Outdoors

How to Reserve a Hiking, Camping, or Backpacking Trip in Oregon

Trust the process—even if it is a little cumbersome.

01/19/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Who's Left Behind by Oregon’s Ever-Growing Trail Permit System?

You need to plan ahead if you want to hike some of the state’s most popular trails, which cuts down on environmental degradation—but impacts access too.

02/18/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

North Cascades National Park Holds Once-in-a-Lifetime Views for Those Willing to Make the Drive

Spend a long weekend exploring the Rainbow-McAlester Loop.

09/09/2020 By Ben Tepler

Camp Cooking

Fernweh, a New Dehydrated Food Company, Is Changing the Backpacking Game

It’s Portland-based, vegan, sustainably-packaged, and oodles better than Mountain House.

07/08/2019 By Kiva Hanson

Get Out of Town

The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Camping Cheat Sheet

Turned around on snowy forest roads? Sick of sold-out campgrounds? Here's how to win the camping game.

08/03/2018 By Benjamin Tepler Research by Catherine Johnson

Camping Guide: Desert Rambles

5 Essential Hikes in the Eastern Oregon Desert

From red-rock spires to aspen-shrouded hot springs, here's where to trek on the other side of the Cascades.

05/22/2018 By ONDA and Benjamin Tepler

Camping Guide: How To

The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Camping Cheat Sheet

Turned around on snowy forest roads? Sick of sold-out campgrounds? Here's how to win the camping game.

05/22/2018 By Benjamin Tepler Research by Catherine Johnson

Camping Guide: Fast & Furious

This Is the Pacific Northwest's Best Lightweight Backpacking Gear

From dehydrated Coava coffee to ultra-packable sleeping bags, here's how to shed those extra ounces.

05/22/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

Camping Guide: The Long Haul

Which Pacific Northwest Thru-Hike Is Right for You?

Stargazing and rattlesnakes? Or solitude and grizzlies? Take your pick!

05/22/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

Camping Guide: Wild Country

5 Northwest Backpacking Trips to Take Right Now

Lace up those boots—high-alpine lakes, wildflower-lined trails, and hand-operated cable cars are waiting.

05/22/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson and Benjamin Tepler

Get Out

The Insider’s Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Rafting in Oregon

From epic backpacking treks to essential river trips to top-notch campground tips, here’s how to get outside this summer.

06/30/2017 Edited by Ramona DeNies

Camping Guide

18 Must-Visit Oregon State Parks

We've got your next basecamp for everything from QT with your canine to the whole (human) wolfpack, breezy disc golf getaways to blissful backcountry treks.

06/30/2017 Edited by Ramona DeNies By Ketzel Levine and John Shewey