Margaret Seiler helps keep Portland Monthly clear, readable, and grammatically correct. She also writes about local politicshistory, sports (from the Thorns to Tonya Harding), and her hobby of extreme transit. The native Kentuckian landed in Oregon after youth-hostelling her way around the continent (before cell phones!) and worked at Willamette Week and the Portland Tribune before joining Portland Monthly in 2010. She lives in North Portland with her brewer husband and their two children. 

Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

PDX Index

Portland Public Schools’ Numbers Problems

The new bond will help school buildings, but will there be enough kids to fill them?

08/25/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Transit Trip

We Took the New North Coast Express Bus to Rockaway Beach

This summer weekend bus heads straight for Oregon Coast hits like Tillamook and Cannon Beach. We had the cushy coach practically to ourselves.

08/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

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

Summer Weekends

Portland Staycation: Dinner and a Movie (and a Swim)

Craft a dreamy weekend out of the house without leaving the metro area.

07/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Our Sporting Past

The Portland Fire Is Back: Local Sports Teams Then and Now

You know the Blazers, Timbers, Thorns, and (soon-to-be-resurrected) Fire. But what about the Buckaroos, Rosebuds, and Forest Dragons?

07/15/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Cinematastic

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Open-air showings in and around Portland this summer include The Goonies at Sewallcrest Park and The Sandlot at Overlook Park.

06/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

Real Estate

Property Watch: Downtown Skyscraper Big Pink Is for Sale

The US Bancorp Tower is an elder millennial ready for its next chapter.

06/20/2025 By Margaret Seiler

In Short

Hot Takes on Portland's Latest News

Real news in small packages.

06/16/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Superfan

At the Nite Hawk, the Patty Melt Is Perfect Every Time

The cooks may change over the years, but Terrance Moses says his sandwich never does.

06/16/2025 By Margaret Seiler Photography by Michael Raines

Transit Trip

How to Camp Without a Car Close to Portland

Go glamping by bus, or bring your own tent for a car-free getaway.

06/03/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Index

The Goonies Turns 40

A look at the numbers behind the Oregon-shot classic.

05/28/2025 By Alex Frane and Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Portland Suburbs by the Numbers

Are you hot for Happy Valley? Rarin' for Ridgefield? Gaga for Gresham? Check out home sales prices, rent costs, demographics, and walkability for Portland's suburbs.

04/14/2025 Edited by Margaret Seiler With Owen Scholes and David Banis

Real Estate

Portland Neighborhoods by the Numbers

Home sale prices, rent costs, commuting habits, and demographic info for every neighborhood, from Buckman to Bridlemile, Hillsdale to Humboldt.

04/14/2025 Edited by Margaret Seiler With Owen Scholes and David Banis

Transit Trip

An Escape to Estacada on TriMet’s Southernmost Bus

A lakeshore stroll, murals galore, doughnuts made with love, and shouts of ‘fore!’

04/02/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Events

Don't Miss These Annual Oregon Coast Events

Seafood fests in Astoria and Garibaldi, fat bikes in Cannon Beach, and labyrinths in Bandon.

03/20/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Way Out West

Neighborhood Guide: Orenco Station

Part Portland, part Truman Show, this master-planned Hillsboro hood is all grown up.

03/18/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Best Bars

Portland’s Top Irish Pubs for St. Patrick’s Day, or Any Day

Where to find the best spots for pints of Guinness, corned beef, and Irish whiskey.

03/14/2025 By Alex Frane, Fiona McCann, and Margaret Seiler

Soak Spots

Best Hot Springs Near Portland

Let off some steam in nature's hot tubs.

02/18/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Rebecca Jacobson, and Margaret Seiler

Plague

Please Don’t Give Me Norovirus

A layperson’s tips on how to stop the spread of the vomit-diarrhea nightmare. (Hint: Laundry is dangerous.)

01/23/2025 By Margaret Seiler