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:

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Trying something new can always be a bit scary, especially when that something new involves strapping boards to your feet and propelling yourself across the ice and snow.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive right into the trepidation, as Vickie tries cross-country skiing for the first time, traveling with outdoor recreation group Trail Mixed to the Teacup Nordic Snow Park on Mount Hood.

The experience naturally proved to be a fun adventure, but was it enough to turn Vickie into a snow sports person?

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from December, 2021.

If you enjoy camping but don’t love sleeping on the ground, there’s a nifty solution at some of Oregon’s most popular state parks.

In addition to the tent and RV sites that populate campgrounds, some parks come equipped with additional accommodations: cabins and yurts that offer a more comfortable way to spend the night.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss what to expect and what to bring with you if you’re looking to do a little state park glamping. While far from a luxury hotel, these cabins and yurts offer a much cozier way to stay the night immersed in nature.

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The snow is finally falling in the Cascade Mountains, meaning it’s high time to get going on those winter adventures.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we’re joined by former co-host Jim Ryan, who discusses a pair of exciting ski trips on his horizon this winter: a trek to the Tilly Jane A-Frame on Mount Hood and a vacation to the slopes of Banff National Park in Canada.

Ryan, a lifelong snow enthusiast, gets into everything from flying with skis to convincing skeptical friends to join up on a magical ice-skating experience.

Here’s the full episode:

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When you think about lush, Pacific Northwest forests, the image you conjure might as well be of the Salmon River Trail.

The 14-mile hiking trail in the Mt. Hood National Forest is famous for its dense evergreen forest, easy river access and many backpacking sites, drawing small crowds of outdoor enthusiasts on just about every sunny day of the year.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover everything you need to know about the beautiful Salmon River Trail, including when, how and why you should go check it out.

Here’s the full episode:

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Happy 2024! With New Year’s only days away, we’re already looking ahead to a busy year of Pacific Northwest travel.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie and Vickie do some scheming and dreaming about another year of travel, planning trips big and small, from the high desert to the Pacific coast.

Whether you love visiting a small town, are looking for a wild outdoor adventure or an interesting new attraction, there’s something here for you to look forward to.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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A common complaint on social media is that photo sharing apps like Instagram directly lead to the ruination of outdoor destinations by encouraging crowds of people to visit.

It’s a popular sentiment, but is it really true?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we interview a pair of researchers behind an Oregon State University study that suggests the reality is much more complex. While Instagram posts may be responsible for some of the increasing crowds, there are many other factors at play.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Every wanted to find hidden treasure on the beach? Finders Keepers is making that dream a reality.

The year-round event hides decorative glass floats on the beaches of Lincoln City, encouraging people to walk the sand and look for the small treasures. But what are the odds you’ll find one?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talked to Stephanie Hull, event and outreach coordinator for Explore Lincoln City, which runs Finders Keepers. She talked all about the history of the event, the process of making and hiding the floats, and how you can go about finding one yourself.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Christmas tree shopping in Oregon is often a bring-your-own-hand-saw occasion.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we eschew the store-bought experience to discuss two ways to cut down your own Christmas tree locally.

There are pros and cons to both U-cut farms and harvesting from the forest, but each provides a similar experience – an outside, muddy boots, sawdust experience – that (for the right people) injects a little more magic into the holidays.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Is island hopping better by bike?

On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we take a bike tour across the San Juan Islands, one of the most scenic destinations in the Pacific Northwest, courtesy of Kristine de Leon, business reporter at The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Plenty of people visit the Washington islands, found in the Salish Sea off the coast of Vancouver Island, and while most opt to take their cars, many travelers prefer to tour two wheels. The slower pace allows more time to soak in the beautiful scenery, and offers a more adventurous way to go.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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