Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

August 22, 2024How to spend 3 days backpacking Broken Top Loop
If you’re dreaming of a final challenging backpacking trip this summer or wanting a stunning adventure for early fall, Broken Top Loop trail might just be your answer. With emerald green lakes, peaceful stream crossings, plus views of multiple mountain peaks, this trail will leave you in awe of the state’s beauty.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor recounts her most recent trip to Central Oregon, where she spent three days on Broken Top Loop trail.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why this trail is best for experienced backpackers.
An ideal three day, two night itinerary in the backcountry.
Choosing between hiking clockwise or counterclockwise on the trail.
Why you might want to leave your dog at home for this trip.

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37 min
August 15, 20245 challenging long-distance hikes on the Oregon coast
If you’ve spent the summer working yourself into peak hiking shape, there are some great trails to test your endurance, not in the mountains but by the beach.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into five long-distance hikes on the Oregon coast, climbing the steep cliffs and headlands, past rocky tide pools and down onto the sand.
Utilizing the long, snaking trail systems at some of the best parks on the coast, hikers can find places to hike for 12 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or even longer. What the coast lacks in sheer elevation, it makes up for in distance, with so much of the Pacific coastline taken up by public lands.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Cape Lookout’s three trails can be connected for one long hike.
The Fort to Sea Trail is a classic adventure on the north coast.
Why Yachats is home to some of the best long-distance hiking on the coast.
Ecola and Oswald West state parks have some seriously long trail networks.

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40 min
August 08, 2024Kah-Nee-Ta resort is Oregon’s newest vacation destination
Kah-Nee-Ta is back, just in time for the second half of summer vacation.
The beloved Warm Springs resort is not completely back to its former glory, but a piece of it has been renovated and reopened as Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, setting it up as the hottest new vacation destination in Oregon.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the hot spring soaking pools, take a spin on the lazy river, and cool off in the poolside cabanas, giving you everything you need to know about the new Kah-Nee-Ta resort.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What’s the history with Kah-Nee-Ta?
Everything you need to know about the big renovation
Overnight lodging options, including lodge rooms and teepees
What’s happening with the other parts of the old resort?

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25 min
August 01, 2024A road trip to some of Oregon’s least visited state parks
Summer means big crowds at Oregon’s busiest state parks, places like Silver Falls and Fort Stevens, which draw millions of visitors each year.
But what about those other parks?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a road trip to some of the least visited state parks in Oregon, all clustered together in a rural, remote part of northeast Oregon. Here, you won’t find crowds – or, at some spots, much of anything.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where exactly are these little state parks?
Finding pockets of beauty at Red Bridge.
Which parks might not be worth your time.
A delightful afternoon at Catherine Creek State Park.
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30 min
July 25, 2024How to make the most of one night at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is one of those places where you can, and probably should, spend a few days exploring. Between Rim Drive, the historic lodge and loads of nearby hikes, there’s enough there for days of adventure.
But sometimes you don’t have that time.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go through a recent one-night visit to Oregon’s famous national park, discussing how to make the most of a short trip to the caldera.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where to stay in and around the park.
Going early in the season might mean fewer crowds, but also less to do.
Stopping for gas and stumbling onto a pair of gorgeous waterfalls.
Where to find great hiking off the rim of the lake.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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37 min
July 18, 2024A wild expedition to peak of Mount Shasta
Mountain climbers may consider Mount Shasta one of the easier Pacific Northwest mountains to ascend, but it’s no easy feat.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our colleague Fedor Zarkhin, breaking news and enterprise reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, recounts his wild expedition to the top of the towering Cascade Mountain peak, sharing his stumbles and successes along the way.
Making it to the top of the volcano requires more than 7,000 vertical feet of climbing, with an ice axe and crampons required toward the top. Those who can handle the physical feat may get stymied by weather.
The reward is in the climb itself – and the stunning natural beauty found on one of the tallest mountains in the region.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Fedor ended up climbing Mount Shasta with a stranger.
Tackling the difficult climb, five steps at a time.
Why a recent shopping trip at the outdoors store ended up paying off.
Why are physical challenges like this so appealing?

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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36 min
July 11, 2024Searching for Bigfoot in the Northwest wilderness
Plenty of people talk about Bigfoot, but what is it like to go out searching for the famous cryptid?
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Samantha Swindler, videographer and features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently went out into the wilderness with a pair of Bigfoot hunters.
Her experience took her deep into the woods of Sasquatch mythology – and deep into the literal woods as well. She came back with a few ideas about the Pacific Northwest’s most famous monster, and some information about the people who dedicate their lives to finding it.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is the allure of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest?
Sam recounts her camping trip in the Washington wilderness.
These Bigfoot hunters are also looking for something else: missing people.
One theory about all those Bigfoot sightings in the Northwest.

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35 min
July 04, 2024Where to find uncrowded hikes in Oregon
With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, you might find yourself wanting to explore outside. But, you might face the conundrum of knowing your typical go-to spot will have an influx of other people there, too.
If that’s you, have no fear, there are plenty of places to explore, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie and Vickie peel back the curtain on hikes less traveled in Oregon.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
A family-friendly hike near a body of water to cool down.
An overlooked beach for a coastal destination.
Where to backpack and put your legs to the test.
Crossing into Washington for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge.

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25 min
June 27, 2024Light-up kayaks, railroad hikes and more to do in Joseph
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:
Why the Kokanee Inn is a great place to stay in Joseph.
Taking a nighttime light-up kayak tour of Wallowa Lake.
What is M. Crow and why is it become such a big deal in Northeast Oregon?
A railroad hike along the Wallowa River.
What’s left to do in Joseph?
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38 min
June 20, 20248 low tide treasures on the Oregon coast
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:
The Neskowin ghost forest is a bucket list low tide attraction.
Thors Well and Devils Punchbowl are more than just dramatic names.
How to find the hidden shipwrecked boiler in Boiler Bay.
Why Lost Boy Beach is one of the most dangerous low tide adventures.

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35 min