Spout Spotting

A Guide to Spring Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast

Thousands of gray whales are on the move. Here’s how to spy the showstopping cetaceans.

03/17/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Q&A

Ripping the City with Zyah Belle, Portland’s Rihanna-Approved R&B Vocalist

The singer dishes on spring, simplicity, and Akadi’s suya wings.

03/10/2025 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in March

Get schooled on cacao terroir, dissect an owl pellet, watch whales on their way to Alaska, and amble under a canopy of cherry blossoms.

02/26/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Veggies of the Sea

Alanna Kieffer Just Wants You to Love Seaweed

The seaweed farmer and marine educator cofounded a seaweed-centric event series called Winter Waters, back in 2025 for its third year.

01/29/2025 By Britany Robinson

Transit Trip

We Took the Bus to the Oregon Coast for a Car-Free Getaway

Bar trivia, a tunnel to a hidden beach, steaming chowder, and wild-yeast beer are just a $25 round-trip bus ticket away.

01/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Property Watch: An Artist-Designed House in Oceanside Plays with Shapes

Some of which are meant to evoke ships at sea, or submarines breaching the surface.

01/17/2025 By Melissa Dalton

Oregon Trails

Step Inside the Oregon Coast’s Historic Bowling Alleys

Life’s a beach. Then you bowl.

01/07/2025 By Margaret Seiler Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Oregon Trails

8 Ways to Embrace Winter in Oregon

From snowshoeing to stargazing to dips in the sea, there’s no reason to fear the cold.

12/02/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Jordan Kay

The Anti-KOA

Snow Peak Opens Luxe Campground and Spa on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

Expect a sea of sleek tents, mini cabins by a superstar architect, and a tranquil, Japanese-style spa.

08/23/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer

The Shining

Sleeping with Ghosts at Heceta Head Lighthouse’s Haunted B&B

The old lighthouse keepers' quarters, now a cozy inn, are reportedly home to a ghost named Rue. We paid a visit.

08/21/2024 By Jessi Bunch

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

Q&A

Ripping the City with Dontā Laneil

The DJ brings Portland’s Black community together around his beats.

06/24/2024 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

Outdoors

15 of Our Favorite Oregon State Parks

Find lush coastal rainforest, towering waterfalls, arid high desert, and everything in between.

05/16/2024 By Sam Stites

Our Oddities

Oregon’s Weirdest Tourist Attractions, According to Reddit

Let’s be honest: you didn’t come here for cookie-cutter.

05/10/2024 By Zoe Sayler

Hiking

These Oregon Coast Hikes Have All the Views

Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Lookout, and other coastal trails beckon with shady walks and vast ocean vistas.

05/01/2024 By Julia Silverman and Michelle Harris

Whale Watch

A New Population of Orcas off the Oregon Coast?

It's not yet confirmed, but this could be big: unidentified whales have been observed in deep waters west of Newport, Ophir, and Bandon.

04/02/2024 By Zoe Sayler

Pivots

How Much Does a National Forest Concession Stand Earn per Year?

You have until April to apply for this new lifestyle at Devils Churn.

02/16/2024 By Zoe Sayler

Travel & Outdoors

12 Oregon Adventures to Get You Outdoors Every Month of the Year

Fly-fish on the Deschutes River, soak at Terwilliger Hot Springs, and ski late into spring at Mount Bachelor.

01/25/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Moon vs. Sun

An Annular Eclipse Graces Oregon Skies October 14

“Interesting but forgettable,” this is not the ring of fire Johnny Cash sang about.

10/05/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Property Watch: A Modest, Modern Beach House in Its Market Debut

No beach kitsch here. This home in Surf Pines has everything you need and nothing you don't.

08/21/2023 By Melissa Dalton