227 episodes

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

Peak Northwest The Oregonian/OregonLive

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 92 Ratings

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

    Exploring Portland’s hidden stair walks

    Exploring Portland’s hidden stair walks

    You don’t have to be a stair freak to appreciate the many hidden stairways around Portland.
    The stairways lead through charming neighborhoods and beautiful parks, found in nearly every corner of the city. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we string those stairways together for three beautiful stair walks – perfect outings to get your legs moving at the start of spring.
    Based on the book “Portland Stair Walks” by local author Laura O. Foster, these excursions are just the beginning. You can find more stair walks and other urban adventures in her book, or by wandering on foot and finding them yourself.
    Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

    Why should you climb stairs for fun?

    Mt. Tabor Park offers stairways in a beautiful natural setting.

    The Kings Heights Stairs are serious business.

    A stair walk along Alameda Ridge is like a treasure hunt.


    -- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 30 min
    The best Oregon coast beaches for spring break

    The best Oregon coast beaches for spring break

    The Oregon coast is no Cabo San Lucas, but it is one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
    On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight 10 of the best beaches on the Oregon coast, from Astoria to Brookings. Whether you’re looking for beachside restaurants or quiet getaways, there’s a perfect place for you here.
    The Oregon coast may not have reliably sunny skies or water that’s warm enough to swim in, but it does have an abundance of natural beauty and a diversity of options for those seeking a little time in the sand. Who needs Cabo when you have Cannon Beach?
    Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

    North coast beaches come with a lot of variety – and, typically, crowds.

    The central coast is much rockier, but there are several sandy beaches to check out.

    South coast beaches are beautiful and more wild, rewarding coast adventurers.

    Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 34 min
    The coolest astronomical events coming in 2024

    The coolest astronomical events coming in 2024

    Is this the year you finally see the Perseid meteor shower? Will you be traveling to see the big solar eclipse? Can you catch a glimpse at one of the comets streaking through the sky?
    On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the coolest astronomical events coming in 2024 – adjust your stargazing calendars accordingly.
    And while many of these events can be seen in your own backyard, they’re always better viewed under clear, dark skies. That could mean a trip to some of Oregon’s best stargazing spots, like Steens Mountain and the Prineville Reservoir. After all, beautiful landscapes and cosmic events pair nicely.
    Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

    Two comets are expected to be visible this year, one in spring and another in fall.

    A total solar eclipse will cross America, but the Pacific Northwest won’t get much of a show.

    It’s a tough year for meteor showers, but there are still a few good options.

    The supermoon lunar eclipse should be a good show.


    Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 29 min
    Oregon events worth traveling to in 2024

    Oregon events worth traveling to in 2024

    There are few better ways to get to know Oregon than through the many different events that take place throughout our state every year.
    The Pendleton Round-Up, UFO Fest and Tamkaliks Celebration, to name a few, all show a different facet of this fascinating place.
    On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we discuss which events are worth making a road trip to see, and why they can be such a joy. Whether you’re into rodeos, powwows, kite festivals or beer festivals, there’s something great in Oregon to see and do.
    Here are some highlights:

    A trio of events on the Oregon coast offer fun throughout the year.

    The UFO Fest is one of the weirdest events in the Willamette Valley.

    Why you should head out to the Pendleton Round-Up.

    Some great events have already happened, so mark your calendars for 2025.


    Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 41 min
    Why you should visit Seattle by train

    Why you should visit Seattle by train

    Seattle, the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, is a great local vacation option, boasting fascinating attractions, good food and outdoor recreation options both urban and wild.
    Portlanders, who famously loathe visiting their sister city to the north, might find the trip much more enjoyable simply by switching up the way that they get there.
    On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down what a train trip to Seattle can look like, and how traveling by rail can unlock a much more enjoyable experience. Visiting the local restaurants, museums and parks can be a lot more attractive when you don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic jams – who knew?
    Here are some highlights:

    How does the train to Seattle work?

    How easy is it to get around town once you’re there?

    Good food, interesting museums and beautiful parks await.

    Jamie tries to convince Vickie to give this trip a chance.


    Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 34 min
    How to celebrate Oregon’s 165th birthday

    How to celebrate Oregon’s 165th birthday

    Happy birthday, Oregon!
    In case you weren’t aware, the state of Oregon is turning 165 years old this Feb. 14. To mark the occasion, this week’s episode of Peak Northwest is dedicated to celebrating the state we call home.
    But how do you celebrate our state? Maybe it’s by visiting a local history or cultural museum. It could mean spending time in Salem, the state capital. Or maybe all you want to do is get out on a trail and appreciate some of the natural beauty Oregon is famous for.
    We have a few ideas to get you started.
    Here are some highlights:

    Salem and Oregon City are both important in Oregon’s history, and both great places to spend a day.

    Oregon’s tribal museums offer some pre-colonial history.

    There are a number of good local history and cultural museums to explore.

    Which state parks are the best for celebrating Oregon’s birthday?


    Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
92 Ratings

92 Ratings

Also Rises ,

great to find new travel ideas

I've been listening to this podcast for several years and have consistently enjoyed it. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm always learning on the podcast something I didn't know about. The length of the podcast is just enough to get inspired about an activity without getting too deep in the details. I was inspired to take a trip on the Sourthern oregon coast by one of their episodes! Of course, you are going to need to do some research on your own, but there are many tools for that (alltrails, google maps, etc.). Jamie and Vickie are great, it's like listening to good friends talk about their latest adventures exploring Oregon.

StayAtHomeDogMom2020 ,

Great for planning a visit!

Have been listening for a year and have gathered so much info for planning our visit to Crater Lake/Redwoods/Oregon Coast. Love the insights and tips, and your recent tide pools episode was awesome! Can’t wait to visit in just a few short weeks. Keep up the great work!

Missfish12 ,

Huckleberries

You really should have done a little research. The evergreen huckleberry is a very hearty variety and are loaded with berries. Each branch will have 25-100 berries.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

This American Life
This American Life
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Wishbone Production
The Viall Files
Nick Viall
Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan | Cumulus Podcast Network
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

You Might Also Like

Explore Oregon: Making the most of the outdoors
Statesman Journal
OPB Politics Now
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Think Out Loud
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Offbeat Oregon History podcast
www.offbeatoregon.com (finn @ offbeatoregon.com)
The Moth
The Moth
Travel with Rick Steves
Rick Steves