Peak Northwest

It’s not every day that you get a brand new attraction [https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2025/04/this-new-tunnel-has-instantly-become-one-of-oregons-best-attractions.html] in the Columbia River Gorge. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we head out to the new Mitchell Point Tunnel [https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2025/04/this-new-tunnel-has-instantly-become-one-of-oregons-best-attractions.html], open to pedestrians and cyclists only, found on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail west of Hood River. The 665-foot tunnel, which features rock windows that open to spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge, is one of the most impressive human-made attractions in the Columbia Gorge. It will be a major part of the 73-mile bike trail when that project is finally completed. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: * What is the Mitchell Point tunnel? * The tunnel is a recreation of a historic tunnel by the same name. * How does this fit in to the larger Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail? * How to get to the tunnel, and what else to do while you’re there. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peak-northwest/id1486961693], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3BlYWtub3J0aHdlc3Q=], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3I0ozqHsuBEfjre72OUOdV] or anywhere you listen to podcasts [https://subscribe.acast.com/peaknorthwest]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Wildflower season is here [https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2025/03/permits-going-on-sale-for-one-of-the-best-wildflower-hikes-in-the-pacific-northwest.html]! The only question is where you’re going to go hiking to see them. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we cover all the best wildflower hikes [https://www.hereisoregon.com/experiences/2023/05/its-time-take-a-trip-to-the-wildflower-corridor-of-the-columbia-river-gorge.html] in the Columbia River Gorge, which is easily the most colorful spot to get outside this time of year. From famous trails like Dog Mountain and the Tom McCall Preserve, to farther-flung destinations like Dalles Mountain Ranch and the Lyle Cherry Orchard, there is no shortage of options here. Pick one (or three!) and get a fresh burst of color into your life. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: * Why Dog Mountain is everybody’s go-to wildflower hike. * What is the “wildflower corridor” and what can you see there? * The Dalles Mountain Ranch is out there, but the drive might be worth it. * Some of the best local wildflower hikes outside of the Columbia Gorge. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peak-northwest/id1486961693], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3BlYWtub3J0aHdlc3Q=], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3I0ozqHsuBEfjre72OUOdV] or anywhere you listen to podcasts [https://subscribe.acast.com/peaknorthwest]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Not everyone appreciates a ski trip in spring, but those who visit central Oregon [https://www.hereisoregon.com/explore/centraloregon/] in the shoulder season might find a newfound fondness for the region. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we take a quick trip to Bend, with a stop for some spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor and a night in Sunriver. From the snowy slopes of the popular mountain to the brewpubs and bike trails around Bend, there’s a lot to do an enjoy on a trip to the region. Here’s how to make the most of an overnighter in the area. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: * How are the conditions on Mt. Bachelor in the spring? * Exploring the streets and sites of Bend. * What is there to do in Sunriver? A lot, as it turns out. * There’s far more to do around the area.   Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peak-northwest/id1486961693], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3BlYWtub3J0aHdlc3Q=], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3I0ozqHsuBEfjre72OUOdV] or anywhere you listen to podcasts [https://subscribe.acast.com/peaknorthwest]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

There are plenty of incredible overnight destinations in Oregon, but what about Warm Springs? Home of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the reservation has not only beautiful rolling high desert hills, but also the immensely popular Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort [https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2024/07/take-a-first-look-at-new-kah-nee-ta-hot-springs-resort-after-13m-renovation.html] and the Museum at Warm Springs. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we outline a brief itinerary for a great overnighter to the central Oregon destination. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: * A beautiful Oregon state park is worth taking the longer route to Warm Springs. * What you’ll find at the Museum at Warm Springs. * What it’s like to stay in a tipi at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort. * How to find a moment of relaxation at the busy Kah-Nee-Ta pools. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peak-northwest/id1486961693], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3BlYWtub3J0aHdlc3Q=], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3I0ozqHsuBEfjre72OUOdV] or anywhere you listen to podcasts [https://subscribe.acast.com/peaknorthwest]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Everybody should have access to outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities. That’s the mission of Adventures Without Limits [https://awloutdoors.org/aboutawl], an Oregon nonprofit that takes people outside and finds creative solutions to whatever barriers they may be facing. On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk to Anna Eick, program coordinator for the organization. The group has a wide variety of outings through the year, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, Eick said. The trips are open not only to people of all abilities, but also all ages, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: * Adventures Without Limits has been a part of the community for nearly 30 years. * Some of the most popular excursions they offer. * How does the organization adapt to so many different needs? * How does somebody know if Adventures Without Limits is a good fit? Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peak-northwest/id1486961693], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3BlYWtub3J0aHdlc3Q=], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3I0ozqHsuBEfjre72OUOdV] or anywhere you listen to podcasts [https://subscribe.acast.com/peaknorthwest]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]