Brian joined the SagaCity team in 2006 as a fact-checker with Portland Monthly. Details were sweated and issue upon issue, he took on greater responsibility, from managing departments to wrangling interns to organizing and executing cover features and narrative stories.

In 2010, with SagaCity’s custom magazine department growing by leaps and bounds, Brian took an opportunity to combine a love of travel writing and the wide-open spaces of Oregon by serving as a project lead for visitor guide clients, which now includes Travel Portland, Eastern Oregon Visitors Association, Eugene, Cascades & Coast, and Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau. He shares a century-old bungalow at the foot of Mount Tabor with his wife, young son, and newly adopted Great Pyrenees-Lab mix.

Hiking

12 Great Wildflower Hikes within Two Hours of Portland

Spring is wildflower season. Celebrate with some of our favorite floral displays in the region in the Columbia River Gorge or the Portland metro area.

04/07/2023 By Michelle Harris and Portland Monthly Staff

Hiking

4 Great Fall Hikes near Portland

In early autumn, trails in Oregon and Washington offer glimpses of misty waterfalls, migrating birds, changing colors, not-so-snowy mountain peaks, and more.

09/15/2022 By Brian Barker, Gabriel Granillo, and Benjamin Tepler

Hiking

Explore These Trails Right at Portland’s Doorstep

A hike at Hogan’s Butter, Scouters Mountain, Tualatin River Greenway, and more are right at Portland's doorstep.

04/29/2022 By Brian Barker, Ramona DeNies, and Michelle Harris

Hidden Portland: Eat This Now

4 Under-the-Radar Portland Food Scores

Lobster rolls to Indian spices, don't sleep on these finds.

12/21/2018 By Brian Barker, Fiona McCann, and Benjamin Tepler

Field Notes

Trail of the Month: Bird-Watching at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Head south of Salem for wetlands and winged visitors.

08/14/2017 By Brian Barker

Great Trails

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes

First timer? Super athlete? Arborist? We've got a trail for you.

05/15/2017 By Benjamin Tepler, Rebecca Jacobson, and Brian Barker

Hikes Close to Home

5 Urban Trails to Explore Near Portland

From wildlife-filled wetlands to Washougal's spiffy waterfront, here are great greenspaces all within 30 miles of downtown.

05/15/2017 By Brian Barker

The Other Oregon: Along I-84

Boardman to Baker City: Bikes, Beer, and Hot Springs in Eastern Oregon

Hit these breweries just off I-84, then pay back your designated driver with warm pools and museums.

04/17/2017 By Brian Barker and Margaret Seiler

Field Notes

Trail of the Month: High-and-Dry Winter Walks at Canemah Bluff

Look out over the Willamette River from Oregon City’s 332-acre nature park.

11/14/2016 By Brian Barker

Take the Plunge

9 Incredible Northwest Swimming Holes

Breath-stealing waterfalls. Secluded lakes. Rollicking rivers. The Northwest’s greatest summer destinations hide off the beaten path—and within three hours of Portland.

07/12/2016 Edited by Benjamin Tepler By Rachel Ritchie, Margaret Seiler, and Caleb Diehl

SUNNY HIKES

5 Spring Hikes for Soaking Up the Sun

These exposed treks, all within two hours of downtown Portland, help you replenish your inner reservoir of precious vitamin D.

04/19/2016 By Sylvia Randall-Muñoz

FIELD NOTES

Trail of the Month: Harvey Creek Trail

Wine plus hiking equals … wiking!

03/25/2016 By Brian Barker

TRAIL OF THE MONTH

Stunning Fall Color and Wildlife at Southwest Washington’s Conboy Lake

An animal watcher's paradise lies just two hours away, home to elk, coyotes, and over 200 varieties of birds.

10/19/2015 By Brian Barker

SO LONG, SUMMER

What Was Your Quintessential Oregon Summer Moment?

As fall officially kicks off, we look back at a season of beach trips, bike rides, and record heat waves. Add your memory to the mix!

09/23/2015 By Allison Jones

Happy Trails

Tips for Hiking with Kids from Real Portland Parents

"Everything will be fine as long as you keep in mind that children have no forethought or self-preservation skills."

07/28/2015 By Allison Jones With Kelly Clarke, Fiona McCann, Margaret Seiler, and Brian Barker

TRAIL OF THE MONTH

Boulder Lake Makes an Ideal Summer Day Hike

With picture-perfect picnic tables, pine-dotted cliffs, and wildflowers, this 11-acre lake is calling.

06/22/2015 By Rachel Ritchie

FIELD NOTES

Trail of the Month: Mosier Plateau

Wildflowers, waterfalls, and panoramic views—what more could you ask for? Plus 3 springtime travel ideas not to miss!

04/02/2015 By Brian Barker

WINTER BUCKET LIST

A Guide to Northwest Winter Wandering

Plan a perfect day on Mount Hood, layer up for winter biking, or get outta town for a warm-weather escape!

12/01/2014 By Brian Barker, Zach Dundas, Rachel Ritchie, Benjamin Tepler, Michael Zusman, and Caleb Diehl

HIKING

Trail of the Month: Indian Heaven Trail No. 33

Packed with glassy lakes, serene meadows, and alpine vistas, Southwest Washington’s Indian Heaven Wilderness is indeed divine.

09/26/2014 By Brian Barker

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

An Epic Oregon Bike Ride

Saddle up your bike for an epic Eastern Oregon adventure on the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway.

07/25/2014 By Brian Barker