It’s been a very good year to be a skier in Oregon.

With snowpack at great levels as we near mid-winter, snow sports enthusiasts have been flocking to Oregon’s tallest mountain to take full advantage.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, from the best places to rent gear, to navigating the sweeping terrain on the side of the mountain.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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With the new year, there are some new changes coming to the Peak Northwest podcast.

Chief among them is our new co-host, Chiara Profenna, the religion and culture reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who will be replacing longtime co-host Vickie Connor.

As we welcome Chiara to Peak Northwest, we bid a fond farewell to Vickie, who has been with the show for nearly three years. While she will no longer be the podcast’s full-time co-host, Vickie will remain onboard behind the scenes.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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Pacific Northwest stargazers have a lot to look forward to in 2025 – even if there’s no solar eclipse on the calendar.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of this year’s must-see astronomical events, including a total lunar eclipse, planet parade and plenty of meteor showers to keep your eyes glued to the night sky.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just enjoy looking up, there’s a lot to appreciate in the cosmos this year.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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If you’re looking for good fish and chips, you’d do well to stop in Astoria.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we stop by a few of Astoria’s best fish and chip shops, while discussing what it is that makes this place so good for fried fish and French fries. A trio of dedicated destinations show what makes this food scene shine.

Just make sure you don’t listen to this episode before lunch.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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The new year is here, which means it’s once again time to start dreaming and scheming up some fresh Pacific Northwest travels.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we dip our toes into the 2025 Northwest Travel Guide, pulling out a few of the best places to visit and things to do around the region, from outdoor adventures to road trips and more.

It’s also time for our annual reminder: Book your travel now, before it’s too late!

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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What is it about a Pacific Northwest forest?

From the smell to the air to the feeling you get among the trees, we talk all about our love of Northwest forests on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest.

Special guest Ross Reid, who’s known on social media as Nerdy About Nature, discusses the joy of educating people about forest ecology, and touches on the issues our regional forests face.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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There’s nothing like a hot spring soak in the coldest, darkest days of the year.

Oregon, famously gray and/or chilly for a significant portion of the year, is thankfully home to a wealth of places to go soaking, spread out across scenic landscapes throughout the state.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore some of Oregon’s best and most beautiful places to soak, from the wellness spas in Portland to the rustic pools found way out in the high desert. Wherever you are in Oregon, there’s bound to be hot water nearby.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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For some people, one huge adventure is enough to hang your hat on. For Erica Nelson, it’s only the beginning.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we hear from the Portland fire captain who balances her time with an incredible array of global adventures, from ice climbing to bikepacking and international motorcycle excursions.

For Nelson, the adventuring hasn’t been an escape, exactly, but a practice that helps inform her work as a firefighter, offering confidence to help fight against the doubts that have popped up throughout her career.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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Holiday travelers at the Portland International Airport will see a lot of changes, both in the way that it looks and the things you can do while you’re there.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss all the new places to eat, shop and hang out at the newly renovated PDX.

While travelers might be tempted to rush through the airport on their way to a flight, the new restaurants, shops and spaces at PDX make a great case for taking your time. And with some great dining and shopping options pre-security, the airport might be a good place to spend time even if you’re not leaving town.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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Oregonians are no doubt familiar with Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, two of the state’s most popular places to hike, swim, ski and explore, but the two spots are now getting more attention as one world-class destination.

Global travel guide Lonely Planet recently named Mount Hood and the Columbia Gorge as one of the best regions to visit for 2025, ranked alongside spots in Switzerland and Nepal. While interconnected and easy to navigate, the two areas feature an overwhelming number of things to do, places to see, and spots to eat and drink.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of the best of the best attractions on the mountain and by the river, creating a rough itinerary for anyone visiting the area or planning a trip for out-of-towners.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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