Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

A Cheat Sheet to Enjoying the Counties Voting for ‘Greater Idaho’

Without places like Burns and Baker City, Joseph and the Alvord Desert, Oregon just wouldn’t be Oregon.

09/04/2023 Edited by Sam Stites

Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

5 Crucial Tips for Camping in the Alvord Desert

We caught up with experienced playa-goers for their critical advice on visiting this otherworldly terrain.

09/04/2023 By Sam Stites

Perfect Plans

Doe Bay Resort: What to Do, Where to Stay, and What to Eat

Don't be misled by "resort" in its title, says our writer, who has visited for 30 years. Nestled in the San Juan Islands between mountains and water, this spot offers something for everyone, from campers to hikers to luxury seekers.

08/07/2023 By MaryRose Denton

Alpine Adventures

Don't Miss Two Cascades Trips, Newly Open for the Season

It's time for excursions into the mountains, which aren't accessible during snowy months or wildfire season. McKenzie Pass and Crater Lake boat tours just opened for 2023.

06/29/2023 By Sam Stites

Rivers

It's Time For You to Meet the Magical Lower Deschutes River

Whatever your speed—dirtbag to debutante—there is something for you on the Lower Deschutes. From its beginnings high up near Mount Bachelor to where it flows into the Columbia River, Central Oregon's Deschutes River is a special place.

06/08/2023 By Sam Stites and Chad Brown

#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

Local experts give advice on how to land you the camper van of your dreams.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites

Camping

Camping in the Era of Fire Bans

Here’s how to plan for camping trips without campfires.

04/04/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Camp Cooking

How to Dutch Oven Cook like a Pro

Tournant chefs Mona Johnson and Jaret Foster share tips and tricks for cooking great open-fire meals, plus their recipe for clam stew.

03/29/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

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

By the Numbers

Oregon State Parks Facts and Figures

13 disc golf courses, nearly 3 million camper nights last year, 30 years of yurts, and the real reason behind the most visited state park

03/09/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Winter Travel

10 Spots for Winter Camping in Oregon

Hike, snowshoe, ski, and camp year-round at parks and campgrounds across the state, including Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive.

12/21/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Aug-tober

Summer's Not Ending. Here's How to Make the Most of It.

Five things that won't be as fun when the rain inevitably comes.

10/12/2022 By Sam Stites

Getaways

Breitenbush Hot Springs to Open New Guestrooms

As part of its recovery from the 2020 wildfires, the wilderness resort plans to open 24 new overnight spots in January 2023.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Oregon Coast

Here’s Where to Camp at the Beach

You’re practically in the bosom of the Pacific Ocean at these Oregon coast campgrounds.

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Portland Parks

Spending a Lazy Day at the Park? Here’s What to Bring

The perfect picnic blanket, camp chair, sun hat, and more

05/27/2022 By Shannon Daehnke Photography by Michael Novak

Camping

5 Places to Camp within an Hour of Portland

Pitch a tent by rivers, near waterfalls, or on an island.

05/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Camp Yoshi Wants to Reclaim the Outdoors for Black and Brown Folks

The Portland-based outdoor adventure group curates multi-day adventures with fresh-cooked meals and healing in mind.

10/15/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Travel

These Portland Companies Are Changing the Way We Travel

From how we book a camping trip to how we experience the outdoors, consider these Portland-based companies before you book your next trip.

09/01/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

8 Ways to Go Camping If You Don’t Own a Tent

Where to rent camper vans, teardrop trailers, and more

08/06/2021 By Cami Hughes and Margaret Seiler