Rockaway Beach does not usually make the lists of best beach towns. Narrow it down to the north Oregon coast specifically, and it still faces stiff competition with Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria, Seaside and Pacific City.

That could be even more reason to go.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a weekend trip to Rockaway Beach to discover all the overlooked destination has to offer. With corn dogs, ice cream, fried fish and kitschy shops, it definitely has a classic beach town vibe, while the beaches themselves can be expansive, quiet and beautiful.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What’s the deal with Rockaway Beach anyway?
• Why Pronto Pup is corn dog church.
• Exploring the many beach access points.
• Skip the rental for a hotel room with a kitchen, balcony and ocean-facing hot tub.

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As it stands, Oregon only has one full-fledged national park at Crater Lake. If things had gone differently, we could have had more.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive back through time to talk about four places around the state that were once considered for national park status – and why they weren’t ultimately picked.

We also discuss whether or not the National Park Service should reconsider. Do Oregon’s beautiful natural landmarks deserve more respect? Or would it be a terrible idea?

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• A national park at Hells Canyon? Would it be worth it?
• Why Oregon’s tallest mountain seems like a natural pick.
• An Oregon Coast national park proposal captured the public’s imagination.
• How the National Park Service did Silver Falls dirty.

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It should be no surprise that the historic town at the intersection of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers, where people have been gathering and celebrating since time immemorial, is a great place to spend the day.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we go out exploring Oregon City, a perfect day trip close to Portland, especially in the spring and summer when the town is buzzing and blooming with activity.

It might be the city’s cultural significance and history that’s so appealing. Or it could be the good food scene, which always makes a day trip more enjoyable. Maybe it’s just the charming Municipal Elevator, which takes pedestrians to the upper part of town.

Listen along and then go find out for yourself what makes Oregon City so special.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Jamie explains why Oregon City has drawn him over the years.
• Coffee, a walk and a ride in the Municipal Elevator.
• Why the McLoughlin Promenade is the best thing in town.
• Exploring the many riverside parks in Oregon City and West Linn.

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Saddle Mountain has long been one of the most popular hikes in Oregon’s northern Coast Range, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but for two years it remained shuttered, leaving hikers to find other trails to climb.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, a few months after the state park’s big reopening, we return to the classic Coast Range adventure, mounting the saddle and taking in the panoramic views.

Those returning to Saddle Mounain will find new features, some big changes and the same beautiful scenery that made this spot so popular in the first place.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Vickie talks about what drew her to Saddle Mountain this spring.
• What’s new now that the park is back open?
• What it’s like to hike to the top of Saddle Mountain.
• Why this is a great trail for the beginning of spring.

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If you’re not into gambling in any form, is there any reason to visit a casino?

Oregon’s casinos may not have the same allure as our beautiful natural attractions, but they remain among the most popular destinations in the state. For people more apt to hike the Cascades or explore the coast, is there any appeal?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a trip to Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde to find out, exploring all the non-gambling aspects of the Coast Range attraction.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Jamie explains why he has stayed away from casinos – and why he visited this one.
• Food and drink are a big draw at Spirit Mountain.
• Searching for all the best places to sit and read in the casino.
• Other nearby attractions make Spirit Mountain a good home base. 

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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New Mount Hood climbing permits are being implemented this year, in an effort to help educate the public about the risks associated with ascending the 11,245-foot peak.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we spoke with Ryan Matz, the climbing ranger program manager for Mt. Hood National Forest, who went over the new permits and offered some helpful tips and safety information for prospective climbers.

Matz also told us why he loves climbing to the top of the towering volcano, which attracts thousands of climbers each year.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How are climbing conditions looking this year?
• What’s the deal with the new permits
• What do people need to know before trying to climb Mount Hood?
• Matz shares his experiences climbing the mountain. 

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Oregon is now home to the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, but found in a remote corner of the state, some people may be left wondering how, exactly, to explore it.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we break down this 2.5 million acre swath of southern Oregon, highlighting some of the best places there to go stargazing/

While remote, this part of the state features some truly breathtaking scenery, as well as amenities like hot springs, campgrounds and a historic fire lookout that offer special kinds of cosmic getaways.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Hart Mountain is a rugged high desert destination with a relaxing hot spring campground.
• Summer Lake Hot Springs is an incredible place to soak under the stars.
• The Drake Peak Lookout is a great rental – if you can snag a reservation.
• Lakeview is the biggest town inside the sanctuary, and a good place to stock up on supplies.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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Oregon isn’t much of a snorkeling or scuba diving destination in the way people typically think of the activities: There are no tropical waters here, no clownfish or coral reefs.

What Oregon does have is Clear Lake, a beautiful setting high in the Cascade Mountains where divers and snorkelers can swim through crystal clear waters to an ancient underwater forest.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we speak to Bend-based freelance journalist Haley Nelson, who shadowed scuba divers at the lake last summer. She talks of a beautiful, otherworldly scene, which divers must brave frigid waters to see.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• How Clear Lake, and its underwater forest, were formed.
• Just how cold is the water anyway?
• Diving in Clear Lake requires some specialized gear.
• There are other things to do at Clear Lake, other than explore underwater.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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You don’t have to be a stair freak to appreciate the many hidden stairways around Portland.

The stairways lead through charming neighborhoods and beautiful parks, found in nearly every corner of the city. On this week’s Peak Northwest podcast, we string those stairways together for three beautiful stair walks – perfect outings to get your legs moving at the start of spring.

Based on the book “Portland Stair Walks” by local author Laura O. Foster, these excursions are just the beginning. You can find more stair walks and other urban adventures in her book, or by wandering on foot and finding them yourself.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Why should you climb stairs for fun?
• Mt. Tabor Park offers stairways in a beautiful natural setting.
• The Kings Heights Stairs are serious business.
• A stair walk along Alameda Ridge is like a treasure hunt.

-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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The Oregon coast is no Cabo San Lucas, but it is one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight 10 of the best beaches on the Oregon coast, from Astoria to Brookings. Whether you’re looking for beachside restaurants or quiet getaways, there’s a perfect place for you here.

The Oregon coast may not have reliably sunny skies or water that’s warm enough to swim in, but it does have an abundance of natural beauty and a diversity of options for those seeking a little time in the sand. Who needs Cabo when you have Cannon Beach?

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• North coast beaches come with a lot of variety – and, typically, crowds.
• The central coast is much rockier, but there are several sandy beaches to check out.
• South coast beaches are beautiful and more wild, rewarding coast adventurers.

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Is this the year you finally see the Perseid meteor shower? Will you be traveling to see the big solar eclipse? Can you catch a glimpse at one of the comets streaking through the sky?

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we dive into some of the coolest astronomical events coming in 2024 – adjust your stargazing calendars accordingly.

And while many of these events can be seen in your own backyard, they’re always better viewed under clear, dark skies. That could mean a trip to some of Oregon’s best stargazing spots, like Steens Mountain and the Prineville Reservoir. After all, beautiful landscapes and cosmic events pair nicely.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Two comets are expected to be visible this year, one in spring and another in fall.
• A total solar eclipse will cross America, but the Pacific Northwest won’t get much of a show.
• It’s a tough year for meteor showers, but there are still a few good options.
• The supermoon lunar eclipse should be a good show.

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