Summer Fun

An Incomplete Guide to Portland’s Biggest Summer 2023 Concerts and Events

From Pedalpalooza to Pickathon, Diana Ross to Diana Krall, Shakespeare to Samantha Bee, a roundup of what's happening in Portland, Oregon, this summer.

06/01/2023 By Margaret Seiler and Sam Stites

Water Safety

Heading to a Swim Hole? It Might Not Be Safe Right Now

Warm spring weather doesn't mean it's time to hit your river spot.

05/30/2023 By Sam Stites

Columbia Gorge

Timed-Entry Permits Are Back at Multnomah Falls

Visitors to Oregon's tallest waterfall will again need to obtain a timed-entry permit beginning May 26.

05/22/2023 By Sam Stites

Stay & Play

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants at Chambers Bay Golf Course

In just 16 short years, this public course on the banks of the Puget Sound has cemented its place in golf history as one of the nation’s great courses.

05/16/2023 By Sam Stites

Opt Outside

Outdoor Beer Collaborations We're Loving Right Now

Including partnerships with Northwest Trail Alliance and Hopworks Brewery, Oregon Zoo and Portland Cider Company, and 10 Barrel and Poler.

05/12/2023 By Sam Stites

#VanLife

6 Signs You Should Try Van Life

Does the open road call your name? Do crowded campgrounds give you the ick? You might be a perfect candidate for van living.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites Illustrations by tara jacoby

#VanLife

Tips for First-Time Camper Van Buyers

How to land the camper van or RV of your dreams, with advice from Axis Vehicle Outfitters, GoCamp, and Overland Van Project.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites

Events

What to Do in Oregon in May

Learn about UFOs and close encounters in McMinnville, race between breweries in Bend, celebrate Oregon wine in award-winning viticulture regions, and ride a fat-tire bike in Cannon Beach.

04/28/2023 By Sam Stites, Katherine Chew Hamilton, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Summer Fun

Floating Hot Tubs Offer Novel Way to Get Out on the Willamette River

Rentable floating hot tubs from Yacht Tubs offer novel way to relax on the river, with no boating license required.

04/26/2023 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland's Regional Government Wants to Give You a Life Jacket

A Metro naturalist breaks down his best pieces of advice staying safe near water, including the Sandy River, the Columbia River, and Blue Lake Park.

04/21/2023 By Sam Stites

Arty Attractions

Bend’s New Music and Performing Arts Scene

There’s more to this Central Oregon city than just outdoor adventures and great beer.

04/20/2023 By Sam Stites

Get Cultured

The Portland Japanese Garden Beckons You to Visit

The cultural icon is stunning in spring, but there’s no bad time to stop by.

04/19/2023 By Sam Stites

America’s Best Airport

New Restaurants and Shops Coming to PDX's Main Terminal

Loyal Legion, Portland Gear, and Smith Teamakers are among the storefronts that will appear when Portland International Airport's new terminal reopens.

04/12/2023 By Sam Stites

Beer Fest

Salmon-Safe IPA Festival Returns to Hopworks Brewery

Eighteen breweries from five states come together in the second IPA festival dedicated to beers brewed with “salmon-safe” hops and grain.

04/10/2023 By Sam Stites

Fore!

The Best Portland-Area Public Golf Courses

Here are the best 18-hole, public golf courses in the Portland metro area.

03/30/2023 By Sam Stites

Camping

Outdoor Gear Essentials for Your Next Camping Trip

From walkie-talkies to comfy chairs to less-bad camp coffee, add these to your packing list.

03/28/2023 By Sam Stites

Spring Break

4 Hikes for Families Close to Portland

Take a hike in the Columbia River Gorge, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, along the Banks-Vernonia Trail, and at Canemah Bluff Nature Park in Oregon City.

03/27/2023 By Sam Stites

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Hoodoo

Hoodoo Ski Area near Central Oregon is the not-so-hidden gem of the Santiam Pass.

03/15/2023 By Sam Stites

State Parks

After Marking a Century, What’s Next for Oregon State Parks?

One of the nation’s best state parks systems is busy updating facilities, studying climate change, and becoming a more welcoming environment for all types of visitors.

03/09/2023 By Sam Stites

Explainer

An Oregon State Parks Glossary of Terms

Park? Natural area? Heritage site? Why so many different terms for seemingly the same thing?

03/08/2023 By Sam Stites