Forest Park

The Insider's Guide to Forest Park

Portland boasts the wildest city park in the nation. From hidden hikes to essential gear, here's everything you need to know.

05/15/2017 Edited by Benjamin Tepler

Forest Park: The Future

Forest Park Is About to Change—For Better or Worse

After decades of dreaming, big shifts—from a shiny visitors center to mountain bike trails—await the city's crown jewel.

05/15/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

Hikes Close to Home

5 Urban Trails to Explore Near Portland

From wildlife-filled wetlands to Washougal's spiffy waterfront, here are great greenspaces all within 30 miles of downtown.

05/15/2017 By Brian Barker

Gorge Guide

The Insider’s Guide to the Columbia River Gorge

Two states, united by one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s time to explore the Gorge.

05/09/2017 Edited by Kasey Cordell and Ramona DeNies

Field Notes

Trail of the Month: Scouting Petroglyphs in the Columbia River Gorge

Take a guided tour to "She Who Watches," a piece of history hidden in the cliffs.

04/17/2017 By Ramona DeNies

Music

These Composers Channel Our National Parks in Sound

Third Angle presents Solo Hikes: three specially commissioned pieces, two nights, one passion.

04/03/2017 By Lauren Kershner

Outdoor Education

Columbia Land Trust Announces Full-Service Tour Series

The longtime land steward unfurls a 2017 lineup rich in rare wildlife, limited-access trails, and a bit of brew.

01/20/2017 By Regan Breeden

Hiking

Is This New Book the Weekend Warrior's Guide to Oregon's PCT?

From Bridge of the Gods to Siskiyou Pass, a local author offers a different way of approaching Oregon's stretch of the epic three-state hiking trail.

01/10/2017 By Regan Breeden

Get Out

This Organization Makes Portland’s Trails More Accessible to All

Access Recreation helps hikers with disabilities find their perfect paths to outdoor adventure.

09/19/2016 By Webb Wright

GET OUT

Hike, Bike, and Paddle across the Region with Best Outdoor Adventures Near Portland, Oregon

Local author Adam Sawyer teams up with Falcon Guide to explore the great outdoors.

08/04/2016 By Kailla Coomes

GEAR UP

Your Essential Outdoors Gear Guide

Alpine packs to camp shoes, backpacking stoves to featherweight tents, here’s some of the best gear around, nearly all of it locally made.

05/19/2016 By Rachel Ritchie

SUNNY HIKES

5 Spring Hikes for Soaking Up the Sun

These exposed treks, all within two hours of downtown Portland, help you replenish your inner reservoir of precious vitamin D.

04/19/2016 By Sylvia Randall-Muñoz

FIELD NOTES

Trail of the Month: Harvey Creek Trail

Wine plus hiking equals … wiking!

03/25/2016 By Brian Barker

RECREATION LEGISLATION

New Oregon-Led Federal Bill Wants More Explorers in America's Backcountry

The proposed Recreation Not Red-Tape Act—spearheaded by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden—hopes to boost small-town economies with more (hiking) boots on the ground.

03/22/2016 By Caitlin Collins

BOOKS

A New Outdoor Guidebook Just for Women

Portland-born author Ruby McConnell looked everywhere for a book that covered outdoor lady matters—you know, peeing, periods, sex, etc. It didn't exist. So she wrote it.

03/08/2016 By Ramona DeNies

NORTHWEST GETAWAYS

Ten Once-in-a-Lifetime Cascadian Journeys

From ice cave expeditions to lavish river safaris to nostalgic train trips, here are the Pacific Northwest’s most epic getaways.

02/23/2016 Edited by Rachel Ritchie By Marty Patail, Benjamin Tepler, and Christopher Van Tilberg

GEAR UP

We Tested Out These Swedish Hiking Poles

Dorky? As all get-out. But BungyPump's calorie-burning resistance pole is still kinda cool.

02/19/2016 By Marty Patail

DAY TRIPPER

Three Ways to Become a Local Outdoors Expert

A trio of Portland-based conservation organizations offer up tours and field trips to help you master the Great Outdoors.

02/01/2016 By Sarah Hopwood

DAY TRIPPER

Hiking Wahclella Falls in Winter

Just 10 miles past Multnomah Falls, an easy two-mile loop offers stunning views of a lesser-known cascade.

01/15/2016 By Alex Keith

DAY TRIPPER

A Guide to Hiking the Tillamook Spits

Changing tides and an evolving landscape offer thrilling glimpses into the history of the Tillamook coast—and two perfect weekend hikes.

12/03/2015 By Adam Sawyer