Outdoor Activities

Travel

8 Fun and Easy Fall Day Trips near Portland

Sip cider in Hood River, get spooked in St. Helens, and celebrate the fall harvest around Wilsonville.

09/09/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Bier Fest

Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.

Break out your lederhosen for pretzel tossing, dachshund races, and a goat petting zoo.

09/04/2025 By Alex Frane and Portland Monthly Staff

Hit List

The Best Farms and Orchards for Apple Picking near Portland

We’ve narrowed down the region’s autumnal offerings, with great mountain views, kid-friendly vibes, and rare varietals ripe for the picking.

09/04/2025 By Alex Frane and Portland Monthly Staff

The People's Coast

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

Our coast brims with spectacular beaches. Here are a few that will leave you breathless.

08/29/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Sam Stites

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in September

Dahlias are in bloom, Crater Lake goes car-free, the Pendleton Round-Up kicks off, and Oktoberfest has us raising our steins.

08/27/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Jump In

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Postcard perfect? Not always. But the mighty Columbia is big enough for everyone.

08/05/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Margaret Seiler, and Julia Silverman

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in August

Beach volleyball in Seaside, watermelon seed spitting in Hermiston, and Pig-N-Ford races in Tillamook.

07/29/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Fire Season

What to Know About Oregon Wildfires Right Now

Where the fires are burning, how to track them, and how to stay safe.

07/25/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Summer Weekends

Eugene Is Oregon’s Underrated Wine and Dining Destination

Tasting flights, Trinidadian doubles, and tantalizing views.

07/23/2025 By Andrea Damewood

Procrastinators Unite

9 First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds for Last-Minute Adventures

Did you fail to reserve your spot six months ago when summer felt so far away? All is not lost.

07/14/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Water Ways

How a Jog and a Jump in the Willamette Became My Summer Ritual

I’ve learned to love Portland’s river like a friend.

07/07/2025 By Emily Chenoweth Illustrations by Davide Comai

Water World

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars.

06/30/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Cinematastic

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Open-air showings in and around Portland this summer include The Goonies at Sewallcrest Park and The Sandlot at Overlook Park.

06/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

Fourth of July

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

Leave the explosives to the pros. From the waterfront to Oaks Park, Astoria to Hood River, here’s where to enjoy some spectacular displays.

06/24/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in July

Chainsaw races, lavender trails, hazelnut festivals, and dory boats on parade.

06/24/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Oar You Ready?

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

Eight gorgeous destinations, all less than two hours away.

06/20/2025 By Molly Allen and Sam Stites

Paddle to the People

These Kayakers See Climate Justice as Community Work

With a kayak lending library and social paddles, Mosquito Fleet wants to shift how we relate to the Willamette.

06/17/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Summer Weekends

A Waterfall-Loving Wine Nerd’s Guide to the Gorge

Follow hikes and swims with skin-contact viognier and stone fruit.

06/13/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Portland Monthly

Outdoor Activities

8 Fun and Easy Fall Day Trips near Portland

Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.

The Best Farms and Orchards for Apple Picking near Portland

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

What to Do in Oregon in September

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

What to Do in Oregon in August

What to Know About Oregon Wildfires Right Now

Eugene Is Oregon’s Underrated Wine and Dining Destination

Popular Content

Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.

8 Fun and Easy Fall Day Trips near Portland

The Best Farms and Orchards for Apple Picking near Portland

What to Do in Oregon in September

Best Hot Springs Near Portland

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

9 First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds for Last-Minute Adventures

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

How a Jog and a Jump in the Willamette Became My Summer Ritual

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

What to Do in Oregon in July

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

These Kayakers See Climate Justice as Community Work

A Waterfall-Loving Wine Nerd’s Guide to the Gorge

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The New Willamette Valley