Peak Northwest

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

Peak Northwest episodes

March 20, 20255 spots that make Sandy a perfect grab-and-go food town on Mt. Hood
There’s always a good reason to stop in Sandy – especially if you’re in need of a quick bite to eat.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the small town between Portland and Mount Hood, which entices travelers with breakfast burritos, donuts, bagels and other grab-and-go food options.
We have five of the best spots to stop off at, whether you’re going up or coming back down from Oregon’s tallest mountain.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why everybody loves Joe’s Donut Shop.
The Shell station in Sandy has a buzzy breakfast burrito – is it worth the hype?
Sometimes all you need is a bagel and coffee.
Some of the best options at Sandy’s food cart pod.
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30 min
March 13, 2025Oregon influencer discusses going viral, finding peace in the forest
Maybe you’ve seen the videos come across your social media feed. They show a man, with a backwards hat and hiking poles, grumpily tromping down some beautiful, forested trail. The caption: “going on a stupid hike for my stupid mental health.”
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to southern Oregon resident Andy Neal, creator of the videos, who has been turning his viral moment into a career advocating for mental health and outdoor recreation.
Neal, who was relatively new to both filming and hiking when he first went viral in 2022, has since become passionate about the joy and peacefulness that can be found in the natural world.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Neal went viral in the first place.
How he has been using his newfound platform since 2022.
What is it about the natural world that’s so good for mental health?
A few of Neal’s favorite places to go on “stupid hikes.”
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31 min
March 06, 2025She Shreds helps women ski, build community on Mt. Hood
At She Shreds clinics, “egos get left behind.”
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Jenn Lockwood, training supervisor at the Mt. Hood Meadows Learning Center, who runs the She Shreds program.
Lockwood said the program, which features both camps and clinics, offers women a space to learn together, grow their skills and create community. Participants often stay in touch, she said, and wind up creating their own communities to continue skiing together.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is She Shreds all about?
How does this program differ from regular ski lessons at Mt. Hood Meadows?
Why it’s important to create a space for women to learn.
Advice for people who may be nervous about taking the next step in developing their skills.

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31 min
February 27, 2025‘Traveling While Black’ series visits the Oregon coast
An internet series dedicated to the experience of Black travelers has paid a visit to one of the best destinations in Oregon.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black discuss their recent trip up the Oregon coast, which will be released in upcoming episodes on their YouTube channel.
Based in Seattle, the couple helps travelers connect with Black history in destinations around the country, rating each destination on its amenities, scenery and the comfort level for Black travelers.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How did Traveling While Black get started?
What they thought of their first Oregon coast stop in Coos Bay.
Finding hidden pieces of Black history in small towns.
Why they’re already dreaming of a return trip to the Oregon coast.
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35 min
February 20, 2025What it’s like to take the train from Portland to Vancouver, B.C.
Plenty of people take the Amtrak train from Portland to Seattle, but how many keep riding all the way to Canada?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our colleague Veronica Nocera recounts her recent train ride between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. (a route that resumed service in 2023), as well as her weekend north of the border.
Nocera, who has taken both a train and a plane between the two cities, offered some insights into the big differences between the two modes of transportation, and whether she’d recommend one over the other for Northwest travelers.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is the train ride experience like?
What to do when you arrive in Vancouver late at night.
How to get around the city without a car.
A plane vs. train ride is a difference in vibes.

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32 min
February 13, 2025Guide to Oregon’s Dark Sky Country
Oregon is in the middle of a dark sky renaissance.
With new Dark Sky Parks, a pair of Dark Sky Communities and one massive Dark Sky Sanctuary, it seems like half of eastern Oregon has suddenly become dark sky country. But what does it mean?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into Oregon’s new push for astrotourism, and break down these new designations, all of which come from DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to the protection of the night sky.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What’s the deal with all this “dark sky” stuff anyway?
Where are Oregon’s three Dark Sky Parks?
The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary is massive.
Why two towns raced each other to become the state’s first Dark Sky Community
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31 min
February 06, 20256 lessons I’ve learned about traveling with a baby
It might not be a shocking revelation that traveling with a baby is a challenge. More shocking is that it’s perfectly doable.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie shares six travel lessons he’s learned from his first six months as a parent – they might not be what you think.
Traveling with babies, especially those younger than six months, can be a much different challenge than traveling with kids or even toddlers. Some of the best advice about family travel doesn’t necessarily apply to those who aren’t walking, eating or even sitting up on their own.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The danger of focusing so much on baby that you forget about yourself.
Why is accepting help so hard?
Why Pack ‘N Plays are a game changer.
Your travel dreams don’t necessarily need to fly out the window the moment you have a child.

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34 min
January 30, 2025How to enjoy this incredible snowpack on Mt. Hood
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:
The best gear rental spots are found just off the mountain.
What’s the deal with all the ski areas on Mt. Hood?
Preparing yourself for a day on the mountain.
How Northwest skiing compares to the Rockies.

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38 min
January 23, 2025Introducing Chiara Profenna, our new co-host
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:
A word from Vickie about her departure from the podcast.
Introducing Chiara!
Chiara is new to Oregon, but has already spent some time exploring the state.
What are the top spots on Chiara’s bucket list?

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25 min
January 16, 2025The biggest astronomical events coming in 2025
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:
What is the planet parade?
Why the “blood moon midnight eclipse” is this year’s marquee event.
Which meteor shower should you look for in 2025?
Why an “extreme” supermoon may be overhyped – but worth seeing anyway.

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30 min