Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Crown Zellerbach Trail

Autumn leaves, breezy drives, and creepy vibes just 40 minutes north of Portland

10/04/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

7 Essential Gear Picks For Fall Hiking in Oregon

What to wear when you hit the trail this season.

10/01/2021 By Karly Quadros

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Yakama Nation Mt Adams Recreational Area

Explore Bird Creek Meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more at the 21,000-acre land managed by the Yakama Nation.

09/02/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

The 62-Mile Corvallis to the Sea Trail Is Officially Open

The 62-mile Corvallis to the Sea Trail, which can take hikers or bikers to Ona Beach State Park, is open now.

08/24/2021 By Nick Campigli

Travel & Outdoors

As National Park Service Turns 105, Entrance to These PNW National Parks Is Free

Crater Lake National Park, Lewis and Clark Historical Park, Fort Vancouver Historical Site, and more are free this Wednesday.

08/23/2021 By Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Looking for a Quick Trip Outdoors? Don’t Sleep on Portland-Area Nature Parks

Explore nature and wildlife at Marquam, Powell Butte, Canemah Bluff, and more.

08/19/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

New Mt. Hood Trails Boast Views and Wildflowers Galore

The ski and snowboarding resort debuted an 8-mile expanded trail system this summer.

08/10/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Get Outside

6 Uncrowded Day Hikes Near Portland

Skip the crowds and seek the shade with our picks for day-trip leg stretchers.

07/14/2021 By Riley Bass

Rushing Waters

6 Oregon Waterfalls for a Hike, a Picnic, or Even a Nap

Some are still closed after wildfires or landslides, but (sorry, TLC) you can still go chasin’ waterfalls.

04/26/2021 By Reina Harwood

Field Notes

The Gorge’s Polar Opposite Offers Ancient Old-Growth Forest and Blessed Solitude

The other Eagle Creek offers a wild, cathedral forest with scarcely another human in sight.

03/16/2021 By Benjamin Tepler

Where to Live Now

Neighborhood Guide: West Linn and Wilsonville

Close-in wineries, wildflowers, and well-lit walking trails

02/20/2021 By Julia Silverman

The Gorgeous Gorge

Pandemic Travel: Researching a Columbia River Gorge Guidebook When the World Is Shut Down

The loneliness of the COVID-era travel writer

02/20/2021 By Matt Wastradowski

Where to Live Now

Neighborhood Guide: Oregon City

One iconic elevator, plenty of Oregon history, and river views for days

02/08/2021 By Conner Reed

Outdoors

Sno-Parks, State Parks & Beyond: Snag a Wilderness Parking Pass

From the Oregon State Parks Pass to the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, pick one (or a few) of these passes to save time, money, and stress.

11/25/2020 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

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

Trailer Lark

Social Distancing Was Already a Selling Point for Getaway House

Units come with everything you need to get away and stay away. But pro tip: BYO coffeemaker.

08/01/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Here’s What You Need to Know about Outdoor Recreation during COVID-19

Should I wear a mask outside? Which trails should I avoid? Here’s our brief guide to outdoor etiquette in and around Portland.

07/10/2020 By Lauren Carlos, Gabriel Granillo, and Julia Silverman

Breaking News

Portland’s Nearby Wilderness Areas Begin to Reopen

As of May 15, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is back in business.

05/15/2020 By Benjamin Tepler

A Walk on the Dry Side

Uncrowded Wildflower Walks, German Lagers, and Neon Signs Abound in The Dalles

Take a long weekend on the dry side of the Columbia River Gorge.

04/01/2020 By Julia Silverman

PDX Index

Wanna Play in Oregon’s Great Outdoors This Spring? It’ll Cost You.

Kayakers, hikers, anglers, and RV’ers: prepare to cough up.

02/25/2020 By Julia Silverman