If you want a taste of Bavaria in the Pacific Northwest, then Leavenworth, Wash., is the place to go. You can indulge in bratwurst, pretzels and beer while wearing lederhosen, all while being surrounded by Bavarian architecture. Even the McDonald’s and the gas station are in theme. The town is also located at the base of the Cascades, making it a gateway to standout hikes and climbs.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about where to eat, sleep and adventure, in and around Leavenworth.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Here’s the full episode:

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-- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale

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Down in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, there’s a small but mighty wine scene just waiting to be explored.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the Applegate Valley wine country, where a wide variety of grapes grow among some seriously beautiful scenery.

Nestled between Grants Pass and Medford near the California border, the wine region makes a perfect day trip while visiting southern Oregon, made complete with stops at places like the town of Jacksonville, Applegate Lake and the McKee Covered Bridge.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Birding is for everyone.

That’s the philosophy at Guero Bird Club, a Portland bird watching group run by local torta restaurant Guero, which for the last year has been leading regular bird walks for beginners and experts alike.

On today’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Audrey Tawdry, co-founder of the Guero Bird Club, who brings a sense of community to her bird walks that she hosts at parks around the city.

Started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club is a part of the modern bird watching boom that focuses more on fun than bird counts. You can find the Guero Bird Club at guerotortas.com/birdclub or on Instagram @guerobirdclub.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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The Hood River Valley consists of more than 15,000 acres of irrigated farmland. If you enjoy fresh picked fruit, or better yet, picking your own fruit, you’re in for a special treat at the Hood River Fruit Loop.

With 35 miles of country back roads, the Fruit Loop offers 27 different orchards, farm stands, bakeries, flower fields, wineries and breweries.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about planning a full day of exploring the Hood River Fruit Loop, after visiting for our most recent Peak Northwest video series shoot.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Known as the Mother of all Relays, the world’s longest running and walking relay race starts at the base of Mount Hood at Timberline Lodge. Over the course of two days, athletes run nearly 200 miles to the Pacific Ocean.

Now, you might be thinking, who in their right minds would do such a thing? For the past 40 years, tens of thousands of athletes come out to run or walk the course.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about the ins and outs of the Hood to Coast relay with The Oregonian/OregonLive’s audience engagement editor, Julie Evensen, who ran it on August 26-27.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Maybe you’ve seen a herd of elk before. But have you heard the herd? Better yet, have you tried calling one over?

If you have no idea what an elk sounds like, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, there are many people who not only know the sounds of elk, but compete in imitating their noises. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we had the chance to talk with colleague Sam Swindler, who recently met with Ella Lees, the youngest ever Women’s World Elk Calling Champion.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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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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