Trails

Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Where to Check Out Fall Colors around Portland

See changing autumnal leaves at Lone Fir Cemetery, Portland Japanese Garden, and beyond.

09/22/2022 By Kate Bryant and Gabriel Granillo

Public Transit

4 Ideas for Car-Free Fall Outings

Leave the car at home for World Car Free Day—and to avoid traffic confusion during this weekend’s I-84 closure in Northeast Portland.

09/21/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Hiking

4 Great Fall Hikes near Portland

In early autumn, trails in Oregon and Washington offer glimpses of misty waterfalls, migrating birds, changing colors, not-so-snowy mountain peaks, and more.

09/15/2022 By Brian Barker, Gabriel Granillo, and Benjamin Tepler

Fall Road Trips

Going Solo in Washington’s San Juan Islands: Kayaking, Mountain Hikes, and Peace and Quiet

Take a slow trip via ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, with detours to Orcas, Lopez, and other parts of the archipelago on the Salish Sea.

09/09/2022 By Ryan Good

History Lesson

Meet the Prineville Man Who Spent His Summer Hiking More than 2,400 Miles of the Oregon Trail

While pushing a makeshift covered wagon, Don Martin of Prineville was joined by a cape-wearing stuffed steer named Last Ox.

09/02/2022 By Michelle Harris

Development

6 Big Development Projects to Watch In Portland and Beyond This Fall

Kah-Nee-Ta gears back up, PAM CUT's getting a new home, the Vancouver Waterfront is getting a new hotel, and more.

09/01/2022 By Julia Silverman

Hiking

These Oregon Coast Hikes Have All the Views

Neahkanie Mountain, Cape Lookout, and other trails on the Oregon Coast beckon with shady walks and ocean views.

08/31/2022 By Julia Silverman and Michelle Harris

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Ecola Point to Indian Beach

Lighthouse views and inland shade on this Oregon Coast trail near Cannon Beach, at Ecola State Park

08/12/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Shady Hikes and Picnic Spots for Hot Days in and around Portland

From the fir frenzy of North Portland’s Columbia Park to a tree-lined trail on Sauvie Island, here are a few places to celebrate the shadows.

08/11/2022 By Cassondra Bird, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Nature

Off to Pick Huckleberries? You Might Need a Permit

Washington state’s berry-packed Gifford Pinchot National Forest requires a permit to pick up to a 3 gallons a year. That's a lot of huckleberry pies.

08/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Hiking

These Waterfall Hikes Don’t Require a Timed Permit

While you need a permit to reach much of the waterfall corridor in Oregon and Washington, some trails don't take so much planning.

08/04/2022 By Michelle Harris

Swimming Holes

Take a Hike to a Swimming Hole

Combine water and a walk, short or long, with a visit to Lacamas Park, Mosier Creek Falls, Metzler Park, or lakes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

06/08/2022 By Michelle Harris and Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Astoria on the Oregon Coast

This fishing town is packed with history, hikes, quirky shops, fish and chips, and beer. Here's what to do and where to go on your next Astoria visit!

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria

Boardwalks, tree-root stairs, and the namesake Sitka spruce line the way to the Astoria Column and stunning views of the Columbia River Bar and Oregon Coast.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Hiking

Explore These Trails Right at Portland’s Doorstep

A hike at Hogan’s Butter, Scouters Mountain, Tualatin River Greenway, and more are right at Portland's doorstep.

04/29/2022 By Brian Barker, Ramona DeNies, and Michelle Harris

Columbia River Gorge

Heading for the Gorge’s Waterfall Corridor This Summer? You’ll Need a Permit.

The pilot project runs May 24 to September 5 for Wahkeena, Oneonta, Horsetail, and Multnomah Falls. Permits required spring weekends at Dog Mountain, too.

04/18/2022 By Margaret Seiler