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If you’re up for the challenge, biking around Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive is arguably one of the best cycling routes in the state. Even sweeter, the road is almost entirely closed to vehicle traffic for two days every summer.
This week on Peak Northwest podcast, co-host Vickie Connor chats about participating in Ride the Rim 2024 and why the trip is a perfect end cap to your bike summer.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why participating in the annual free event is a more fun and supported way of doing this ride.
How far and difficult the full ride is.
Opting for a mid-ride cliff jump into the lake is almost always a good idea.
Lodging options in the area.
You may even have a bear cub sighting.
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Each year, hundreds of brave swimmers board a sternwheeler boat in the Columbia River Gorge to swim from the Washington side of the river to a finish line in Oregon. It’s an 80-year-tradition, now hosted in Cascade Locks.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Vickie Connor recounts her recent open water swim at the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim event.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What it feels like to swim 1.1 miles across the Columbia River.
How to prepare for an open water swim.
How paddle boarders and kayakers guide you to a safe finish line.
Opportunities to learn technique as a beginner in the pool and open water in Portland.
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It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley has several epic wine spots and vineyards. But some places are going above and beyond to offer unique experiences in addition to their tasting selections.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we are joined by engagement editor, Julie Evensen and video editor Teresa Mahoney, to chat about some of the coolest spots to drink wine in and around the Portland area.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Portland offers wine experiences where you can get tarot card readings along with your tasting.
Ride horseback through several wineries — no car needed.
Enjoy your glass with epic views in the Gorge.
Create your own adventure by choosing your camp site near a winery.
An unassuming wine spot at a garden center.
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If you’re dreaming of a final challenging backpacking trip this summer or wanting a stunning adventure for early fall, Broken Top Loop trail might just be your answer. With emerald green lakes, peaceful stream crossings, plus views of multiple mountain peaks, this trail will leave you in awe of the state’s beauty.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor recounts her most recent trip to Central Oregon, where she spent three days on Broken Top Loop trail.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why this trail is best for experienced backpackers.
An ideal three day, two night itinerary in the backcountry.
Choosing between hiking clockwise or counterclockwise on the trail.
Why you might want to leave your dog at home for this trip.
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If you’ve spent the summer working yourself into peak hiking shape, there are some great trails to test your endurance, not in the mountains but by the beach.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into five long-distance hikes on the Oregon coast, climbing the steep cliffs and headlands, past rocky tide pools and down onto the sand.
Utilizing the long, snaking trail systems at some of the best parks on the coast, hikers can find places to hike for 12 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or even longer. What the coast lacks in sheer elevation, it makes up for in distance, with so much of the Pacific coastline taken up by public lands.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Cape Lookout’s three trails can be connected for one long hike.
The Fort to Sea Trail is a classic adventure on the north coast.
Why Yachats is home to some of the best long-distance hiking on the coast.
Ecola and Oswald West state parks have some seriously long trail networks.
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Kah-Nee-Ta is back, just in time for the second half of summer vacation.
The beloved Warm Springs resort is not completely back to its former glory, but a piece of it has been renovated and reopened as Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, setting it up as the hottest new vacation destination in Oregon.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the hot spring soaking pools, take a spin on the lazy river, and cool off in the poolside cabanas, giving you everything you need to know about the new Kah-Nee-Ta resort.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What’s the history with Kah-Nee-Ta?
Everything you need to know about the big renovation
Overnight lodging options, including lodge rooms and teepees
What’s happening with the other parts of the old resort?
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Summer means big crowds at Oregon’s busiest state parks, places like Silver Falls and Fort Stevens, which draw millions of visitors each year.
But what about those other parks?
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a road trip to some of the least visited state parks in Oregon, all clustered together in a rural, remote part of northeast Oregon. Here, you won’t find crowds – or, at some spots, much of anything.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where exactly are these little state parks?
Finding pockets of beauty at Red Bridge.
Which parks might not be worth your time.
A delightful afternoon at Catherine Creek State Park.
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Crater Lake is one of those places where you can, and probably should, spend a few days exploring. Between Rim Drive, the historic lodge and loads of nearby hikes, there’s enough there for days of adventure.
But sometimes you don’t have that time.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go through a recent one-night visit to Oregon’s famous national park, discussing how to make the most of a short trip to the caldera.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where to stay in and around the park.
Going early in the season might mean fewer crowds, but also less to do.
Stopping for gas and stumbling onto a pair of gorgeous waterfalls.
Where to find great hiking off the rim of the lake.
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor
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Mountain climbers may consider Mount Shasta one of the easier Pacific Northwest mountains to ascend, but it’s no easy feat.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our colleague Fedor Zarkhin, breaking news and enterprise reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, recounts his wild expedition to the top of the towering Cascade Mountain peak, sharing his stumbles and successes along the way.
Making it to the top of the volcano requires more than 7,000 vertical feet of climbing, with an ice axe and crampons required toward the top. Those who can handle the physical feat may get stymied by weather.
The reward is in the climb itself – and the stunning natural beauty found on one of the tallest mountains in the region.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How Fedor ended up climbing Mount Shasta with a stranger.
Tackling the difficult climb, five steps at a time.
Why a recent shopping trip at the outdoors store ended up paying off.
Why are physical challenges like this so appealing?
-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor
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Plenty of people talk about Bigfoot, but what is it like to go out searching for the famous cryptid?
On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Samantha Swindler, videographer and features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently went out into the wilderness with a pair of Bigfoot hunters.
Her experience took her deep into the woods of Sasquatch mythology – and deep into the literal woods as well. She came back with a few ideas about the Pacific Northwest’s most famous monster, and some information about the people who dedicate their lives to finding it.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is the allure of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest?
Sam recounts her camping trip in the Washington wilderness.
These Bigfoot hunters are also looking for something else: missing people.
One theory about all those Bigfoot sightings in the Northwest.
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With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, you might find yourself wanting to explore outside. But, you might face the conundrum of knowing your typical go-to spot will have an influx of other people there, too.
If that’s you, have no fear, there are plenty of places to explore, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie and Vickie peel back the curtain on hikes less traveled in Oregon.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
A family-friendly hike near a body of water to cool down.
An overlooked beach for a coastal destination.
Where to backpack and put your legs to the test.
Crossing into Washington for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge.
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Just when you think you’ve seen and done everything in Northeast Oregon, you discover something new.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie recounts his latest trip to Joseph, where he found even more to see and do in the remote corner of the state, from light-up kayaks to a railroad hike and a tour of one fascinating general store.
Between the mountains, small towns, glacial lakes and wild rivers, there really is no shortage of things to do in this part of Oregon. It’s going to take a few more trips – or a dozen – before we consider Northeast Oregon to be thoroughly explored.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Why the Kokanee Inn is a great place to stay in Joseph.
Taking a nighttime light-up kayak tour of Wallowa Lake.
What is M. Crow and why is it become such a big deal in Northeast Oregon?
A railroad hike along the Wallowa River.
What’s left to do in Joseph?
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Summer low tides have arrived on the Oregon coast, uncovering a host of intertidal adventures.
From tide pools to secret beaches, there are a lot of things to see on the rugged coastline when the tide goes out – as long as you can do so safely.
Exploring the intertidal areas in Oregon is rewarding but dangerous. Between slippery and jagged rocks, rough cliffs, sea creatures and the rising tide, there are a lot of hazards to consider. Leave your flip flops at home.
Those who show up prepared can expect to find a whole new universe to explore: a place where strange, colorful creatures occupy the cracks of exposed rock, where underwater caves and tunnels open up, albeit briefly, to land walkers like us.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The Neskowin ghost forest is a bucket list low tide attraction.
Thors Well and Devils Punchbowl are more than just dramatic names.
How to find the hidden shipwrecked boiler in Boiler Bay.
Why Lost Boy Beach is one of the most dangerous low tide adventures.
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Seattle to Portland bike ride is one of the most anticipated cycling events in the region. Thousands of endurance riders gather to bike more than 200 miles over the course of one or two days. While it might seem like a daunting ride, with enough preparation and training, the event can be extremely rewarding and confidence-building.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest podcast, we hear from Jenna Phillips, a.k.a Jenna Bikes, about her time participating in and training for Seattle to Portland. This episode is the latest installment of My Epic Adventure, a sub-series of the podcast.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The Seattle to Portland route has many beautiful and awe-inspiring views.
How to make the transition from bike commuting to endurance riding.
What supports are available throughout Seattle to Portland.
How Jenna fueled for the long ride.
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Bike packing is the ultimate mix of cycling and camping. It’s also one of the best ways to explore Oregon, especially in the summer months, whether you’re biking through towns or traveling through the backcountry.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Vickie Connor recounts her first and recent bike packing trip and all the reasons she loves this new hobby.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What is needed to go bike packing?
How you can pack for a one-nighter (spoiler alert: you can pack more on your bike than you might think).
An example of an introductory trip within an hour of Portland.
Why bike packing might be just a little bit more enjoyable than backpacking.
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How do you bring more diversity into the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor recreation areas? Try following the lead of Wild Diversity.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak with Mercy M’fon, founder and co-director of Portland-based nonprofit, which is actively working with BIPOC and LGBTQ communities to get greater representation outdoors.
M’fon takes us through the origins of Wild Diversity and explains how the organization is going far beyond just hosting hikes, making an impact on the wider outdoors scene in the Pacific Northwest.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
How and when did Wild Diversity start?
Wild Diversity hots more than just hikes.
How the organization is influencing the greater outdoors scene in the Northwest.
What the future of Wild Diversity might look like.
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From the towering heights of Multnomah Falls to the delicate spray of Fairy Falls, there’s a lot to love about the Waterfall Corridor – and there are a lot of people to love it with.
One of the most popular attractions in Oregon, the eight-mile stretch of the Columbia River Gorge is known for its stunning scenery and big crowds, which swell every spring and summer.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down everything you need to know to visit, from avoiding peak times to securing the necessary permits.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
Where exactly is the Waterfall Corridor?
Everything you need to know about the Multnomah Falls permits.
How to avoid the summer crowds.
Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in the corridor.
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Epic summer vacations are nice, but there’s something to be said about a simple day trip.
Here in western Oregon, it’s incredibly easy to find any number of beautiful day trips, with the ocean, mountains, forest, rivers and desert all found within a three-hour radius. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into a few great options for this summer.
Day trips prove that you don’t need a big budget or lengthy itinerary to enjoy an adventure –you don’t even need a car. As you make your summer vacation plans, consider these local excursions that make vacation quick, easy and (relatively) stress free.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
The key to dealing with Cannon Beach traffic jams? Go by bus.
Breitenbush Hot Springs is a perfect place to unwind for the day.
Day hikes big and small are found in the Tillamook State Forest.
You’ll never see everything on the Fruit Loop in one day, but that’s probably for the best.
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Rockaway Beach does not usually make the lists of best beach towns. Narrow it down to the north Oregon coast specifically, and it still faces stiff competition with Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria, Seaside and Pacific City.
That could be even more reason to go.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a weekend trip to Rockaway Beach to discover all the overlooked destination has to offer. With corn dogs, ice cream, fried fish and kitschy shops, it definitely has a classic beach town vibe, while the beaches themselves can be expansive, quiet and beautiful.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:
What’s the deal with Rockaway Beach anyway?
Why Pronto Pup is corn dog church.
Exploring the many beach access points.
Skip the rental for a hotel room with a kitchen, balcony and ocean-facing hot tub.
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