Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

April 04, 2024Changes in store for Mount Hood climbers this year: Peak Northwest podcast
New Mount Hood climbing permits are being implemented this year, in an effort to help educate the public about the risks associated with ascending the 11,245-foot peak.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we spoke with Ryan Matz, the climbing ranger program manager for Mt. Hood National Forest, who went over the new permits and offered some helpful tips and safety information for prospective climbers.
Matz also told us why he loves climbing to the top of the towering volcano, which attracts thousands of climbers each year.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How are climbing conditions looking this year?
What’s the deal with the new permits
What do people need to know before trying to climb Mount Hood?
Matz shares his experiences climbing the mountain.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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26 min
March 28, 2024Exploring Oregon’s new Dark Sky Sanctuary: Peak Northwest podcast
Oregon is now home to the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, but found in a remote corner of the state, some people may be left wondering how, exactly, to explore it.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down this 2.5 million acre swath of southern Oregon, highlighting some of the best places there to go stargazing/
While remote, this part of the state features some truly breathtaking scenery, as well as amenities like hot springs, campgrounds and a historic fire lookout that offer special kinds of cosmic getaways.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Hart Mountain is a rugged high desert destination with a relaxing hot spring campground.
Summer Lake Hot Springs is an incredible place to soak under the stars.
The Drake Peak Lookout is a great rental – if you can snag a reservation.
Lakeview is the biggest town inside the sanctuary, and a good place to stock up on supplies.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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31 min
March 21, 2024Snorkeling and scuba diving to an ancient Oregon forest
Oregon isn’t much of a snorkeling or scuba diving destination in the way people typically think of the activities: There are no tropical waters here, no clownfish or coral reefs.
What Oregon does have is Clear Lake, a beautiful setting high in the Cascade Mountains where divers and snorkelers can swim through crystal clear waters to an ancient underwater forest.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak to Bend-based freelance journalist Haley Nelson, who shadowed scuba divers at the lake last summer. She talks of a beautiful, otherworldly scene, which divers must brave frigid waters to see.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Clear Lake, and its underwater forest, were formed.
Just how cold is the water anyway?
Diving in Clear Lake requires some specialized gear.
There are other things to do at Clear Lake, other than explore underwater.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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23 min
March 14, 2024Exploring Portland’s hidden stair walks
You don’t have to be a stair freak to appreciate the many hidden stairways around Portland.
The stairways lead through charming neighborhoods and beautiful parks, found in nearly every corner of the city. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we string those stairways together for three beautiful stair walks – perfect outings to get your legs moving at the start of spring.
Based on the book “Portland Stair Walks” by local author Laura O. Foster, these excursions are just the beginning. You can find more stair walks and other urban adventures in her book, or by wandering on foot and finding them yourself.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why should you climb stairs for fun?
Mt. Tabor Park offers stairways in a beautiful natural setting.
The Kings Heights Stairs are serious business.
A stair walk along Alameda Ridge is like a treasure hunt.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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31 min
March 07, 2024The best Oregon coast beaches for spring break
The Oregon coast is no Cabo San Lucas, but it is one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight 10 of the best beaches on the Oregon coast, from Astoria to Brookings. Whether you’re looking for beachside restaurants or quiet getaways, there’s a perfect place for you here.
The Oregon coast may not have reliably sunny skies or water that’s warm enough to swim in, but it does have an abundance of natural beauty and a diversity of options for those seeking a little time in the sand. Who needs Cabo when you have Cannon Beach?
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
North coast beaches come with a lot of variety – and, typically, crowds.
The central coast is much rockier, but there are several sandy beaches to check out.
South coast beaches are beautiful and more wild, rewarding coast adventurers.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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35 min
February 29, 2024The coolest astronomical events coming in 2024
Is this the year you finally see the Perseid meteor shower? Will you be traveling to see the big solar eclipse? Can you catch a glimpse at one of the comets streaking through the sky?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the coolest astronomical events coming in 2024 – adjust your stargazing calendars accordingly.
And while many of these events can be seen in your own backyard, they’re always better viewed under clear, dark skies. That could mean a trip to some of Oregon’s best stargazing spots, like Steens Mountain and the Prineville Reservoir. After all, beautiful landscapes and cosmic events pair nicely.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Two comets are expected to be visible this year, one in spring and another in fall.
A total solar eclipse will cross America, but the Pacific Northwest won’t get much of a show.
It’s a tough year for meteor showers, but there are still a few good options.
The supermoon lunar eclipse should be a good show.

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

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30 min
February 22, 2024Oregon events worth traveling to in 2024
There are few better ways to get to know Oregon than through the many different events that take place throughout our state every year.
The Pendleton Round-Up, UFO Fest and Tamkaliks Celebration, to name a few, all show a different facet of this fascinating place.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss which events are worth making a road trip to see, and why they can be such a joy. Whether you’re into rodeos, powwows, kite festivals or beer festivals, there’s something great in Oregon to see and do.
Here are some highlights:
A trio of events on the Oregon coast offer fun throughout the year.
The UFO Fest is one of the weirdest events in the Willamette Valley.
Why you should head out to the Pendleton Round-Up.
Some great events have already happened, so mark your calendars for 2025.

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

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42 min
February 15, 2024Why you should visit Seattle by train
Seattle, the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, is a great local vacation option, boasting fascinating attractions, good food and outdoor recreation options both urban and wild.
Portlanders, who famously loathe visiting their sister city to the north, might find the trip much more enjoyable simply by switching up the way that they get there.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down what a train trip to Seattle can look like, and how traveling by rail can unlock a much more enjoyable experience. Visiting the local restaurants, museums and parks can be a lot more attractive when you don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic jams – who knew?
Here are some highlights:
How does the train to Seattle work?
How easy is it to get around town once you’re there?
Good food, interesting museums and beautiful parks await.
Jamie tries to convince Vickie to give this trip a chance.

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

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35 min
February 08, 2024How to celebrate Oregon’s 165th birthday
Happy birthday, Oregon!
In case you weren’t aware, the state of Oregon is turning 165 years old this Feb. 14. To mark the occasion, this week’s episode of Peak Northwest is dedicated to celebrating the state we call home.
But how do you celebrate our state? Maybe it’s by visiting a local history or cultural museum. It could mean spending time in Salem, the state capital. Or maybe all you want to do is get out on a trail and appreciate some of the natural beauty Oregon is famous for.
We have a few ideas to get you started.
Here are some highlights:
Salem and Oregon City are both important in Oregon’s history, and both great places to spend a day.
Oregon’s tribal museums offer some pre-colonial history.
There are a number of good local history and cultural museums to explore.
Which state parks are the best for celebrating Oregon’s birthday?

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

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23 min
February 01, 2024The joys and challenges of traveling alone
Solo travel can be one of the most joyful and rewarding experiences you can have, but it can also require a good dose of caution.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the world of traveling alone, speaking from our own experiences to offer some tips on not only staying safe but getting the most out of your trip.
Here are some highlights:
How can you stay safe while traveling alone?
What are some ways to get the most of the experience?
Things to add to your pack list that you may overlook.
Some of our most memorable solo travel experiences.

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36 min