An internet series dedicated to the experience of Black travelers has paid a visit to one of the best destinations in Oregon.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black discuss their recent trip up the Oregon coast, which will be released in upcoming episodes on their YouTube channel.

Based in Seattle, the couple helps travelers connect with Black history in destinations around the country, rating each destination on its amenities, scenery and the comfort level for Black travelers.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How did Traveling While Black get started?
• What they thought of their first Oregon coast stop in Coos Bay.
• Finding hidden pieces of Black history in small towns.
• Why they’re already dreaming of a return trip to the Oregon coast.

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Plenty of people take the Amtrak train from Portland to Seattle, but how many keep riding all the way to Canada?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, our colleague Veronica Nocera recounts her recent train ride between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. (a route that resumed service in 2023), as well as her weekend north of the border.

Nocera, who has taken both a train and a plane between the two cities, offered some insights into the big differences between the two modes of transportation, and whether she’d recommend one over the other for Northwest travelers.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What is the train ride experience like?
• What to do when you arrive in Vancouver late at night.
• How to get around the city without a car.
• A plane vs. train ride is a difference in vibes. 

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Oregon is in the middle of a dark sky renaissance.

With new Dark Sky Parks, a pair of Dark Sky Communities and one massive Dark Sky Sanctuary, it seems like half of eastern Oregon has suddenly become dark sky country. But what does it mean?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dig into Oregon’s new push for astrotourism, and break down these new designations, all of which come from DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to the protection of the night sky.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What’s the deal with all this “dark sky” stuff anyway?
• Where are Oregon’s three Dark Sky Parks?
• The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary is massive.
• Why two towns raced each other to become the state’s first Dark Sky Community

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It might not be a shocking revelation that traveling with a baby is a challenge. More shocking is that it’s perfectly doable.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Jamie shares six travel lessons he’s learned from his first six months as a parent – they might not be what you think.

Traveling with babies, especially those younger than six months, can be a much different challenge than traveling with kids or even toddlers. Some of the best advice about family travel doesn’t necessarily apply to those who aren’t walking, eating or even sitting up on their own.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• The danger of focusing so much on baby that you forget about yourself.
• Why is accepting help so hard?
• Why Pack ‘N Plays are a game changer.
• Your travel dreams don’t necessarily need to fly out the window the moment you have a child.

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It’s been a very good year to be a skier in Oregon.

With snowpack at great levels as we near mid-winter, snow sports enthusiasts have been flocking to Oregon’s tallest mountain to take full advantage.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, from the best places to rent gear, to navigating the sweeping terrain on the side of the mountain.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• The best gear rental spots are found just off the mountain.
• What’s the deal with all the ski areas on Mt. Hood?
• Preparing yourself for a day on the mountain.
• How Northwest skiing compares to the Rockies.

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With the new year, there are some new changes coming to the Peak Northwest podcast.

Chief among them is our new co-host, Chiara Profenna, the religion and culture reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who will be replacing longtime co-host Vickie Connor.

As we welcome Chiara to Peak Northwest, we bid a fond farewell to Vickie, who has been with the show for nearly three years. While she will no longer be the podcast’s full-time co-host, Vickie will remain onboard behind the scenes.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• A word from Vickie about her departure from the podcast.
• Introducing Chiara!
• Chiara is new to Oregon, but has already spent some time exploring the state.
• What are the top spots on Chiara’s bucket list?

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Pacific Northwest stargazers have a lot to look forward to in 2025 – even if there’s no solar eclipse on the calendar.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of this year’s must-see astronomical events, including a total lunar eclipse, planet parade and plenty of meteor showers to keep your eyes glued to the night sky.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just enjoy looking up, there’s a lot to appreciate in the cosmos this year.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What is the planet parade?
• Why the “blood moon midnight eclipse” is this year’s marquee event.
• Which meteor shower should you look for in 2025?
• Why an “extreme” supermoon may be overhyped – but worth seeing anyway.

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If you’re looking for good fish and chips, you’d do well to stop in Astoria.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we stop by a few of Astoria’s best fish and chip shops, while discussing what it is that makes this place so good for fried fish and French fries. A trio of dedicated destinations show what makes this food scene shine.

Just make sure you don’t listen to this episode before lunch.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Why Ship Out is a standout on the edge of town.
• Bowpicker is everybody’s favorite, but does it live up to the hype?
• Fishmongers holds down the scene in Warrenton.
• A ton of other options are spread out across town.

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The new year is here, which means it’s once again time to start dreaming and scheming up some fresh Pacific Northwest travels.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest we dip our toes into the 2025 Northwest Travel Guide, pulling out a few of the best places to visit and things to do around the region, from outdoor adventures to road trips and more.

It’s also time for our annual reminder: Book your travel now, before it’s too late!

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Is Long Beach, Washington having a moment?
• Introducing Oregon’s newest scenic bikeway.
• Why nighttime light-up kayaking on Wallowa Lake should be on your bucket list.
• The Frenchglen Hotel offers an escape into the middle of nowhere.

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What is it about a Pacific Northwest forest?

From the smell to the air to the feeling you get among the trees, we talk all about our love of Northwest forests on this week’s episode of Peak Northwest.

Special guest Ross Reid, who’s known on social media as Nerdy About Nature, discusses the joy of educating people about forest ecology, and touches on the issues our regional forests face.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How Reid became a social media personality.
• So what is it about Pacific Northwest forests?
• Forests currently face a host of issues, from logging to climate change.
• A few of Reid’s favorite forests to visit.

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There’s nothing like a hot spring soak in the coldest, darkest days of the year.

Oregon, famously gray and/or chilly for a significant portion of the year, is thankfully home to a wealth of places to go soaking, spread out across scenic landscapes throughout the state.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore some of Oregon’s best and most beautiful places to soak, from the wellness spas in Portland to the rustic pools found way out in the high desert. Wherever you are in Oregon, there’s bound to be hot water nearby.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What’s the best place to soak in Portland?
• Oregon’s forested hot springs have mixed reviews.
• Why the high desert might be the best place to soak in Oregon.
• You can always try a McMenamins.

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