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore the old military batteries – concrete bunkers built after the Civil War – that still stand at state parks at the mouth of the Columbia River.

From the massive complex at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon to the many batteries at Cape Disappointment and Fort Columbia state parks in Washington, the structures offer a different way to tour the spectacular area.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a different kind of state park attraction, these old batteries are a fascinating attraction.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Do ghosts haunt Oregon? There’s only one way to find out.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Samantha Swindler, videographer and features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who has made it her business to tour the spookiest places around the state.

Swindler talks about sleeping alone in purportedly haunted hotels, touring Old West ghost towns and researching ghost stories around the state. If spooky history is your idea of fun, this is a trip for you.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Programming note: This is a rebroadcast with updates of an episode from February, 2023.

An annular solar eclipse is crossing Oregon this fall, and whether you’re an eclipse-head or a casual stargazer, you’ll probably want to go check it out.

The eclipse is Oct. 14. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about how to prepare for the big cosmic event.

Because while the annual solar eclipse won’t be quite as awesome as the total solar eclipse from 2017, it will still be a spectacular sight to behold, creating a “ring of fire” in the sky above Oregon.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Our green Pacific Northwest forests are about to turn shades of red, yellow and orange.

Oregon’s remarkable fall color is best paired with striking scenery like towering volcanoes and raging rivers. From the highest elevations down to the coast, there are plenty of places to find that perfect combination, ushering in the season with incredible views.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at the Fall Foliage Prediction Map to see where and when peak fall color will be coming to Oregon. No matter where you plan to spend your autumn days, there’s bound to be some color nearby.

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

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Ever wanted to explore a cave? Lava Beds is the place to be.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, our colleague Janet Eastman tells us about her experience exploring the caves at Lava Beds National Monument, found just across the border in northern California.

Featuring more than a dozen caves of various complexity, Lava Beds is a great place to either dip your toes into cave exploration or do some serious spelunking.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Why aren’t there more huckleberries on Huckleberry Mountain?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, a recent trip to the Mt. Hood National Forest leads to an investigation of the fickle huckleberry plants, which are especially susceptible to the whims of the natural world around them.

With a warming climate, in a place that is regularly ravaged by wildfire, what becomes of our beloved huckleberry season?

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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You’ve never toured the Columbia River Gorge quite like this.

With dozens of waterfalls, small towns, hiking trails and viewpoints spread out across both Oregon and Washington, there are a lot of ways to explore the scenic river corridor east of Portland. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we explore one of the crazier ways to do it: a zigzag road trip.

Come along as we take a whirlwind trip to one of the most scenic places in the Pacific Northwest, crossing bridges and pulling off the highway for some seriously incredible views.

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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Those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest have probably fielded the same question from friends and family who fly into town to visit: I’ll be exploring the area for a week – where should I go?

With so many natural wonders, incredible restaurants, beautiful attractions and charming towns across the region, that can feel like an impossible question to answer. How do you pick between the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon coast? How can you play favorites among our volcanic peaks? And what about the many treasures of the high desert?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we break down the many options for Northwest travelers, discussing the pros and cons of each place. Whether you’re a tourist yourself or helping others plan, this episode is for you.

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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