Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

September 07, 2023A visitor’s guide to the Pacific Northwest
Those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest have probably fielded the same question from friends and family who fly into town to visit: I’ll be exploring the area for a week – where should I go?
With so many natural wonders, incredible restaurants, beautiful attractions and charming towns across the region, that can feel like an impossible question to answer. How do you pick between the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon coast? How can you play favorites among our volcanic peaks? And what about the many treasures of the high desert?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we break down the many options for Northwest travelers, discussing the pros and cons of each place. Whether you’re a tourist yourself or helping others plan, this episode is for you.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The Columbia Gorge-Mount Hood loop is a perfect road trip for visitors.
Why Cannon Beach is the go-to north coast destination.
Olympic National Park is big, beautiful and absolutely worth a trip.
Some places are beautiful but just too far to recommend for a quick trip.

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33 min
August 31, 2023Climbing to the summit of South Sister
With snow melting and trails opening up, late summer is officially mountain climbing season in the Pacific Northwest.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we’re taking advantage of the season to climb to the top of one of central Oregon’s most scenic peaks: South Sister.
The sweeping volcano west of Bend is known as one of Oregon’s more baggable peaks, and is beloved for its alpine lakes and stunning views. Vickie recently tackled the climb and came back with a wild story from the mountain.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The gear and preparation you need to climb South Sister.
What’s the best way to approach the climb?
The struggle and the beauty of the experience.
A surprising summer storm made for an exciting summit.

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29 min
August 24, 2023What it’s like to take a 100-mile bike ride with your dad
It’s always nice to bond with your parents, but how many people choose to bond over a 100-mile bike ride?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Lizzy Acker, trending news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who spent a warm day this summer on a century ride with her dad.
Taking a route from Portland to Troutdale and back, the father-daughter duo enjoyed a great adventure that included sunshine, river views, lemonade and a just a few challenges on the way.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How a failed attempt fueled the desire to reach 100 miles.
Their route ran largely along bike paths from Portland to Sugarpine Drive-In.
What is it like to ride with your dad?
How Lizzy is using this experience to get ready for Cycle Oregon.

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28 min
August 18, 2023Take a trip to the scenic Boardman Corridor on the Oregon coast
Looking for incredible coastal views? Make your way to the Boardman Corridor.
Officially known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the 12-mile stretch of the southern Oregon coast is known for its big views, beaches and hiking trails, all found off a series of pull-outs alongside U.S. 101.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into all the best sights to see at the Boardman Corridor, as well as some tips on navigating the sometimes confusing trailheads and parking areas.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What exactly is the Boardman Corridor?
Arch Rock and Natural Bridges are two of the most popular attractions in the area – for good reason.
The Thomas Creek Bridge is a major feat of engineering.
A trio of beaches offer opportunities to get to the sand, with varying levels of difficulty.

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29 min
August 10, 2023How to see the spectacular Perseid meteor shower
A big cosmic show is coming this weekend, and conditions should be good to see it from Oregon.
The annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the most reliably spectacular astronomical events of the year, will be peaking on Aug. 12 and 13, bringing beautiful streaking meteors to the night sky.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about how, when and where to see the Perseids, and explain what exactly it is you’ll be looking at.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What are the Perseids?
Why this year is a particularly good year to watch the meteor shower.
Some of the best dark sky locations to watch the show.
Star parties are a great way to watch the meteor shower with likeminded people, and learn a little more about the cosmos.

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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17 min
August 03, 2023Where to find the hardest hikes around Portland
Looking to round out summer with a few good leg-burners? You’ve come to the right place.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the toughest hiking trails around the Portland area, finding them at Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Coast Range.
These are not your average day hikes – they’re intense climbs meant only for the hardiest of hikers.
We have all the details to help you settle on the best hike for you, from mileage and elevation gain to the necessary precautions at each place. If you’ve spent the season on some of the easier and more moderate trails, this might be the time to challenge yourself.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Our “hard” hikes include a pair of beautiful spots on Mount Hood.
The “harder” hikes feature some popular places on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.
A pair of “hardest” hikes go up some of the steepest inclines in the area, with lots of mileage to keep your heart pumping.

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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35 min
July 27, 2023 Revisiting Olympic National Park's trails, beaches, campsites and lodges
Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from July, 2021.
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to enjoy Olympic National Park: from the coastline to the forest, lodges to campgrounds.

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26 min
July 20, 2023Revisiting what it's like to summit Mount St. Helens for the first time
Programming note: This is a rebroadcast of an excellent episode from September, 2022.

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:
Vickie chats about the three different terrain sections of the Mount St. Helens climb via Climber’s Bivouac trailhead.
How to snag a permit during peak climbing season.
Vickie discusses what she packed that was most helpful.
Tips and tricks for having the most enjoyable summit possible.

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25 min
July 13, 2023An epic road trip from Portland to Alaska
There are tons of incredible road trips in the Pacific Northwest. You can loop the Olympic Peninsula, drive the length of the Oregon coast, cruise the Cascade Mountains or head out to the treasures of the high desert.
A road trip to Alaska is on a whole other level.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we talk with our colleague, photographer Dave Killen, who made the epic trip from Portland to Alaska with his partner and their two dogs in a vintage Volkswagen bus he rebuilt himself.
The three-week excursion was full of good hiking, incredible scenery and a lifetime of memories. How, exactly, do you go about planning a trip of this magnitude? And is it a reasonable excursion for the everyday Northwest adventurer?
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why choose a road trip to Alaska?
There are a couple different routes to get up there.
What were some of the most scenic places along the way?
Seeing (or hearing) wildlife is bound to happen in this part of the country.
Are there any challenges specific to this kind of trip?

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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32 min
July 06, 2023Our favorite Oregon trips of 2023 (so far)
Between wildflower hikes, scenic bike rides, tree climbing and tide pooling, the first half of 2023 has been especially active for the Peak Northwest crew.
On this week’s episode of the podcast, we run through our favorite trips from this year so far, crossing almost the entirety of Oregon, from the roaring ocean, over the mountains to the arid high desert.
If you’re still looking for some spring or fall travel ideas around the Pacific Northwest, we have some excellent ideas for you.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
A vintage airstream with a quick walk to the coast is hard to beat.
Day tripping through the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge.
Our most adventurous adventures of the year.
How to pull off a spur of the moment trip to Bend.
Rainy days at the Oregon coast are a relaxing way to travel.

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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32 min