Your Oregon state park adventures might look a little different this year.

With new parking and camping fees coming to Oregon state parks, as well as new rules about booking and canceling your campground reservation, there is a lot to navigate when making your travel plans for 2026.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow up last week’s conversation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about the new changes, with tips for navigating your state park adventures for the year ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What you need to know about the new camping rules.
• Why state park cabins and yurts are still a great deal.
• Get ready to pay at coastal parks.
• Consider traveling to some of these lesser-visited state parks to avoid new fees.

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From fee increases to new rules for campground reservations, there are some big changes coming to Oregon State Parks this year.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we talk to Stefanie Coons, interim director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, about what park visitors can expect for the year ahead, as the department hits a major budget shortfall.

Coons has temporarily taken over the department as parks director Lisa Sumption works as interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

As you make your spring and summer plans at Oregon parks, here’s what you need to know.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How bad is the budget shortfall?
• Visitors can expect higher camping and parking fees for 2026.
• What is Division 15 and what do those rule changes mean?
• Several major construction projects are now on hold.

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Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, this year’s museum season has something for you.

This time of year — after the holidays and before spring break — are the perfect time to visit Oregon’s museums. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we discuss all the best exhibits coming to museums in Portland and around the state.

From the Portland Art Museum’s massive expansion to the exhibits and animals at Bend’s High Desert Museum, there’s a lot to see this winter. The art, history and cultural museums offer a place to escape from the elements and discover something new.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What to expect with the Portland Art Museum’s big expansion.
• Downtown Portland is full of fascinating museums.
• Why the High Desert Museum is worth a visit.
• How to find little museums tucked away around Oregon.

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The post-holiday slump is real.

After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who don’t leave home might be missing out on one of the best travel seasons in Oregon.

On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the post-holiday travel season – a small window of time when tourist towns are free of crowds and hiking trails, while muddy, are beautiful in the crisp (or soggy) winter afternoons.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How New Year’s resolutions, even if simple intentions, can get you back outside.
• Some of the best snow-free hiking trails around Portland.
• The off-season can be a great time to visit some of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest tourist towns.
• Shorter days make great excuses to take day trips to explore local small towns.

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With a rough start to ski season in Oregon, people are champing at the bit to get up on Mount Hood.

Oregon’s highest slopes aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. From sledding to snowmobiling there are a lot of ways to slide down the mountain. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go over all the ways to play in the snow, setting you up for a fun season ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How’s the ski season shaping up so far?
• Why tubing has become one of the go-to winter activities on Mt. Hood.
• If you’re just trying to touch snow, area sno-parks are the place to be.
• A local club is a vital resource for snowmobilers.

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The new year is here! Are you ready to start making your Pacific Northwest travel plans?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into the 2026 Northwest Travel Guide, offering five ideas from around the region, from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures.

Even if you’re not making any reservations just yet (although you really should soon), it’s worth at least thinking about what you might want to do, and where you might want to go, in the year ahead.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Why Sisters is buzzing with activity right now.
• Some of the best whitewater rafting is found just outside the Columbia Gorge.
• This brand-new hotel in Hood River is set to become a major hub for local tourism.
• How to build a road trip around small town bakeries.

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It might not the most accessible snow sport, but cross-country skiing is a lot easier to get into than some people think.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who is also a Nordic skiing enthusiast. Russell recounts his journey from spectactor of the 2018 Winter Olympics to an avid cross-country skier.

As Russell tells it, anybody can get into cross-country skiing, whether you’ve ever touched a ski or not. While Nordic skiers can work their way up to the level of elite athletes (or do their best to), the sport can be easy to pick up, especially if you’re just trying to have a nice day in the snow.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How the Winter Olympics inspired Michael Russell to try out Nordic skiing.
• There are levels to cross-country skiing.
• The best places in Oregon to ski.
• How Michael Russell almost ate snow in front of his idol, Jessie Diggins.

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Who needs things when you could get the gift of an incredible outdoor adventure?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get into the spirit of giving, highlighting some of the best experiential gifts for outdoor adventurers.

There’s nothing wrong with a new pair of socks and an REI gift card, but what about the gift of a tree climbing trip or a relaxing soak in some of Oregon’s most serene hot springs? We have all the details on how to secure gift cards for some of the best outdoor experiences in the state.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Tree climbing at Silver Falls is one of the most unique adventures in Oregon.
• Whale watching is one of the best experiences for your money.
• Want to go big? Consider a hot air balloon ride.
• What’s better than the gift of relaxation? This hot spring is the perfect place to do it.

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You don’t have to be a fan of “The Polar Express” to enjoy these holiday trains – though it might help.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we look at some of Oregon and Washington’s most popular holiday-themed excursions on historic railroads, which have officially kicked off for the season.

Some trains cater specifically to fans of “The Polar Express” while others offer the typical accoutrements of the holiday season: lights, cookies, cocoa and Santa. They’ve become some of the most popular and best loved holiday traditions in the region.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How the two “Polar Express” trains are bringing the story to life.
• What you need to know about all the holiday train rides in the region.
• These historic railroads offer a variety of rides year-round.
• What is it that people love about trains?

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Are you mushroom foraging curious? Maybe you’ve been out a few times, but haven’t known what to look for? Worry not, the world of chanterelles is close at hand.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we get an education from Jess Liotta, an independent mushroom forager and guest instructor for Trackers Earth, a local organization that teaches outdoor skills.

Liotta dives into the basics of mushroom foraging, discusses how to get over our fears and, crucially, tells us what to do with all those tasty chanterelles. While many foragers jealously guard their knowledge, Liotta is happy to share.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What makes the Pacific Northwest so good for mushrooms?
• Getting over your fear of mushrooms, one nibble at a time.
• How to get started foraging for chanterelles.
• Liotta’s favorite chanterelle recipe, which is perfect for Thanksgiving.

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