Peak Northwest

Sometimes all you need is a quick trip to the ocean.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a baby day trip to the north Oregon coast – with an actual baby in tow.

With stops in Cannon Beach, Manzanita and Nehalem, we find out what it’s like to explore the coast, from fish and chips shops to the sandy beach, with an infant along for the ride.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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There are a lot of places to stay the night on the Oregon coast, but some spots are just special.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into our recent list of the best hotels on the Oregon coast, highlighting seven that are especially noteworthy.

These places include affordable stays right off the highway, luxury destinations on the sand and unique spots with funky decor. Bookmark these hotels for your next Oregon coast vacation.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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There are a lot of places to find dark skies in Oregon, but relatively few that are set up to let you gaze deeply into the cosmos.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Paul Poncy, observatory manager at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory in central Oregon, which is one of the state’s best places to go stargazing.

Aside from the dark skies, the observatory also has several telescopes and good educational programming, all found in the vacation town of Sunriver, just south of Bend. It’s a good destination for anyone interested in space, or an add-on activity for those in the area.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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It’s not every day that you get a brand new attraction in the Columbia River Gorge.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we head out to the new Mitchell Point Tunnel, open to pedestrians and cyclists only, found on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail west of Hood River.

The 665-foot tunnel, which features rock windows that open to spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge, is one of the most impressive human-made attractions in the Columbia Gorge. It will be a major part of the 73-mile bike trail when that project is finally completed.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Wildflower season is here! The only question is where you’re going to go hiking to see them.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover all the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, which is easily the most colorful spot to get outside this time of year.

From famous trails like Dog Mountain and the Tom McCall Preserve, to farther-flung destinations like Dalles Mountain Ranch and the Lyle Cherry Orchard, there is no shortage of options here. Pick one (or three!) and get a fresh burst of color into your life.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Not everyone appreciates a ski trip in spring, but those who visit central Oregon in the shoulder season might find a newfound fondness for the region.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a quick trip to Bend, with a stop for some spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor and a night in Sunriver.

From the snowy slopes of the popular mountain to the brewpubs and bike trails around Bend, there’s a lot to do an enjoy on a trip to the region. Here’s how to make the most of an overnighter in the area.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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There are plenty of incredible overnight destinations in Oregon, but what about Warm Springs?

Home of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the reservation has not only beautiful rolling high desert hills, but also the immensely popular Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and the Museum at Warm Springs.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we outline a brief itinerary for a great overnighter to the central Oregon destination.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Everybody should have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities.

That’s the mission of Adventures Without Limits, an Oregon nonprofit that takes people outside and finds creative solutions to whatever barriers they may be facing. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Anna Eick, program coordinator for the organization.

The group has a wide variety of outings through the year, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, Eick said. The trips are open not only to people of all abilities, but also all ages, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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You might be able to recognize a few locations featured in some of the most famous films made in Oregon, like “Twilight” or “The Shining,” but how do you find them all?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore the Oregon Film Trail, a series of markers erected at famous filming locations throughout the state.

We’re joined by Kristi Turnquist, life and culture for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who has been covering the evolution of the film trail. In recent years, more markers have been going up at locations from the Astoria to Baker City, attracting movie fans and tourists alike.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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If your idea of spring break travel is less Cancun and more Corvallis, then we have a few ideas for you.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of the most overlooked attractions in the Willamette Valley that are perfect for some family-friendly day trips this spring.

While most people will flock to the Oregon coast, Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge, you can break the mold by visiting some of these great, off-beat destinations that are sprinkled throughout the region.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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