Senior editor Rebecca Jacobson steers Portland Monthly’s news and city life coverage and writes about the more-than-human world, history, and arts and culture. She previously served as the magazine’s arts editor and digital editor. A former editor at Willamette Week and The Berliner as well as a contributor to several Wildsam field guides, she has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Montana.

Prepare for Takeoff

PDX’s Revamped Main Terminal Opens Aug 14. Here Are the Highlights.

Construction isn’t over, but we’ll soon get a sprawling new lobby beer bar, faster security lines, and an unveiling of that dramatic timber roof.

07/16/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Hear Here

Three Songs Shaped by the Pacific Northwest

Black Belt Eagle Scout, Laura Veirs, and Laura Gibson took inspiration from cedars, the sea, and haunted hotels.

07/09/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Dive In

Cathedral Park’s New Swim Dock Opens Under the St. Johns Bridge

The beach area has a lot less concrete to trip over, too, thanks to volunteers and the Human Access Project.

06/28/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Field Notes

A Magical Old-Growth Forest Hike Just an Hour from Portland

The Old Salmon River Trail promises towering trees, carpets of moss, and a perfect pool for a dip.

06/25/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer

Hot Dam!

At This Southeast Portland Park, Both Humans and Beavers Are Builders

Errol Heights has an epic slide, a mini skate area, and trails through beaver habitat.

06/14/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Summer in the City

Three Urban Excursions to Soak Up Summer in Portland

From birds to boats to (forest) baths, who says you have to leave the city for a little adventure?

06/05/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Mark Wang

Full Circle

The Time I Hiked 93 Miles around Mount Rainier

Circling a volcano on foot is a singular Pacific Northwest experience.

06/04/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Starstruck

Southeastern Oregon Is Now Home to the World’s Largest 'Dark Sky Sanctuary'

The rugged and remote part of the state known as the Outback boasts some of the most pristine night skies on Earth.

04/26/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Sign Us Up

Oregon’s Century-Old Camp Namanu Gets Historic Designation

The state’s first summer camp for girls, which counts Beverly Cleary among its alums, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

04/01/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Slow Burn

How Writing Romance Helped Alison Cochrun Embrace Her Queerness

The former high school English teacher, raised and based in Vancouver, is now a full-time author of love stories.

03/29/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

420-Friendly

This Guidebook Tours the Country’s Coolest Cannabis Destinations

In Green Scenes, Portlander Lauren Yoshiko scopes out cat-themed dispensaries, consumption-friendly treehouses, and chic smoke shops.

03/12/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Air Travel News

Safety Concerns Delay PDX Terminal Opening—But Hey, New Flights!

At some point, travelers will have a timber roof and leafy trees. Till then, we’ll settle for new nonstops to Nashville and Atlanta.

03/06/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Glow Up

Cosmic Tubing Is the Mood-Enhancing Activity You Need

Find neon lights, party tunes, and a jolt of joy on Mount Hood’s snowy slopes.

02/27/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

SMOKE OUT

Wine Taste Like Cigars? New Coatings May Save Grapes from Smoke

Scientists sprang into action after wildfire smoke tainted many 2020 harvests.

02/07/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

AFTER THE STORM

Portland’s Tree Damage, through the Eyes of an Arborist

“It’s carnage out there,” says an exhausted Jacob Holmstead.

02/02/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

BUSINESS

Portland’s Only REI Store Closes for Good on February 1

But suburban shoppers, you’re in luck.

01/23/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

TAIL TALES

Is Dinner Rolls the Shar-Pei the Most Adoptable Pet in Portland?

Rescued from far West Texas, Din is now available for meet and greets at One Tail at a Time’s new adoption center.

01/12/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Pray for Snow

Cheap Skiing? Not While Oregon Budget Ski Spots Still Closed

Just three of the state’s resorts have opened.

01/04/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Best of 2023

The Top 4 Portland Arts Moments of 2023 (You Can Still See Two!)

This year, we just wanted to feel something. Here are the Portland experiences that stuck with us.

12/27/2023 By Matthew Trueherz and Rebecca Jacobson

Fall Arts

Preview: Jeffrey Gibson’s ‘They Come From Fire’ at Portland Art Museum

The artist’s photography project is a sprawling celebration of Oregon’s Indigenous communities, past and present.

09/28/2022 By Rebecca Jacobson