Peak Northwest

Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes Lost Lake a hidden gem for fly fishing. What makes the Tualatin River worth exploring, from its fishing opportunities to the surprising wildlife encounters along its banks. What beginners should know about getting into fly fishing and exploring Oregon’s lakes and rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Silver Falls Half Marathon takes runners through the forests, waterfalls and rugged trails of one of Oregon’s most scenic state parks. But racing on the trails brings challenges that go beyond the usual road race, from steep hills to slippery footing. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re recapping the Silver Falls Half Marathon, which took place Oct. 18 at Silver Falls State Park. I’m joined by my coworker Michael Russell, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s restaurant critic, to talk about the race, the challenges of trail running and what makes running in the Pacific Northwest special. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes the Silver Falls Half Marathon stand out, from its waterfall views to its forest trails. How hills, muddy conditions and uneven terrain challenge runners during a trail race. What first-time trail runners should know before signing up for a race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mount McLoughlin in southern Oregon is a challenging climb with steep, rocky terrain and sweeping views from the summit. But even experienced hikers can find themselves in an emergency when something goes wrong on the trail. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re talking about a hiking trip on Mount McLoughlin that took an unexpected turn when hiker John Lulich fell about 2 miles from the trailhead and needed to be rescued. I’m joined by Lulich, who walks us through what happened, how his group responded and what the experience taught him about preparing for the unexpected in the outdoors. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What makes Mount McLoughlin a challenging hike and what to know before heading out. How Lulich and his group responded to the fall and coordinated with rescuers. What hikers should carry on a day hike and how to respond when someone gets injured on the trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this summer, The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Austin De Dios spent time with Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, a Portland-area group that brings wheelchair users and other hikers together for regular outdoor adventures. Franklin Ouchida, leader of Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, joins Peak Northwest to talk about how the group got started, what it takes to make a trail accessible and why having a community to explore with can make such a difference. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: How Oregon Wheelchair Hiking got started. What makes a trail genuinely accessible for someone using a wheelchair or mobility device. What people without mobility disabilities might not notice about accessibility when they’re out hiking. How people can find accessible places to get outside and get involved with Oregon Wheelchair Hiking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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