Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park

A stunner year-round, the picturesque waterfall trail at Silver Falls State Park is bursting with color in autumn.

10/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

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, among other national forest fee increases.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

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

Along the way, he 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

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

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

The wild berries lining mountain trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are calling, but you'll need a Forest Service permit in advance for these purple goodies.

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 Oregon's waterfall corridor in the Columbia River Gorge, some trails don't take so much planning.

08/04/2022 By Michelle Harris

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.

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria

Boardwalks, tree-root stairs, and a Sitka spruce with a tunnel in it line the way to the Astoria Column.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Hiking

Explore These Trails Right at Portland’s Doorstep

From lava volcanoes to sprawling estates, Portland’s suburban hikes are just a short trip away.

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.

Same goes for spring weekend wildflower hikes on Dog Mountain.

04/18/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Editor’s Note

From the Editor: A New Season Blooms in the City

Spring is the perennial Portland promise.

03/28/2022 By Fiona McCann

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Hood River, White Salmon & Bingen

Separated by a toll bridge, these 3 towns are easy to explore together.

03/17/2022 By Gabriel Granillo and Julia Silverman

Recovery

What We Can Learn 5 Years After the Eagle Creek Fire

The US Forest Service’s Stan Hinatsu on how the historic 2017 fire changed the landscape of the Gorge

03/17/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play Closest to Portland in the Columbia River Gorge

1920s-era spring-fed bathhouses, piled-high soft serve, and waterfalls galore.

03/17/2022 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Conner Reed, and Julia Silverman

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Mosier, The Dalles & the Eastern Gorge

Wildflower treks, top-notch wineries & sweeping orchards as far as the eye can see

03/17/2022 By Matt Wastradowski

Outdoors

Who's Left Behind by Oregon’s Ever-Growing Trail Permit System?

You need to plan ahead if you want to hike some of the state’s most popular trails, which cuts down on environmental degradation—but impacts access too.

02/18/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Angel’s Rest

This steep climb in the Gorge offers unparalleled panoramic views of the river.

02/08/2022 By Gabriel Granillo