Peak Northwest The Oregonian/OregonLive

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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