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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King tide season is almost here.

The exceptionally high tides, which in 2025 will occur in November, December and January, according to the Oregon King Tide Project, are an opportunity for excitement on the Oregon coast, but come with a heavy dose of caution for anyone hoping to see them.

Before you pull on your rain gear and head out into the elements, here is everything you need to know about the king tides this year.

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found freedom, confidence and community.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon who was recently named to Team USA Para Surfing. At 40, Purry discovered adaptive surfing and has since become an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in outdoor sports.

From navigating Oregon’s cold, wild coastline to preparing for her upcoming debut at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, Purry shares how she trains, connects with other adaptive athletes and embraces the ocean on her own terms.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How Purry found surfing later in life and what it’s taught her about confidence and resilience.
• What adaptive surfing looks like in practice, from team support to navigating waves with a guide.
• The growing adaptive sports community and how organizations like AmpSurf are helping others get involved.
• Why highlighting adaptive athletes matters and how listeners can support Team USA Para Surfing.

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For many Oregonians, the outdoors is a place of adventure, but it can also be a space for community and belonging.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, host Chiara Profenna talks with Dr. Shirley A. Jackson, volunteer leader for Outdoor Afro Oregon and west regional leader for the national organization reconnecting Black people to land, water and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation and conservation.

From local hikes and bird watching to cosmic tubing and jump roping, Jackson shared some of the ways she cultivates community by increasing access to Oregon’s natural spaces.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How Outdoor Afro is building community and connection in Oregon’s natural spaces.
• Ideas for enjoying the outdoors through fall and winter, rain or shine.
• Ways to get involved and join upcoming Outdoor Afro events.
• Why creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in nature matters for everyone.

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Is Mount Hood the best autumn getaway in Oregon?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we explore all there is to do on Mount Hood in the fall, from apple picking to mushroom foraging, beautiful hikes to early-season skiing.

Fall is a great time of year on Oregon’s tallest mountain, situated between the summer backpacking season and the winter ski season, offering an abundance of activities for people of all persuasions. Whether you want a laid-back road trip or a big adventure, you’ll find something great to do on Mount Hood.

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There’s a lot to love about the southeast corner of Oregon – if you’re willing to drive.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we follow Vickie Connor, a visual journalist for The Oregonian/OregonLive, as she explores this far-flung region of the state.

While her trip was short, Connor discovered a ton of southeast Oregon’s greatest treasures, from a towering fire lookout to hidden desert hot springs, and even spied some of the region’s famously reclusive wildlife. It’s hard to get enough of this part of Oregon, where dark skies give access to some seriously starry nights, and natural beauty seems to pop up out of nowhere.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Why the Drake Peak Fire Lookout was stunningly beautiful – and a little creepy.
• No, it’s not an oasis: these roadside milkshakes are worth a stop.
• What to do in the Alvord Desert, one of Oregon’s most spectacular landscapes.
• Soaking at the Alvord Hot Springs is all about timing.

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Boat tours on Crater Lake are among the top bucket list experiences in Oregon, but after this past summer, it will be a few years before they head back out on the water.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, features reporter Janet Eastman recounts her ride on one of the last Crater Lake boat tours until 2029, which took her and a group of tourists around the blue-hued lake and to the famed Wizard Island.

With the season now over and the trail that leads down to the boats about to close for a major renovation project, the boat tours will need to be pushed back to bucket lists in the future. But as Eastman’s experience shows, it will be well worth the wait.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How being on the water offers a whole new perspective of Crater Lake.
• What it’s like to hang out on Wizard Island.
• Boat tours offer not just scenic beauty but fascinating history as well.
• Why are the boat tours cancelled for the next few years?

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