Episodes

  • 6 perfect fall hiking spots close to Portland

    6 perfect fall hiking spots close to Portland
    Oct 17 2024
    With apologies to summer, fall is a perfect season for hiking. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover some of the very best fall hiking destinations close to Portland, which areconvenient outings for the ever-shortening days. Covering Mount Hood, the Coast Range, the Columbia River Gorge and Portland proper, these hikes are great places to take in the crisp air, the changing leaves, and all the other sights and smells of autumn. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Silver Falls State Park is a no-brainer. Two spots in Portland that are perfect for the season. A walk to the tip of Sauvie Island has a fun surprise at the end. The Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood come with an added seasonal benefit: fewer crowds. 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
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    29 mins
  • A two week solo backpacking trip exploring the Wallowas

    A two week solo backpacking trip exploring the Wallowas
    Oct 10 2024
    For some adventurers, a two to four day backpacking trip can be the perfect amount of time to disconnect with the business of day to day life and reconnect with the nature around us. But, for others, a longer trip is needed, or in this case, wanted. This week on Peak Northwest podcast, breaking news and enterprise reporter Fedor Zarkhin recounts his most recent trip to the Wallowas, where he backpacked solo for 14 days. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: The must-see natural attractions of the Wallowas. What goes into food planning when backpacking for longer stints. Navigating with a good old fashioned physical map. The joys of disconnecting from technology. Multiple majestic mountain goat sightings. 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
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    38 mins
  • A first-time triathlete's takeaways from IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities

    A first-time triathlete's takeaways from IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities
    Oct 3 2024
    A triathlon can be a daunting experience. Combine swimming, cycling and running into one event and you have a race that countless endurance athletes look forward to each year. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Vickie Connor recounts her latest race: IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Where to start as a first-time triathlete. Biking through Richland, Washington’s scenic wine country. What goes into training and nailing down nutrition. The joys of local events in the region to prepare for this race. Finding community through swimming, biking and running groups in Portland. 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
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    30 mins
  • How to explore Southern Oregon's highway of waterfalls

    How to explore Southern Oregon's highway of waterfalls
    Sep 26 2024
    If you find yourself traveling from Portland to Crater Lake National Park, consider taking a slightly longer, scenic route to enjoy the trip. This week on Peak Northwest podcast, we talk about a few of the many highlights of Highway 138, lovingly known at Oregon’s highway of waterfalls. The stretch of roadway between Roseburg and Diamond Lake offers numerous stops, including not only waterfalls, but hot springs, riverside campgrounds and hikes with fascinating lava rock formations. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Toketee Falls is just as majestic in person as it is through photographs. Oregon’s third tallest waterfall includes a short hike to get up close and personal. Beautiful camping options. Drive a bit further to eat pizza at Diamond Lake. 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
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    28 mins
  • Crater Lake's Ride the Rim bike event is a must-do for Oregon cyclists

    Crater Lake's Ride the Rim bike event is a must-do for Oregon cyclists
    Sep 19 2024
    If you’re up for the challenge, biking around Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive is arguably one of the best cycling routes in the state. Even sweeter, the road is almost entirely closed to vehicle traffic for two days every summer. This week on Peak Northwest podcast, co-host Vickie Connor chats about participating in Ride the Rim 2024 and why the trip is a perfect end cap to your bike summer. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why participating in the annual free event is a more fun and supported way of doing this ride. How far and difficult the full ride is. Opting for a mid-ride cliff jump into the lake is almost always a good idea. Lodging options in the area. You may even have a bear cub sighting. 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
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    31 mins
  • A first-timer's guide to the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim

    A first-timer's guide to the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim
    Sep 12 2024
    Each year, hundreds of brave swimmers board a sternwheeler boat in the Columbia River Gorge to swim from the Washington side of the river to a finish line in Oregon. It’s an 80-year-tradition, now hosted in Cascade Locks. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Vickie Connor recounts her recent open water swim at the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim event. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What it feels like to swim 1.1 miles across the Columbia River. How to prepare for an open water swim. How paddle boarders and kayakers guide you to a safe finish line. Opportunities to learn technique as a beginner in the pool and open water in Portland. 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
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    29 mins
  • What to expect running Hood to Coast relay for the first time

    What to expect running Hood to Coast relay for the first time
    Sep 5 2024
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    43 mins
  • Where to find 6 unique wine experiences in and around Portland

    Where to find 6 unique wine experiences in and around Portland
    Aug 29 2024
    It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley has several epic wine spots and vineyards. But some places are going above and beyond to offer unique experiences in addition to their tasting selections. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we are joined by engagement editor, Julie Evensen and video editor Teresa Mahoney, to chat about some of the coolest spots to drink wine in and around the Portland area. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Portland offers wine experiences where you can get tarot card readings along with your tasting. Ride horseback through several wineries — no car needed. Enjoy your glass with epic views in the Gorge. Create your own adventure by choosing your camp site near a winery. An unassuming wine spot at a garden center. 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
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    34 mins