Outdoor Activities

Outdoors

Metro Debuts Two New Portland-Area Nature Parks

Newell Creek Canyon and Chehalem Ridge Nature Parks showcase the beauty in our backyard.

12/23/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Gear

Pacific Northwest Winter Essentials

Whether you're bombing a hill or cozying up by a fire, here's the best gear to get you ready for winter.

12/06/2021 By Karly Quadros

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Maple-Wildwood Loop

Forest Park’s six-mile lollipop loop is a stunner in fall, but don’t sleep on it this winter.

12/03/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trailhead

Take in unobstructed views of 5 Cascades peaks from the Silver Star summit.

11/05/2021 By Amy Joshu

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Crown Zellerbach Trail

Autumn leaves, breezy drives, and creepy vibes just 40 minutes north of Portland

10/04/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

7 Essential Gear Picks For Fall Hiking in Oregon

What to wear when you hit the trail this season.

10/01/2021 By Karly Quadros

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Yakama Nation Mt Adams Recreational Area

Explore Bird Creek Meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more at the 21,000-acre land managed by the Yakama Nation.

09/02/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

The 62-Mile Corvallis to the Sea Trail Is Officially Open

After 50 years of dedication and patience, you can now hike from Corvallis to the Oregon coast.

08/24/2021 By Nick Campigli

Travel & Outdoors

As National Park Service Turns 105, Entrance to These PNW National Parks Is Free

Crater Lake National Park, Lewis and Clark Historical Park, Fort Vancouver Historical Site, and more are free this Wednesday.

08/23/2021 By Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Looking for a Quick Trip Outdoors? Don’t Sleep on Portland-Area Nature Parks

Explore nature and wildlife at Marquam, Powell Butte, Canemah Bluff, and more.

08/19/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

New Mt. Hood Trails Boast Views and Wildflowers Galore

There's a reason they call it Mt. Hood Meadows.

08/10/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

Oregon's Stupendous, Incredible, Magnificent Lake Country

Where to camp, hike, paddle, float, or just dip your toes in the water

07/13/2021 By Kiva Hanson, Reina Harwood, Fiona McCann, Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Benjamin Tepler

Winter Fun

How to Après-Ski at Home

Portland goods and goodies for some cozy recuperating, even if you weren’t just on the slopes

03/26/2021 By Zoe Baillargeon

Glamping

Level Up Your Picnic or Campground Cookout with an Asian Hot Pot Meal

Take the steamy restaurant staple outdoors—all you need is a portable burner and some willing helpers.

03/19/2021 By Katrina Yentch

Field Notes

The Gorge’s Polar Opposite Offers Ancient Old-Growth Forest and Blessed Solitude

The other Eagle Creek offers a wild, cathedral forest with scarcely another human in sight.

03/16/2021 By Benjamin Tepler

The Gorgeous Gorge

Pandemic Travel: Researching a Columbia River Gorge Guidebook When the World Is Shut Down

The loneliness of the COVID-era travel writer

02/20/2021 By Matt Wastradowski

Cycling

Biketown's All-Electric Fleet and Expanded Area Take Portland’s Bike Share Program to a New Level

Yes, it’s yet another ‘I rode an e-bike for the first time, and it was kind of cool’ story.

10/14/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Here’s What You Need to Know about Outdoor Recreation during COVID-19

Should I wear a mask outside? Which trails should I avoid? Here’s our brief guide to outdoor etiquette in and around Portland.

07/10/2020 By Lauren Carlos, Gabriel Granillo, and Julia Silverman

A Walk on the Dry Side

Uncrowded Wildflower Walks, German Lagers, and Neon Signs Abound in The Dalles

Take a long weekend on the dry side of the Columbia River Gorge.

04/01/2020 By Julia Silverman

Poler Thaw

How Poler Came Back from Bankruptcy Death

Shuttered in November 2018, the #campvibes brand is back in action.

02/25/2020 By Eden Dawn