Outdoor Activities

In the Trees

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

First-timer? Super athlete? Bird-watcher? We've got a trail for you.

04/15/2025 By Brian Barker, Rebecca Jacobson, and Benjamin Tepler

Wheelie Good

These Are Portland's 15 Essential Annual Bike Rides

Bike proms, bike plays, and naked rides—few cities have livelier bike calendars than ours. Here are the can't-miss events.

04/07/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton and Rebecca Jacobson

Awesome Blossom

Guide to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Thirty miles south of Portland, 40 rainbow acres await.

03/21/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Pretty in Pink

A Complete Guide to Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Portland

Peak bloom is nigh.

03/11/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Soggy Season

6 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.

02/12/2025 By Gabriel Granillo and Michelle Harris

Snow!

Best Not-Too-Exciting Sledding Hills Around Portland

Portland is not a sledder's paradise, and we’re OK with that.

02/03/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Oregon, It’s Time to Book Your Summer Campsites

Six months out is the sweet spot for securing the state’s most coveted tent sites (and cabins, yurts, and fire lookouts).

01/03/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

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.

12/17/2024 By Julia Silverman and Gabriel Granillo

Oregon Trails

8 Ways to Embrace Winter in Oregon

From snowshoeing to stargazing to dips in the sea, there’s no reason to fear the cold.

12/02/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Jordan Kay

In Defense of Skinny Skis

Cross-Country Skiing Is More Joyful Than You Think

It’s serene, affordable, and as strenuous or leisurely as you want it to be—and a balm during dark Northwest winters.

11/19/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

XC Ski 101

A Beginner's Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Never clipped into skinny skis? Here's all you need to know. Plus: gear rentals, lessons, and clubs in the Portland area.

11/15/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Blades of Glory

Portland’s Downtown Ice Rink Is Back

Get ready to glide.

11/08/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Get Lost

Lose Yourself in These 7 Portland-Area Corn Mazes

Work your way through the dead ends and wrong turns, then reward yourself with apple cider doughnuts.

10/07/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Water World

Hike to These 6 Hidden-Away Swimming Holes near Portland

Working up a bit of a sweat means the water will feel extra delicious.

08/02/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Bird to the Wise

Güero Bird Club Is Portland's Best Way to Get into Birding

The warm and welcoming group, led by the torta shop's kitchen manager, transforms novices into nerds. It worked on me.

07/17/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Michael Raines Illustrations by Michael Novak

Lake Life

Our 8 Favorite Lake Trips near Portland (Yes, You Can Still Book One)

Gorgeous views and easy water access await at these lakeside campgrounds.

07/10/2024 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

But which in-the-city Willamette River swim spot is the one for you and your crew?

07/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler, Michelle Harris, and Matthew Trueherz

Berry Good

Where to Pick Your Own Berries This Fruit-Filled Season

We found the perfect U-pick farm for every type of Portlander.

07/02/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Field Notes

A Magical Old-Growth Forest Hike Just an Hour from Portland

The Old Salmon River Trail promises towering trees, carpets of moss, and a perfect pool for a dip.

06/25/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer

All Aboard

World Champion Paddleboarder Fiona Wylde Wants to See You on the Water

With three world titles under her belt, the Hood River local doubles down on community, with free paddle lessons in July and August.

06/14/2024 By Molly Allen Photography by Eric Duran Gazquez

Portland Monthly