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Peak Northwest: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Oregonian/OregonLive
Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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- 3 days ago40 min
This breathtaking Washington wilderness offers much more than its famous Pacific Crest Trail stretch
Goat Rocks Wilderness is best known as one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s much more to this rugged corner of the Washington Cascades than a single iconic ridgeline. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading north into the mountains for a conversation about backpacking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, where alpine meadows, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks come together in one of the region’s most breathtaking backcountry destinations. Host Chiara Profenna is joined by her coworker Heather Bowers, senior sales coordinator for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently completed a backpacking trip through Goat Rocks. The two talk through everything she experienced — from the planning stages all the way to breaking down camp and heading home. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What it’s like experiencing the Goat Rocks Wilderness as part of a longer backpacking adventure. Some of Heather’s favorite trails, campsites and unexpected discoveries deep in the backcountry. What to know before you go to Goat Rocks, including how much experience you should have and ways to make the most of your time out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago35 min
Planning an Ashland trip? Here's what to do beyond the Shakespeare Festival
Ashland is best known as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there’s much more to the Southern Oregon town than Shakespeare. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading south for a few days in Ashland, where we explored the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, wandered through downtown, tried some unusual food and found a few unexpected ways to experience the city. I’m joined by two of my coworkers, retail reporter Veronica Nocera and visual journalist Allison Barr. The three of us recently took a newsroom road trip from Portland to Ashland, making a few stops along the way and spending several days exploring the area. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What it’s like experiencing the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as part of a larger trip, rather than traveling to Ashland just for a show. Some of our favorite restaurants, businesses and unexpected finds in downtown Ashland. What to do in Ashland between Oregon Shakespeare Festival shows, including some unusual ways to explore the playwright’s connection to the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago27 min
The fragrant, highly prized mushroom hiding in Oregon’s forests right now — and how to find it
Fall is one of the best times to head into Oregon’s forests, and for mushroom hunters, it also marks the start of matsutake season. These fragrant, highly prized mushrooms can be found in forests across the state, but finding them takes some knowledge, patience and plenty of walking. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading into the forest to learn more about one of Oregon’s most sought-after wild mushrooms. Joining me is Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, a local organization that teaches outdoor skills. We’ve talked about chanterelles and morels on the podcast before, but this time we’re diving into matsutakes, from where they grow to how to identify them and what to do with them once you get home. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What exactly a matsutake mushroom is and what makes it different from other Oregon mushrooms. Where matsutakes typically grow, including the types of forests and regions where you’re most likely to find them. What to look for when searching for matsutakes and how to distinguish them from other species. Jess’ favorite ways to cook and eat matsutakes, plus the flavors and foods that pair well with them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago31 min
Why we absolutely cannot wait for fall in the Pacific Northwest
You don’t need to wait for the leaves to change to start getting excited about fall in Oregon. But with cooler weather, cozy weekends and some of the best events of the year just around the corner, we’re more than ready for the season. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re talking all things fall, from the best reasons to love the season to some of our favorite ways to enjoy it around Oregon. We’re getting into the cozy side of fall, including soup season, warm baked goods and hot tea, as well as some of the state’s best fall traditions and destinations. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why fall might just be Oregon’s best season. Our favorite fall events, from Oktoberfest to Halloweentown. Where to go hiking for changing leaves and where to find some of the best fall scenery. What’s on our personal fall bucket lists, from the Hood River Fruit Loop to mushroom foraging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Sep 3, 202643 min
How do these 3 filmed-in-Oregon classic movies hold up?
You don’t need to hike the Oregon Film Trail to know that there are a lot of great movies made in Oregon. But how do some of the classics hold up? On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we take a fresh look at three filmed-in-Oregon classics that are celebrating milestones this year. From a famous 100-year-old silent film to a 15-year-old western, this trio of movies represents a century of filmmaking in Oregon. They highlight some of the state’s most beautiful places, including roaring rivers and arid high desert plains. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Why Cottage Grove still celebrates “The General.” A whole generation of Oregonians loved “Stand By Me.” Does it hold up today? Why “Meek’s Cutoff” is one of the best Oregon Trail movies ever made. “Twilight” and “The Hunted” are still worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Aug 27, 202638 min
Summer’s almost over. Here are the best places to get in one last picnic by the water
The temperatures are falling and clouds are on the horizon — summer is nearly at a close. If you’re still itching for a last-minute summer excursion, you would do well to get yourself out to a body of water, ideally for a picnic. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we have a few ideas of places you can go. From riverside beaches to lakeside parks, there is undoubtedly a great late-summer picnic spot near your home. At this time of year — with summer vacations in the rearview mirror and school back in session — these should be no-hassle adventures. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Rivers, lakes, oceans or ponds? Why a day spent by the water is special. Some ideas from the Portland area and beyond. What are you bringing in your picnic basket? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Aug 20, 202634 min
How a Girl Scout camp on the Oregon coast connected 3 generations of women
Summer camp can be a special experience for anyone, but there’s something extra special about Camp Cleawox. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Lizzy Acker, features reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently wrote about her deep relationship with the Oregon coast Girl Scout camp. Acker, who started going to the camp when she was 8 years old, followed in her mother’s footsteps, learning all about the magic of the camp. Now Acker’s 6-year-old daughter is finding that magic and continuing the tradition for another generation. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What is Camp Cleawox and where exactly is it? Acker’s first impressions of the camp during a very rainy summer. How the camp became a second home on the Oregon coast. Why the experience of taking her daughter to the camp was so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Aug 13, 202632 min
The secrets to making a delicious, stress-free camp cookout meal
Anyone who has struggled with a camp-cooked meal knows the stress of making meals in the great outdoors. Rashad Frazier is here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be so hard. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we get some practical advice — and some great food ideas — from Frazier, author of the camp cookbook “Cook Out” and cofounder of Portland-based outdoor hospitality brand Camp Yoshi. Frazier’s secret? Make things simple. While fresh-caught crab boil with foraged ingredients can be nice, that level of effort isn’t necessary. There are many easier, perfectly delicious meals you can make that won’t bring unneeded stress to the campsite. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Frazier’s journey from restaurant kitchens to campfire cookouts. How to make every camp-cooked meal a little easier. The importance of a backup plan. More than a few ideas for your next camping trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About Peak Northwest
Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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