Margaret Seiler helps keep Portland Monthly clear, readable, and grammatically correct. She also writes about local politics, history, 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.

History Lesson

Arlington, MAC, University.... What’s the Deal with Portland’s Old Private Clubs?

From discrimination to policies, members to clubhouses, we take a deep dive into the history of the Rose City’s private clubs–and where there are now.

06/22/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Greenspaces

A Celebration of Portland Parks

A thank-you note to the hiking trails of Forest Park, the playground of Wilshire and Arbor Lodge, the smell of roses in Washington and Peninsula Parks, and more

06/17/2022 Edited by Julia Silverman By Michelle Harris, Fiona McCann, and Margaret Seiler

Music

The 1985 Kate Bush Classic Resurrected by Stranger Things Is the Song of the Summer

Resurrected by Stranger Things, the 1985 jam has been heard all over Portland–from Fred Meyer to Providence Park and beyond. Have you noticed?

06/15/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Conner Reed

Swimming

Not Signed Up for Swim Lessons in Portland Yet? There’s Still Hope

Expect to see "full," "waitlist," and "members only" messages, but there are still some spots available or coming online soon at Portland parks, gyms, and more.

06/10/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Swimming Holes

Take a Hike to a Swimming Hole

Combine water and a walk, short or long, with a visit to Lacamas Park, Mosier Creek Falls, Metzler Park, or lakes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

06/08/2022 By Michelle Harris and Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play on Oregon’s Central Coast

Spot sea lions, a lighthouse, and lots of sand in Yachats, Florence, the Oregon Dunes, Reedsport, and beyond

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play on Oregon’s South Coast, from Coos Bay to Brookings

A Star Trek/tiki motel, painted dinosaurs at Prehistoric Gardens, the private zoo at West Coast Game Safari, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and more!

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Astoria on the Oregon Coast

This fishing town is packed with history, hikes, quirky shops, fish and chips, and beer. Here's what to do and where to go on your next Astoria visit!

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Beach, Please

The Ultimate Oregon Coast Guide

North to south, here's what we love on the Oregon Coast.

06/07/2022 Edited by Margaret Seiler

Air Travel

British Airways Launches Nonstop Flight from Portland to London Heathrow

The long-anticipated nonstop flight between London’s Heathrow Airport and Portland International Airport launched early June with a welcome party, and a phone booth.

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Here’s Where to Camp at the Beach

Find easy access to the sand between Tillamook and Yachats at Cape Lookout, South Beach, Beachside, and Tillicum campgrounds.

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Beach Eats

Pronto Pup, the Corn Dog Born on the Oregon Coast

The tale of the beloved Rockaway Beach–born hot dog on a stick, from the bustling counter by the bumper cars in Seaside to beach shacks and food carts around the Great Lakes

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Bars

12 Essential Oregon Coast Bars

From the Triangle in Astoria to the Bridge Tender in Seaside to the 101 in Brookings, these small-town taverns help you feel like a local.

06/02/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Events

What to Do in Oregon in June

Goonies Day hits Astoria, a Bach festival kicks off in Eugene, wine country shows some Pride, and more!

06/01/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Michelle Harris

Swimming Holes

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Under 90 Minutes from Portland

From Jones Beach to Rooster Rock to the Hood River waterfront, the Columbia River is big enough for everyone to find a beach and take a dip.

05/31/2022 By Margaret Seiler, Katherine Chew Hamilton, and Julia Silverman

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria

Boardwalks, tree-root stairs, and the namesake Sitka spruce line the way to the Astoria Column and stunning views of the Columbia River Bar and Oregon Coast.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Literary Road Trip

New Mural in Clatskanie Celebrates Writer Raymond Carver

A free festival this weekend shows off the almost-complete mural and includes a poetry contest and Birdman screening.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Portland Real Estate Guide 2022

A look at the numbers on home sales from Arbor Lodge to Argay, Bridlemile to Buckman, Laurelhurst to Lents, Canby to Camas, plus the skinny on the market fr...

05/16/2022 Edited by Julia Silverman By Melissa Dalton, Cami Hughes, Fiona McCann, Karly Quadros, Conner Reed, and Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Portland Neighborhoods by the Numbers 2022

Home sales prices, rent costs, demographics, crime statistics, and commute times for every neighborhood, from the Pearl to Parkrose, Hillsdale to Hazelwood

05/16/2022 Edited by Margaret Seiler and Julia Silverman

Real Estate

Portland Suburbs by the Numbers 2022

Home sales prices, rent costs, demographics, and commute times for Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Vancouver, and other Portland-area suburbs.

05/16/2022 Edited by Margaret Seiler and Julia Silverman