Near & Far

Our Travel Editor’s Top Moments of 2024

Brilliant birds, beautiful beaches, and decked-the-heck-out tiki bars.

12/30/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

In Defense of Skinny Skis

Cross-Country Skiing Is More Joyful Than You Think

It’s serene, affordable, and as strenuous or leisurely as you want it to be—and a balm during dark Northwest winters.

11/19/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

XC Ski 101

A Beginner's Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Never clipped into skinny skis? Here's all you need to know. Plus: gear rentals, lessons, and clubs in the Portland area.

11/15/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Real Estate

Property Watch: A Lovely Little A-Frame on the Way to Mt. Hood

From summer hiking to winter skiing, this remodeled cabin in Rhododendron is a year-round delight, complete with firepit and hot tub.

07/15/2024 By Melissa Dalton

Lake Life

Our 8 Favorite Lake Trips near Portland (Yes, You Can Still Book One)

Gorgeous views and easy water access await at these lakeside campgrounds.

07/10/2024 By Sam Stites

Real Estate

Property Watch: Forget the City, Let’s Buy a Lodge on Mount Hood

Jefferson Airplane to Netflix fame: this A-frame compound in Rhododendron is the ‘party place.’

07/01/2024 By Melissa Dalton

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

Full Circle

The Time I Hiked 93 Miles around Mount Rainier

Circling a volcano on foot is a singular Pacific Northwest experience.

06/04/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Real Estate

Property Watch: A Whimsical Cabin Once Owned by Pratt & Larson's Founders

And yes, the century-old Mount Hood home is filled with gorgeous tile.

05/20/2024 By Melissa Dalton

Hasta Luego

This Gresham Company Offers Guided Outdoor Trips in Spanish

Loco por la Aventura aims to get more Portlanders who are Hispanic or Latino “vibing with nature.”

04/15/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer

Glow Up

Cosmic Tubing Is the Mood-Enhancing Activity You Need

Find neon lights, party tunes, and a jolt of joy on Mount Hood’s snowy slopes.

02/27/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Is Anthony Lakes Worth the Drive?

Find a beer yurt, a rollicking saloon, and the highest base elevation in the state at this laid-back Eastern Oregon ski area.

01/05/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Pray for Snow

Cheap Skiing? Not While Oregon Budget Ski Spots Still Closed

Just three of the state’s resorts have opened.

01/04/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Real Estate

Property Watch: Once a Station for Flying Buses, Now a Modern Ski Condo

Its historic lodge in Government Camp was once the base of the Mt Hood Skiway aerial tram.

11/28/2023 By Melissa Dalton

Camping

Camping in the Era of Fire Bans

Here’s how to plan for camping trips without campfires.

04/04/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Hoodoo

Hoodoo Ski Area near Central Oregon is the not-so-hidden gem of the Santiam Pass.

03/15/2023 By Sam Stites

Family Fun

6 Lessons Learned from Snowshoeing with a Baby

Simple advice for keeping your little adventurer safe, warm, and happy during winter excursions.

02/27/2023 By Sam Stites

Politics

Lawmakers Consider Bill to Protect Oregon’s Outdoor Industry from Lawsuits

Senate Bill 754 would put Oregon in line with its neighbors by bolstering businesses’ ability to enforce liability waivers, but opponents say it will make it harder for people to claim a business was negligent.

02/17/2023 By Sam Stites

Winter Travel

10 Spots for Winter Camping in Oregon

Hike, snowshoe, ski, and camp year-round at parks and campgrounds across the state, including Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive.

12/21/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MOUNT HOOD

Where to Bed Down for the Night on Mount Hood

A-frames, hot tubs, log cabins, and views for days

12/15/2022 By Julia Silverman Illustrations by Chris Koelling