Soggy Season

5 Essential Rainy-Day Hikes near Portland

Don't let the wet stuff scare you. Explore churning waterfalls, ambling rivers, and lush forests on these close-to-home hikes.

02/03/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Portland Monthly Staff

Bucket List

Our Top 10 Trips to Take in 2026

The plane tickets to nab, the ultra-cute inns to book, and the meals to reserve around the country and beyond.

01/12/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Portland Monthly Staff

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in January

Plunge into the Pacific on New Year's Day, dance to folk music in Florence, and cheer on sled dogs in Oregon's answer to the Iditarod.

12/31/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

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

Tired of paying trailhead parking fees? There's a pass for that. Get one of these Pacific Northwest wilderness passes for yourself or your outdoorsy friend.

12/23/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in December

Make crafts at Silver Falls, hunt for ornaments in the forest, hop aboard a Christmas train, and spot gray whales swimming south.

11/26/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Margaret Seiler

Transit Trip

A Fall Day in Troutdale via TriMet’s 77

Find celery lore, lots of happy dogs, and no line at Sugarpine.

11/17/2025 By Margaret Seiler

PDX Index

A Closer Look at Oregon’s Owl Attacks

Portland hikers are getting dive-bombed on Leif Erikson.

11/03/2025 By Amelia Arvesen

Best of PDX

Your Quintessential Portland Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Town

These are our city's can't-miss activities, whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just passing through.

10/27/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Hit the Trail

9 Sublime Fall Hikes In and Around Portland

Head to these trails in Oregon and Washington for misty waterfalls, migrating birds, and golden-needled larches.

10/06/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Leaf Peeping

Where to Check Out Fall Colors in Portland and Beyond

See changing autumnal foliage from the top of Mount Tabor, in the Portland Japanese Garden, and across Oregon.

09/22/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Summer Weekends

Eugene Is Oregon’s Underrated Wine and Dining Destination

Tasting flights, Trinidadian doubles, and tantalizing views.

07/23/2025 By Andrea Damewood

Summer Weekends

A Waterfall-Loving Wine Nerd’s Guide to the Gorge

Follow hikes and swims with skin-contact viognier and stone fruit.

06/13/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Cascade Catalog

Where to See Oregon's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Forget what TLC said. Let's go chasing.

05/16/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson, Reina Harwood, and Portland Monthly Staff

In Bloom

10 Great Wildflower Hikes within 90 Minutes of Portland

Wildflower season is calling. Celebrate with some of our favorite floral displays in the region.

04/24/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

In the Trees

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

First-timer? Super athlete? Bird-watcher? We've got a trail for you.

04/15/2025 By Brian Barker, Rebecca Jacobson, and Benjamin Tepler

Transit Trip

An Escape to Estacada on TriMet’s Southernmost Bus

A lakeshore stroll, murals galore, doughnuts made with love, and shouts of ‘fore!’

04/02/2025 By Margaret Seiler

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

Soak Zone

Is Bagby Hot Springs Ready for Its Next Chapter?

Under new management, the beloved but beleaguered site bounces back.

01/28/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Water World

Hike to These 6 Hidden-Away Swimming Holes near Portland

Working up a bit of a sweat means the water will feel extra delicious.

08/02/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Field Notes

A Magical Old-Growth Forest Hike Just an Hour from Portland

The Old Salmon River Trail promises towering trees, carpets of moss, and a perfect pool for a dip.

06/25/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer