Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

July 30 This 80-mile stretch of river has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northwest
Many locals already know one of the open secrets in the Pacific Northwest: some of the best beach spots are found not on the coast, but along the rivers.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we look at one of the most scenic river corridors in the region, the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile stretch of river that is home to some of the best beaches in Oregon and Washington.
The sandy or rocky beaches that line either side of the Columbia River are perfect places for day trips, with room to spread out, gorgeous scenery and convenient amenities. Some of the biggest and most beautiful spots are also the ones best equipped to handle crowds; the smaller, hidden beaches might feel a little rougher around the edges.
They’re all worth a visit.

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43 min
July 23Banff and beyond: Why Canada’s mountains are a perfect place for the trip of a lifetime
When a group of childhood friends looked for a destination to take a trip of a lifetime, they landed on one of the most awesome regions of the Pacific Northwest.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Anusha Fathepure, a politics and education reporting intern for The Oregonian/OregonLive, recounts her trip to the northern Cascade and Rocky mountains, all centered on a visit to Canada’s Banff National Park.
Between canoeing in the blue waters of Banff’s mountain lakes, hiking in the snow fields atop Mount Rainier and spending time in Vancouver and Seattle, their 10-day adventure was one they’ll never forget.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How did Fathepure’s friends land on the Pacific Northwest as their big trip destination?

Picking a 10-day itinerary was a lot of work.

A hike on Mount Rainier was more than they bargained for.

The best sights they saw along the way.

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36 min
July 16This deep-cuts bucket list will take you to Oregon's hidden natural treasures
People often assume that outdoors and travel reporter Jamie Hale has been everywhere in Oregon, but even he has a bucket list of places he hasn’t seen.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Hale opens up his deep-cuts bucket list: destinations around the state that, for one reason or another, he has yet to visit.
These places, often remote or rugged in nature, represent a side of Oregon that relatively few people make the trek to see. Still, they contain some truly spectacular sights: towering trees and eroded columns of rock, sweeping sagebrush landscapes and arid, windswept mountains.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What are the Pillars of Rome, and are they worth the drive to see?

Three of Oregon’s most remote mountain ranges are rugged adventures.

Valley of the Giants has incredible trees that are difficult to reach.

The one place Hale regrets not getting to sooner.

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35 min
July 09These dark, mysterious lava tubes are a perfect Pacific Northwest adventure
If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath your feet as you hike around our local volcanoes, this is the place for you.
This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast explores the dark, mysterious lava tubes of Ape Cave in southwest Washington. Found on the south side of Mount St. Helens, the cave system is a fascinating adventure for Northwest explorers.
Between the more challenging upper cave system and the easy lower section, Ape Cave offers an adventure for hikers of all levels. We have everything you need to know about how and when to go check it out.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How was Ape Cave formed and what exactly is it?

Why you need to make sure to bring two sources of light into the cave.

There are a few very specific rules to keep the cave safe.

What’s the difference between the upper and lower cave trails?

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33 min
July 02Reddit asked our Oregon travel reporter anything. Here’s what he said
What do you want to know about traveling through Oregon?
Reddit users had the chance to ask their burning questions of Jamie Hale, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s outdoors and travel reporter who recently did an AMA (that’s Ask Me Anything) on the r/Oregon subreddit.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Hale shared some of the best questions from Redditors and dove into his answers. The discussion ranged from federal lands passes to Oregon’s best hot springs and some of Hale’s favorite places around the state.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Some recreation areas aren’t accepting federal lands passes — what’s the deal?

What are some of the best places to take toddlers and babies on a summer day?

Where is the best place to float near Portland and when is the best time to do it?

What are Hale’s favorite places in Oregon? He has more than a few.
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40 min
June 25Sisters is calling: Everything to do, see and eat in the central Oregon destination
One of central Oregon’s best tourist destinations has it all: good food, great views and easy access to outdoor recreation.
And no, we’re not talking about Bend.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into Sisters, a small town that has drawn tourists for decades. While some people make sure to stop at the Sno Cap Drive In and others are drawn in by the Old West facades that line downtown, there is more to Sisters than initially meets the eye.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why you need to visit the Best Western alpacas.

Food carts are redefining dining in Sisters. Here are the best places to try.

A tiny hike with huge views, just a few minutes outside town.

How to fully explore the natural beauty around Sisters.

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44 min
June 18Author Jeff VanderMeer, a new Oregonian, on walking, writing and why he loves Portland
Author Jeff VanderMeer, best known for the creepy alien nature at the heart of his Southern Reach series, is suddenly engrossed in a different landscape completely: the neighborhoods of Portland.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, VanderMeer, who recently moved to Oregon, talks about his long walks across the city, and all the things he’s discovered along the way.
While far from the world of “Annihilation,” Portland has managed to captivate him like few other places have, he said, and the things he’s seeing on his long, sprawling walks across the city are inspiring his upcoming novels. It’s not just the beautiful parks, but the small discoveries on sidewalks and back alleys along the way.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How VanderMeer first fell in love with Portland.

His walks often go park to park, running through neighborhoods and reaching up to 10 miles at a time.

VanderMeer highlights three of his favorite walks through Portland.

How the author works on his books while walking through the city.

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49 min
June 11How to plan a perfect summer trip around this gem of the Oregon coast
If you’re looking for a perfect, low-key summer getaway, look no further than Florence — Oregon, that is.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore the central Oregon coast town, home to sweeping dunes, good food and all manner of outdoor activities.
Ever wanted to try sandboarding? Maybe you want to kayak a freshwater lake just off the ocean? Interested in exploring a particular species of carnivorous plants? You can find it all in Florence.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The Florence Rhododendron Festival is the Oregon coast’s answer to Portland’s Rose Festival.

Why snowboarders might be at a disadvantage when it comes to sandboarding.

The best places to eat in Florence.

Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head and other sights around the area.

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41 min
June 04What I learned on my very first camping trip in Oregon
While many Oregonians practically grow up at campgrounds, there are plenty of adults who have never enjoyed a night sleeping under the stars.
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, co-host Chiara Profenna recounts her very first camping trip, taken this spring on the Oregon coast.
Profenna took her partner and dog out for one night at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence. The bare-bones overnighter was nevertheless a huge learning experience for Profenna, who walked away with some worthwhile lessons and a new appreciation for sleeping outdoors.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Profenna ended up taking her first camping trip as an adult.

What to pack (and what not to pack) to go camping.

Cooking over the fire vs. going out to eat.

Overall lessons from a first time camping experience.

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32 min
May 28Meet the sisters who launched a hiking group for BIPOC hikers
Outdoor recreation hasn’t always felt accessible or inviting to everyone. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we explore AmigxPNW, a group dedicated to creating spaces for Black, brown and Indigenous communities of color to connect through hiking, camping and outdoor exploration across the Pacific Northwest.
Guests Maria Velador Gonzales and Diana Velador Gonzales, co-founders of AmigxPNW, share how the group got started, how people can join upcoming hikes and why representation and community matter in outdoor spaces.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How and why AmigxPNW was created.

What first-time participants can expect from the group’s hikes and events.

Why representation matters in outdoor recreation spaces.

How community-building can help people feel more connected to nature and each other.
Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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30 min