Outdoors

Our Favorite Oregon State Parks

From lush coastal rain forest to mountain waterfalls to arid high desert, and everything in between.

03/08/2023 By Sam Stites

Get Out

19 Great Swimming Holes within 3 Hours of Portland

Drive to Hagg Lake, the Wilson River, Rooster Rock State Park, and more swimming holes near Portland, Oregon.

06/29/2022 By Benjamin Tepler, Rachel Ritchie, Margaret Seiler, Caleb Diehl, and Kasey Cordell

Outdoors

Oregon's Stupendous, Incredible, Magnificent Lake Country

Where to camp, hike, paddle, float from Mt Hood favorites like Timothy and Lost Lakes to Central Oregon gems to mighty Crater Lake National Park.

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

Wine Country 2020

These Wine Trips Are Perfect for Fall

Replace those canceled airline flights with wine flights just a short drive from Portland, or even right in town.

10/05/2020 By Jordan Michelman and Margaret Seiler

PDX Planner

Portland by the Season: Can't-Miss Stuff for Every Time of Year

From summer swims to winter film fests, here's how to fill your calendar.

08/03/2018 By Portland Monthly Staff

Get Outside

The Insider's Guide to Camping in the Pacific Northwest

It's finally summer. Here's how to escape the crowds, score secret spots, discover Oregon's wild desert, and camp like royalty.

05/22/2018 Edited by Benjamin Tepler Photography by Isaac Lane Koval

Camping Guide: Fast & Furious

This Is the Pacific Northwest's Best Lightweight Backpacking Gear

From dehydrated Coava coffee to ultra-packable sleeping bags, here's how to shed those extra ounces.

05/22/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

Camping Guide: Free Wheelin'

How to Car-Camp Like Royalty

Here's your deluxe, all-PNW guide.

05/22/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

Woman Up!

Pump Iron, Bust a Move, and Meditate at Portland Monthly’s Woman Up!

In its second year, our weekend of wellness and empowerment will show you all kinds of ways to move, groove, and generally improve your current level of fun.

04/27/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson

Fitness: Get Buff (the Other Buff)

Soak, Scrub, and Sauna Options for Clothing-Averse Portlanders

Here's where to get naked, even in the darkest of winter.

12/28/2017 By Margaret Seiler

Fitness: Close to Om

Is Downtown Portland the Best Place to Achieve Nirvana?

Give your busy brain a break at Pause Meditation.

12/28/2017 By Marty Patail

Fitness: Roll with the Punches

Northeast Portland's Knott Street Boxing Will Teach Any Willing Body to Fight

Yes, even you.

12/28/2017 By Zach Dundas

Fitness: Give Me Strength

Welcome to Portland's Feminist, Queer-Centric Barbell Gym

Liberation Barbell will lift you up.

12/28/2017 By Amy Martin

Fitness: Shake Your Groove Thing

7 Portland Dance Classes to Take Right Now

From hoop dance to Afro-contemporary, our city serves up a seriously sweaty slate of options.

12/28/2017 By Rebecca Jacobson

Vine of the Times

How a Fresh Crop of Winemakers Is Upending Oregon Tradition

From white cab francs to fruity gamays, pinot noir is no longer the only grape in town.

09/13/2017 By Chad Walsh

Wine Country Escapes: Two Wheels

A Wine Country Bike Trip in Oregon's Eola–Amity Hills

Tour a close-to-home AVA on two wheels (or four).

09/13/2017 By Ben Waterhouse

Long Story Short

'Unlikely Hiker' Jenny Bruso Blasts Open the Idea of Who Belongs in the Wilderness

"Actually, my size doesn’t keep me from doing anything in the outdoors."

07/10/2017 By Kelly Clarke

EDITOR'S NOTE

Why Portland Monthly Won’t Keep Your Favorite Swimming Hole a Secret

Public land belongs to the public.

07/12/2016 By Zach Dundas

MANNERS

The Swimming Hole Code of Conduct

Or, how not to infuriate your fellow bathers.

07/12/2016 By Portland Monthly Staff

JUMP IN

Here’s a Map of 19 Great Swimming Holes within 3 Hours of Portland

You're welcome.

07/12/2016 By Portland Monthly Staff