Peak Northwest

The Oregonian/OregonLive
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Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

  1. What we love about Oregon: From big trees to fried fish

    3 DAYS AGO

    What we love about Oregon: From big trees to fried fish

    What do we love about Oregon? A whole lot, as it turns out. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we honor Oregon’s birthday and Valentine’s Day with a love letter to our favorite state. It’s not just the resplendent nature — from quiet forests to majestic mountains to magical desert rivers — we love just about every part of this state, right down to the fried fish. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: It’s hard to pick, but these are our favorite Oregon landscapes. Why small towns have some of the best charm. Is Portland the perfect city? Oregon’s world-class food scene is spoiling us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  2. How Oregon State Park changes could impact your 2026 travel plans

    5 FEB

    How Oregon State Park changes could impact your 2026 travel plans

    Your Oregon state park adventures might look a little different this year. With new parking and camping fees coming to Oregon state parks, as well as new rules about booking and canceling your campground reservation, there is a lot to navigate when making your travel plans for 2026. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow up last week’s conversation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about the new changes, with tips for navigating your state park adventures for the year ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What you need to know about the new camping rules. Why state park cabins and yurts are still a great deal. Get ready to pay at coastal parks. Consider traveling to some of these lesser-visited state parks to avoid new fees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  3. Changes are coming to Oregon State Parks in 2026: Here’s what you need to know

    29 JAN

    Changes are coming to Oregon State Parks in 2026: Here’s what you need to know

    From fee increases to new rules for campground reservations, there are some big changes coming to Oregon State Parks this year. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Stefanie Coons, interim director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, about what park visitors can expect for the year ahead, as the department hits a major budget shortfall. Coons has temporarily taken over the department as parks director Lisa Sumption works as interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. As you make your spring and summer plans at Oregon parks, here’s what you need to know. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How bad is the budget shortfall? Visitors can expect higher camping and parking fees for 2026. What is Division 15 and what do those rule changes mean? Several major construction projects are now on hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  4. Museum season is here: The best exhibits to see in Portland and beyond

    23 JAN

    Museum season is here: The best exhibits to see in Portland and beyond

    Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, this year’s museum season has something for you. This time of year — after the holidays and before spring break — are the perfect time to visit Oregon’s museums. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss all the best exhibits coming to museums in Portland and around the state. From the Portland Art Museum’s massive expansion to the exhibits and animals at Bend’s High Desert Museum, there’s a lot to see this winter. The art, history and cultural museums offer a place to escape from the elements and discover something new. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What to expect with the Portland Art Museum’s big expansion. Downtown Portland is full of fascinating museums. Why the High Desert Museum is worth a visit. How to find little museums tucked away around Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  5. Why the post-holiday season is one of the best times to travel in Oregon

    15 JAN

    Why the post-holiday season is one of the best times to travel in Oregon

    The post-holiday slump is real. After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who don’t leave home might be missing out on one of the best travel seasons in Oregon. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the post-holiday travel season – a small window of time when tourist towns are free of crowds and hiking trails, while muddy, are beautiful in the crisp (or soggy) winter afternoons. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How New Year’s resolutions, even if simple intentions, can get you back outside. Some of the best snow-free hiking trails around Portland. The off-season can be a great time to visit some of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest tourist towns. Shorter days make great excuses to take day trips to explore local small towns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  6. All the ways you can slide down Mount Hood

    8 JAN

    All the ways you can slide down Mount Hood

    With a rough start to ski season in Oregon, people are champing at the bit to get up on Mount Hood. Oregon’s highest slopes aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. From sledding to snowmobiling there are a lot of ways to slide down the mountain. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over all the ways to play in the snow, setting you up for a fun season ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How’s the ski season shaping up so far? Why tubing has become one of the go-to winter activities on Mt. Hood. If you’re just trying to touch snow, area sno-parks are the place to be. A local club is a vital resource for snowmobilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  7. How to travel in 2026, from quiet towns to whitewater adventure

    1 JAN

    How to travel in 2026, from quiet towns to whitewater adventure

    The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026 Northwest Travel Guide, offering five ideas from around the region, from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures. Even if you’re not making any reservations just yet (although you really should soon), it’s worth at least thinking about what you might want to do, and where you might want to go, in the year ahead. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Sisters is buzzing with activity right now. Some of the best whitewater rafting is found just outside the Columbia Gorge. This brand-new hotel in Hood River is set to become a major hub for local tourism. How to build a road trip around small town bakeries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  8. How to get into cross-country skiing, even if you’ve never touched a ski

    18/12/2025

    How to get into cross-country skiing, even if you’ve never touched a ski

    It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who is also a Nordic skiing enthusiast. Russell recounts his journey from spectactor of the 2018 Winter Olympics to an avid cross-country skier. As Russell tells it, anybody can get into cross-country skiing, whether you’ve ever touched a ski or not. While Nordic skiers can work their way up to the level of elite athletes (or do their best to), the sport can be easy to pick up, especially if you’re just trying to have a nice day in the snow. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the Winter Olympics inspired Michael Russell to try out Nordic skiing. There are levels to cross-country skiing. The best places in Oregon to ski. How Michael Russell almost ate snow in front of his idol, Jessie Diggins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    The Oregonian/OregonLive
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Oregonian/OregonLive
  • Show Website
    Peak Northwest

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