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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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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days 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
- 1 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
- 2 weeks ago43 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
- 3 weeks ago38 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
- Aug 6, 202637 min
Oregon river floating guide: Where to tube near Portland
When the Pacific Northwest heats up, there’s no better way to cool off than drifting down a river on an inner tube, kayak or raft. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna dive into the region’s best river floats, from the wildly popular Clackamas River to scenic stretches of the Sandy, Willamette and Deschutes rivers. Along the way, they share what makes for a great float, offer essential safety tips and talk about some of Oregon’s favorite summertime waterways. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes a river ideal for floating. The best places to float on the Sandy, Clackamas, Willamette and Deschutes rivers. A few lesser-known floating destinations worth adding to your summer adventure list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Jul 30, 202642 min
This 80-mile stretch of river has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northwest
Many locals already know one of the open secrets in the Pacific Northwest: some of the best beach spots are found not on the coast, but along the rivers. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we look at one of the most scenic river corridors in the region, the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile stretch of river that is home to some of the best beaches in Oregon and Washington. The sandy or rocky beaches that line either side of the Columbia River are perfect places for day trips, with room to spread out, gorgeous scenery and convenient amenities. Some of the biggest and most beautiful spots are also the ones best equipped to handle crowds; the smaller, hidden beaches might feel a little rougher around the edges. They’re all worth a visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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