Épisodes

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

    Changes are coming to Oregon State Parks in 2026: Here’s what you need to know
    Jan 29 2026
    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
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    29 min
  • Museum season is here: The best exhibits to see in Portland and beyond

    Museum season is here: The best exhibits to see in Portland and beyond
    Jan 23 2026
    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
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    35 min
  • Why the post-holiday season is one of the best times to travel in Oregon

    Why the post-holiday season is one of the best times to travel in Oregon
    Jan 15 2026
    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
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    35 min
  • All the ways you can slide down Mount Hood

    All the ways you can slide down Mount Hood
    Jan 8 2026
    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
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    34 min
  • How to travel in 2026, from quiet towns to whitewater adventure

    How to travel in 2026, from quiet towns to whitewater adventure
    Jan 1 2026
    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
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    39 min
  • How to get into cross-country skiing, even if you’ve never touched a ski

    How to get into cross-country skiing, even if you’ve never touched a ski
    Dec 18 2025
    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
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    36 min
  • 5 perfect gifts for an Oregon outdoor adventurer

    5 perfect gifts for an Oregon outdoor adventurer
    Dec 11 2025
    Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure? On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving, highlighting some of the best experiential gifts for outdoor adventurers. There’s nothing wrong with a new pair of socks and an REI gift card, but what about the gift of a tree climbing trip or a relaxing soak in some of Oregon’s most serene hot springs? We have all the details on how to secure gift cards for some of the best outdoor experiences in the state. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Tree climbing at Silver Falls is one of the most unique adventures in Oregon. Whale watching is one of the best experiences for your money. Want to go big? Consider a hot air balloon ride. What’s better than the gift of relaxation? This hot spring is the perfect place to do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 min
  • Why everybody is obsessed with these festive holiday trains

    Why everybody is obsessed with these festive holiday trains
    Dec 4 2025
    You don’t have to be a fan of “The Polar Express” to enjoy these holiday trains – though it might help. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of Oregon and Washington’s most popular holiday-themed excursions on historic railroads, which have officially kicked off for the season. Some trains cater specifically to fans of “The Polar Express” while others offer the typical accoutrements of the holiday season: lights, cookies, cocoa and Santa. They’ve become some of the most popular and best loved holiday traditions in the region. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How the two “Polar Express” trains are bringing the story to life. What you need to know about all the holiday train rides in the region. These historic railroads offer a variety of rides year-round. What is it that people love about trains? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 min