Driving out to eastern Oregon offers travelers an opportunity to see some of the state’s finest desert terrain. If you plan your trip just right, and take a few less traveled roads, you’re in for a treat of small town exploration, too.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk with colleague, Sam Swindler, video producer and reporter for Here is Oregon, who just got back from an epic reporting trip across the state.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in United States history. The explosion reduced the mountain’s elevation by about 1,370 feet. Today, hikers and mountaineers set off to the volcano for the day-long adventure to climb to the top. The reduced elevation makes the trek suitable for beginner mountaineers, too.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor talks about her first volcanic summit at Mount St. Helens.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Mount Hood holds endless adventuring opportunities. Famous for being a playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, the south side of the mountain receives a lot of love, rightfully so, for places like Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Hood Skibowl. But the north side of the mountain offers plenty of activities, too, especially in the summer.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we recount our last trip to the north side of Mount Hood, where we filmed for Peak Northwest’s video series.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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A lot can happen in 100 years. In the century years since Oregon christened its first state park, the system has transformed into a global attraction.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Jamie and Vickie discuss the state parks system’s place in society today and ponder where Oregon goes from here.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

·     The founding history – including Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site, the first state park

·     How cars played a critical role from the outset

·     The hard times and the good times, money wise

·     How Instagram is playing a role today

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Sauvie Island is a popular place, and it’s no surprise why: The sprawling Columbia River island is home to hiking trails, beaches, berry farms and more – the recipe for a perfect summer day.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into the best trails to hike, the best beaches to lounge on, and a few of the best farms to stop at while you explore the island.

Pack your sunscreen, pick up a parking permit, and show up early if you can. Sauvie Island is calling.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike have a wealth of options when it comes to hearing music live and outdoors.

Portland concertgoers can make a four-and-a-half hour drive to dance to sweet tunes as the sun sets behind a gorge. There’s also the option 30 minutes away to sit out on a lawn with friends as big artists rock out. Either way, making it to an outdoor show is a must every summer for many people.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we chat about a few of the many outdoor concert venues in the region.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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You don’t need to drive out into the Columbia River Gorge or up the slopes of Mount Hood to get into nature – there are plenty of places to get outside in Portland’s suburbs.

From Hillsboro to Troutdale, Oregon City to Battle Ground, there are forested trails, mountain hikes, riverside walks and wildlife refuges to explore. Better yet, they’re often located near great restaurants, shopping districts and public transit hubs.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into some of the best suburban adventures for the summer.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Getting outside with your kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences. If not just for your little one to see nature’s great splendor, then for you, the adult, to leave home too, and take a nice breath of fresh air in the forest.

There are plenty of family friendly adventures worth seeking out in the Portland-metro area. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we chat with two parents from The Oregonian/OregonLive’s newsroom: engagement editor, Julie Evensen, and podcast editor, Andrew Theen.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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People tend to travel to Eugene for the University of Oregon or its many outdoor recreation opportunities – or for the upcoming World Athletics Championships – but the Willamette Valley town also boasts one of Oregon’s best food scenes.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant reporter and critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently wrote a guide to Eugene’s essential restaurants.

With everything from sushi to pizza, Eugene specializes in farm-to-table dining and creative approaches to cuisine, not unlike many of restaurants up in Portland, Russell said. The food scene serves tourists and students well, but it’s also worth a trip down to Eugene on its own.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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When you think about classical music, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a performance in a beautiful concert hall with perfect acoustics and a large stage.

Hunter Noack, creator and pianist of In A Landscape, had other plans. Originally from Newport, the Oregon-raised musician has brought his classical performances to mountains, lakes, deserts and the coast, all with a Steinway grand piano in tow.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we chat with Noack about In A Landscape after we saw him perform live at Wallowa Lake State Park.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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