Outdoor Activities

Hiking

9 Picture-Perfect Wildflower Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Wildflower season is calling. Celebrate with some of our favorite floral displays in the region.

03/30/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Portland Monthly Staff

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in April

Stroll among tulips and trilliums, marvel at migratory birds, party with the van lifers, and gorge yourself on cheese and seafood.

03/26/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Blossoms

A Flower CSA Will Keep You in Local Blooms All Season Long

Skip the grocery store bouquets by signing up for a flower subscription from a Portland-area farm.

03/18/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Awesome Blossom

Guide to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Thirty miles south of Portland, 40 rainbow acres await.

03/16/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Long Story Short

Fat Cyclist Marley Blonsky Won’t Leave You Behind

The All Bodies on Bikes cofounder wants to create a more welcoming, inclusive cycling world, one ride at a time.

03/16/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Molly J. Smith

Glass Houses

What’s the Deal With Those Mirror Cabins All Over Airbnb?

Reflective glass houses keep popping up at campsites and resorts in Oregon and beyond.

03/12/2026 By Emily Grosvenor

IRL

22 Free Ways to Connect with Your Fellow Portlanders

Dance lessons, movie clubs, sea shanty sing-alongs, and more no-cost ways to be where the people are.

02/24/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in March

Get schooled on cacao history, dissect an owl pellet, watch whales on their way to Alaska, and amble under a canopy of cherry blossoms.

02/24/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Soggy Season

5 Essential Rainy-Day Hikes near Portland

Don't let the wet stuff scare you. Explore churning waterfalls, ambling rivers, and lush forests on these close-to-home hikes.

02/03/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Portland Monthly Staff

Oregon Is for Lovers

Our Favorite Romantic Getaways in Oregon

In-room soaking tubs? Sprawling ranch? Luxurious coastal spa? Take your pick.

02/02/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Portland Monthly Staff

Love Letters

An Illustrated Ode to Birdhers

“We're not just looking at the bird, but thinking: Where are we?”

01/29/2026 Illustrations by Shay Mirk

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in February

Leaving the house is good for you. This month delivers truffle dog competitions, sausage eating contests, and salty verse. (Also... Saxsquatch?)

01/26/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Let It Snow

Where to Sled, Snowshoe, and Play in the Snow in Oregon

These are our favorite spots for powder playtime, plus all you need to know about sno-park permits.

01/05/2026 By Julia Silverman, Gabriel Granillo, and Portland Monthly Staff

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in January

Plunge into the Pacific on New Year's Day, dance to folk music in Florence, and cheer on sled dogs in Oregon's answer to the Iditarod.

12/31/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Sno-Parks, State Parks & Beyond: Snag a Wilderness Parking Pass

Tired of paying trailhead parking fees? There's a pass for that. Get one of these Pacific Northwest wilderness passes for yourself or your outdoorsy friend.

12/23/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Eat, Stay, Play

A Guide to the Ultimate Bend Winter Trip

Ski runs and sled dog rides by day, drag shows and 32-ounce porterhouses by night.

12/17/2025 By Cathy Carroll

Travel

9 Grand Lodges of the Pacific Northwest

For every season, there’s a dream destination.

12/09/2025 Edited by Ramona DeNies By Portland Monthly Staff

Oregon Trails

An Illustrated Guide to Oregon’s Winter Celebrations

Must-catch happenings during the state’s coldest months.

12/01/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in December

Make crafts at Silver Falls, hunt for ornaments in the forest, hop aboard a Christmas train, and spot gray whales swimming south.

11/26/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Margaret Seiler

Get Lit

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

It's twinkle time. From Peacock Lane to Zoo Lights to dazzling shows across the state, here’s how to make the season extra bright.

11/25/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff