Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

September 26, 2022How to run the iconic Hood to Coast relay
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:
Julie explains what an overnight running event looks like. Hint: Some sleep in an open field.
Julie shares the preparation and training that goes into Hood to Coast.
There is bacon at the finish line.
How to enter the lottery for 2023.
Other relay races in the area are a great way to get into this type of event.

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34 min
September 15, 2022How a La Grande girl became the World Elk Calling Champion
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:
12-year-old Ella Lees started elk calling lessons with her uncle, Mike Kaup, when she was nine.
Elk sounds vary from grunts, screams and coos.
Elk callers use a diaphragm reed along with a bugle tube to replicate the noises.
Hear what an elk battle sounds like between Ella and her uncle.

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32 min
September 08, 2022Eastern Oregon roadtrip: Shaniko, Condon, John Day and Baker City
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:
Sam explains the (potentially ghostly) history in Shaniko.
There is a tiny Powell’s bookstore tucked away in the town of Condon.
Kam Wah Chung state heritage site is a National Historic Landmark in John Day.
Baker City has a lot to love: from Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to Sweet Wife Baking.

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36 min
September 01, 2022What it's like to summit Mount St. Helens for the first time
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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26 min
August 25, 2022Mount Hood’s north side offers spectacular views and endless adventures
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:
McNeil Point is a tough but rewarding hike with incredible views of Mount Hood.
Lost Lake offers numerous camping accommodations.
Boat, kayak and paddle board rentals are available for Lost Lake visitors.
Parkdale has a great brewery and a mysterious lava flow.

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30 min
August 18, 2022 How Oregon's state parks went from afterthoughts to icons in 100 years
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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33 min
August 11, 2022How to spend a summer day on Sauvie Island
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:
Between the Wapato Greenway, Oak Island and Warrior Point, there are plenty of great hiking options.
What’s the scoop on Sauvie Island’s beaches?
Farms on the island are perfect family-friendly destinations in both the summer and fall.

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27 min
August 04, 2022Outdoor concert venues and amphitheaters to visit this summer
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:
McMenamins Edgefield brings big name acts to a Troutdale lawn where concertgoers can sit back and relax, without traveling too far from Portland.
McMenamins Grand Lodge is a new concert venue, similar to a smaller version of Edgefield with unbeatable sunsets.
Portland venues to enjoy without leaving the city.
The Gorge Amphitheater is one of the most breathtaking spots to enjoy live music and worth the longer drive.
Wear your sunscreen. And other tips and tricks to a successful concert experience outside.

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33 min
July 28, 2022Find a suburban hiking adventure this summer
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:
Sauvie Island and Oxbow Park are great options on either side of Multnomah County.
Hiking up cinder cones and through a forested canyon in Clackamas County.
Beaverton has accessible hiking areas as well as great food nearby.
Don’t miss the beautiful natural areas across the Columbia River.

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28 min
July 21, 2022Adventuring with kids in the great outdoors
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:
Favorite spots in and around Portland to take young kids hiking.
Julie and Andrew’s must-haves when packing for an outing.
Kid-friendly gear that has worked (and not worked) for Julie and Andrew.
Shifting expectations for a smooth outing, especially with multiple kids.

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33 min