Julia is a former news editor for Portland Monthly.

Jump In

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Postcard perfect? Not always. But the mighty Columbia is big enough for everyone.

08/05/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Margaret Seiler, and Julia Silverman

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

Hiking

These Oregon Coast Hikes Have All the Views

Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Lookout, and other coastal trails beckon with shady walks and vast ocean vistas.

05/01/2024 By Julia Silverman and Michelle Harris

Travel

7 Last-Minute Spring Break Destinations for Sun-Deprived Portlanders

Itching to get away from the rain? Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Diego, and other sources of vitamin D await.

03/07/2024 By Dalila Brent, Shannon Daehnke, Gabriel Granillo, Katherine Chew Hamilton, Michelle Harris, and Julia Silverman

Swift Movement

Vaux’s Swifts Are Early This Year: Where and When to Watch

The birds are back, by the thousands, in a chimney near you. Go see the largest roost in the world, which happens to be at an elementary school.

08/31/2023 By Dalila Brent and Julia Silverman

Light a Fire 2022: Most with the Least

Our Legacy Harvested Brings More People of Color to the Wine World

The Willamette Valley wine country nonprofit sponsors internships to expose more people to all levels of the viticulture industry.

12/29/2022 By Julia Silverman

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

Justice System

Mike Schmidt Doesn’t Want to Be the Next Chesa Boudin

But after a rocky first half to his tenure, the Multnomah County DA has a lot of ground to make up.

12/08/2022 By Julia Silverman Photography by Thomas Teal

Health Care

In Oregon, an Effort to Train the Next Generation of Abortion Care Providers Gets Underway

Patients from other states are already coming here to seek help. Now their caregivers are following suit.

12/05/2022 By Julia Silverman Illustrations by Marina Muun

Shoe Gazing

Beyond Nike and Adidas: Shoes Are Big Business in Portland

A totally cosmic look at the brightest stars—and the start-up up-and-comers—in our local sneaker industry firmament.

11/22/2022 By Julia Silverman

Schools

A Years-Long Rift over School Fundraising Comes to a Head in Portland

At issue: should individual schools be able to buy more full-time staff members?

11/08/2022 By Julia Silverman

Books, Books, Books

Portland's Flagship Downtown Library Reopens Next Week—Here's Why You Need to Get There Fast

The Central Library is closing again in 2023 for at least six months for more renovations. Plus more library news and notes!

10/27/2022 By Julia Silverman

Get Out

Let It Snow: Mt Hood Ski Resorts to Open in Just a Few Weeks

Thanks to early-season snowfall and our third La Niña year in a row, the winter sports forecast is looking very promising.

10/25/2022 By Julia Silverman

Analysis

Portlanders Seem to Want One Thing This Election Day: Change

A red wave isn't coming for the city (where offices are nonpartisan, anyway), but all signs point to a restless electorate looking for a new direction.

10/24/2022 By Julia Silverman

Business

What Happened after Shark Tank for These Oregon Entrepreneurs?

An Oregonian hit paydirt on the first episode of this season. But what about seasons gone by?

10/18/2022 By Julia Silverman

Retail Therapy

8 New-and-Improved Portland Shopping Spots We're Digging Right Now

Superette on NW 23rd, Makerspace in Sellwood, outdoor pop-up events and more.

10/13/2022 By Julia Silverman

Analysis

Is the Red Wave Finally Coming for Oregon?

With just over three weeks until Election Day, the President is coming to Stumptown to stump for Democratic candidates.

10/13/2022 By Julia Silverman

Real Estate

Where Did Home Prices Rise and Fall the Most in Portland Last Month?

All signs point to a regional slowdown in the market.

10/11/2022 By Julia Silverman

Media

A New Newsletter/Podcast Launches in Portland, Joining a Crowded Field

City Cast Portland wants your eyeballs and your ears.

10/07/2022 By Julia Silverman

Fitness

Barre3 Puts Flagship Pearl District Studio on Pause

We talked to founder Sadie Lincoln to find out what’s next.

10/05/2022 By Julia Silverman