Peak Northwest

Hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Society & Culture
Places & Travel
Sports
151
What to wear for a winter adventure in the Paci...
Whether you're hiking through a rainy forest, going skiing or exploring the high desert this winter, it's important to dress properly for the conditions. We have tips on what to wear for your outdoor adventures, from head to toe.
27 min
152
Dense forests of northwest Oregon are a rainy r...
If you're looking for a place to get outside during the dark, rainy days of Oregon winter, look no further than the dense rainforests that surround us. https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2021/12/forested-hikes-in-northwest-oregon-are-a-perfect-way-...
22 min
153
Diving into the Portland dining scene: Peak Nor...
The Peak Northwest podcast normally heads to the great outdoors, but this week we’re keeping it inside for a chat with dining critic Michael Russell about his recent list of Portland’s best new restaurants. Think of it as fuel for your next hike or ski...
43 min
154
Previewing Oregon’s ski season
It’s not quite winter — just yet, at least.But it is ski season. And snow is beginning to pile up in the mountains.In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan offer a preview of Oregon’s ski season.Some ...
29 min
155
Getting into peak holiday spirit
Whether it’s cutting down and decorating a tree, preparing festive dishes for family and friends, or simply spending time with loved ones, the holiday season is steeped in tradition.In this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie H...
34 min
156
Camp in comfort at Oregon State Park cabins and...
If you enjoy camping but don’t love sleeping on the ground, there’s a nifty solution at some of Oregon’s most popular state parks.In addition to the tent and RV sites that populate campgrounds, some parks come equipped with additional accommodations...
27 min
157
Thanksgiving break
We're taking a week off for Thanksgiving, but we'll be back next week with more Pacific Northwest adventures.
4 min
158
Touring the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a stunning destination in every season, with Cascade Mountain views, beautiful lakes and outdoor adventures right off the highway. Whether you're gearing up for a winter ski trip or planning your next summer road ...
22 min
159
Santiam Pass and McKenzie Pass make one super s...
The Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway is one super scenic loop drive, taking you across two mountain passes, past beautiful waterfalls and forested trails, and to some of Oregon's most fascinating roadside attractions.
32 min
160
Hiking, climbing and sightseeing at Smith Rock
On this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss why fall is our favorite time to visit central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park.
27 min
161
Exploring the otherworldly Oregon Dunes, just i...
What better way to celebrate the release of the new film adaptation of "Dune" than by exploring the landscape that inspired the sci-fi epic in the first place: the stunning Oregon Dunes.
25 min
162
Exploring the Wilson River Trail, a quiet Coast...
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss how to day hike and backpack the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. It's a gem, alright.
25 min
163
How to be prepared for when the Big One hits
Marilyn Bishop, founder of Cascadia Quake Kits, discusses what Pacific Northwest residents should do to be prepared for the Big One on this week's episode of the Peak Northwest podcast.
33 min
164
Foraging for mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest
It's mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest! To help you in your fungal foraging, we talk to herbalist and experienced forager Chris Smaka about what to look for and how to find it.
34 min
165
Plan a fall road trip on Oregon's scenic byways
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss Oregon's scenic byways: driving routes that snake their way through every beautiful nook and cranny of the state.Buckle up for a beautiful auditory journey across this wonderful state.
28 min
166
Finding, and appreciating, Oregon's covered bri...
Did you know Oregon has dozens of covered bridges (54) all over the state? On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan discuss the simple wonders in getting off the main drag and finding Oregon's delightful covered bridges.
22 min
167
Oregon's least and most popular state parks in ...
Which state parks saw the most visitors last year, and which saw the least? We break down the numbers from a truly strange year that saw state park visitation plunge across the board.
24 min
168
Introducing Oregon’s newest backpacking trail
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail. Running about 60 miles from downtown Corvallis to Ona Beach south of Newport, the long-distance hiking and mountain biking trail crosses through a dense Coast Range for...
22 min
169
How to end summer in the PNW
The end of summer looms, but that doesn't mean the end to exciting adventures around Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. On the latest episode of Peak Northwest, Jim and Jamie float a bunch of wonderful options for end of summer activities across th...
29 min
170
How to explore the Lower Rogue River in southwe...
Take a hike, go backpacking, paddle downriver or spend a few nights relaxing at a lodge. There are so many different ways to experience the wild and scenic Rogue River.
23 min
171
Hiking, biking and sightseeing at Crater Lake
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss hiking, biking and sightseeing options at Oregon's lone national park.
27 min
172
An Oregon landscape painter on capturing stilln...
On the latest episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, artist Yong Hong Zhong talks about how he pivoted from a career in animation to becoming a renowned watercolors painter. We talked about his method, how people can pick up a paintbrush and start capt...
31 min
173
Oregon's redwoods deserve your respect
Most people head to the spectacular redwood groves of northern California, passing by the beautiful, but admittedly smaller, redwoods on the south Oregon coast.We defend our state's honor and discuss what those trees are like, why you should vi...
20 min
174
Meet the artist behind Oregon's spectacular 'Ci...
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we connect with the artist who leads the “Circles in the Sand,” events on the southern Oregon coast.You're going to want to listen to this one twice. The artist, Denny Dyke, drops wisdom left and right. ...
25 min
175
How to plan your outdoor adventures during wild...
This week on the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss what you should know before planning a trip during Oregon's wildfire season. Reporter Kale Williams also breaks down how Oregon's changing climate is contributing to the state's wildfir...
28 min