Peak Northwest The Oregonian/OregonLive

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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As it stands, Oregon only has one full-fledged national park at Crater Lake. If things had gone differently, we could have had more.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive back through time to talk about four places around the state that were once considered for national park status – and why they weren’t ultimately picked.
We also discuss whether or not the National Park Service should reconsider. Do Oregon’s beautiful natural landmarks deserve more respect? Or would it be a terrible idea?
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

A national park at Hells Canyon? Would it be worth it?

Why Oregon’s tallest mountain seems like a natural pick.

An Oregon Coast national park proposal captured the public’s imagination.

How the National Park Service did Silver Falls dirty.


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It should be no surprise that the historic town at the intersection of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers, where people have been gathering and celebrating since time immemorial, is a great place to spend the day.
On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go out exploring Oregon City, a perfect day trip close to Portland, especially in the spring and summer when the town is buzzing and blooming with activity.
It might be the city’s cultural significance and history that’s so appealing. Or it could be the good food scene, which always makes a day trip more enjoyable. Maybe it’s just the charming Municipal Elevator, which takes pedestrians to the upper part of town.
Listen along and then go find out for yourself what makes Oregon City so special.
Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

Jamie explains why Oregon City has drawn him over the years.

Coffee, a walk and a ride in the Municipal Elevator.

Why the McLoughlin Promenade is the best thing in town.

Exploring the many riverside parks in Oregon City and West Linn.


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