Peak Northwest

The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026 Northwest Travel Guide, offering five ideas from around the region, from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures.

Even if you’re not making any reservations just yet (although you really should soon), it’s worth at least thinking about what you might want to do, and where you might want to go, in the year ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who is also a Nordic skiing enthusiast. Russell recounts his journey from spectactor of the 2018 Winter Olympics to an avid cross-country skier.

As Russell tells it, anybody can get into cross-country skiing, whether you’ve ever touched a ski or not. While Nordic skiers can work their way up to the level of elite athletes (or do their best to), the sport can be easy to pick up, especially if you’re just trying to have a nice day in the snow.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving, highlighting some of the best experiential gifts for outdoor adventurers.

There’s nothing wrong with a new pair of socks and an REI gift card, but what about the gift of a tree climbing trip or a relaxing soak in some of Oregon’s most serene hot springs? We have all the details on how to secure gift cards for some of the best outdoor experiences in the state.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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You don’t have to be a fan of “The Polar Express” to enjoy these holiday trains – though it might help.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of Oregon and Washington’s most popular holiday-themed excursions on historic railroads, which have officially kicked off for the season.

Some trains cater specifically to fans of “The Polar Express” while others offer the typical accoutrements of the holiday season: lights, cookies, cocoa and Santa. They’ve become some of the most popular and best loved holiday traditions in the region.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Are you mushroom foraging curious? Maybe you’ve been out a few times, but haven’t known what to look for? Worry not, the world of chanterelles is close at hand.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get an education from Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, a local organization that teaches outdoor skills.

Liotta dives into the basics of mushroom foraging, discusses how to get over our fears and, crucially, tells us what to do with all those tasty chanterelles. While many foragers jealously guard their knowledge, Liotta is happy to share.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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King tide season is almost here.

The exceptionally high tides, which in 2025 will occur in November, December and January, according to the Oregon King Tide Project, are an opportunity for excitement on the Oregon coast, but come with a heavy dose of caution for anyone hoping to see them.

Before you pull on your rain gear and head out into the elements, here is everything you need to know about the king tides this year.

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found freedom, confidence and community.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon who was recently named to Team USA Para Surfing. At 40, Purry discovered adaptive surfing and has since become an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in outdoor sports.

From navigating Oregon’s cold, wild coastline to preparing for her upcoming debut at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, Purry shares how she trains, connects with other adaptive athletes and embraces the ocean on her own terms.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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For many Oregonians, the outdoors is a place of adventure, but it can also be a space for community and belonging.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Dr. Shirley A. Jackson, volunteer leader for Outdoor Afro Oregon and west regional leader for the national organization reconnecting Black people to land, water and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation and conservation.

From local hikes and bird watching to cosmic tubing and jump roping, Jackson shared some of the ways she cultivates community by increasing access to Oregon’s natural spaces.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Is Mount Hood the best autumn getaway in Oregon?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to do on Mount Hood in the fall, from apple picking to mushroom foraging, beautiful hikes to early-season skiing.

Fall is a great time of year on Oregon’s tallest mountain, situated between the summer backpacking season and the winter ski season, offering an abundance of activities for people of all persuasions. Whether you want a laid-back road trip or a big adventure, you’ll find something great to do on Mount Hood.

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