Outdoor Activities

Winter Travel

10 Spots for Winter Camping in Oregon

Hike, snowshoe, ski, and camp year-round at parks and campgrounds across the state, including Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive.

12/21/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MOUNT HOOD

Where to Bed Down for the Night on Mount Hood

A-frames, hot tubs, log cabins, and views for days

12/15/2022 By Julia Silverman Illustrations by Chris Koelling

Trails

Hike of the Month: Neahkahnie Gap Trail

This two-mile addition to the Oregon Coast Trail offers beautiful scenery of Nehalem Bay and secondary-growth forest, and connects to Neahkahnie Mountain.

12/08/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

The Insider’s Guide to Mount Hood

No Skis, No Snowboard, No Problem: Next-Gen Ways to Play in the Snow

These portable, packable snow-play options don’t always require a lift ticket.

12/07/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Snow

The Insider’s Guide to Mount Hood

Tips on how to make the most of your day at the mountain, from the people who know

11/30/2022 By Sam Stites Illustrations by Chris Koelling

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.

11/22/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Hiking

5 Post-Thanksgiving Hikes around Portland

Skip Black Friday this year and spend your morning at Forest Park, Mount Tabor, and elsewhere

11/17/2022 By Gabriel Granillo With Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park

A stunner year-round, the picturesque waterfall trail at Silver Falls State Park is bursting with color in autumn.

10/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Trails

Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year, among other national forest fee increases.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Park for Free or Help Pull Weeds on National Public Lands Day, September 24

Attend a volunteer event in Portland and beyond, or visit federal recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park without paying a fee.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Ecola Point to Indian Beach

Lighthouse views and inland shade on this Oregon Coast trail near Cannon Beach

08/12/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Shady Hikes and Picnic Spots for Hot Days in and around Portland

From the fir frenzy of North Portland’s Columbia Park to a tree-lined trail on Sauvie Island, here are a few places to celebrate the shadows.

08/11/2022 By Cassondra Bird, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Nature

Off to Pick Huckleberries? You Might Need a Permit

The wild berries lining mountain trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are calling, but you'll need a Forest Service permit in advance for these purple goodies.

08/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler