Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

January 25, 2024A beginner’s lessons in cross-country skiing
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:
How Vickie got involved with Trail Mixed and ended up on skis.
What’s the difference between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing?
What was it like learning to ski?
Why Teacup is a haven for Nordic skiers on Mount Hood.
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24 min
January 18, 2024 Revisiting camping in comfort at Oregon State Park cabins and yurts
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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30 min
January 11, 2024Winter adventures in the Pacific Northwest
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:
The Tilly Jane A-Frame offers a different kind of way to spend the night in a snowy forest.
Canada’s Banff is a beautiful national park and resort town with a lot to offer winter visitors.
Flying with ski gear presents a host of possible complications.
Why you shouldn’t be too disappointed (yet) about the weak snowfall this season.
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40 min
January 04, 2024Exploring Mount Hood’s beautiful Salmon River Trail
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:
What are the specs on the Salmon River Trail?
Jamie’s autumn hike on the trail was an amazing experience.
Vickie’s sunset trail run took her to an incredible view.
Why this is a great spot for beginner backpackers.

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23 min
December 28, 2023Where in the Northwest are we traveling in 2024?
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:
Why Burns might be the perfect place to anchor some high desert adventures.
The Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness on Mount Hood is ripe for exploration.
LOGE Alta Crystal looks like a good base camp at Mount Rainier.
Why you should take a road trip to the Northwest’s new troll sculptures.

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44 min
December 21, 2023Does Instagram lead to overcrowding in Oregon’s parks?
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:
How was this study conducted?
Instagram’s influence accounts for a very small percentage of park visits.
What else could be driving crowds to Oregon parks, if not social media?
Social media affects visitor behavior in other ways.

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31 min
December 14, 2023How to find hidden glass floats on the Oregon coast
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:
How did Finders Keepers get started?
What’s the deal with these floats?
Special drop days up your odds of finding a float, with dozens or hundreds hidden at once.
What are some tips for finding a float?

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27 min
December 07, 2023How to cut down your own Christmas tree in Oregon
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:
Vickie tells the tale of her first U-cut experience in Oregon.
Pair your Christmas tree cutting with… hot dogs?
Jamie remembers harvesting a tree from the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Everything you need to know before getting a Christmas tree permit.

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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28 min
November 30, 2023My Epic Adventure: Bike touring through the San Juan Islands
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:
What exactly is bike touring anyway?
A more complex trip required a little more planning in advance.
Along for the ride: a sweet dog with a complicated name.
Some of the best memories from the journey, which stretched across three islands.

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22 min
November 23, 2023Where to stay while exploring around Bend
Bend is one of Oregon’s best jumping off points for natural adventures, whether you’re skiing Mount Bachelor, climbing South Sister or biking around the high desert.
But where should you stay while you’re there?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we dive into our favorite places to sleep in Bend, including boutique motels, a local hostel and a McMenamins with an ornate soaking pool.
There are obviously many more lodging options in town. Our list does not get into any Airbnbs, corporate chain hotels or backcountry campsites. There are also many places we simply didn’t get to. But if you can’t figure out where you’re going to sleep after paddling the Deschutes River or taking a brewery tour, these should at least get you started.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Several boutique motels have added modern design and amenities to refurbished buildings.
Bunk+Brew is a European-style hostel with an extremely Bend vibe.
Would you sleep in an old Catholic school? What if there was an incredible soaking pool?
Tumalo State Park has a year-round campground just a few miles outside of town.

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35 min