Fire Lookouts

Washington's Heybrook Lookout Tower Just Reopened and We're in Love

One of the state's two fire lookout rentals was closed for years. Now—thanks in part to Seattle outfitter Filson—you can once again stay in this Pacific Northwest treasure.

09/11/2017 By Ramona DeNies

Parks

Happy 100th Birthday, International Rose Test Garden!

Celebrate the Portland park—100 years old this summer—that inspired writer Katherine Dunn's cult classic Geek Love.

08/22/2017 By Ramona DeNies and Rachel Wilson

Field of Dreams

An Oregon Professor Sets Out to Build a Park in Cairo

The Egyptian capital could get a greenspace worthy of a leafy Portland neighborhood.

08/14/2017 By Bryanna Briley

Division/Clinton: Activities

5 Places to Play in Portland's Division/Clinton Neighborhood

Get arty, take a Scandi steam, or do the Time Warp, again—this hood has plenty of ways to hold your attention.

08/08/2017 Edited by Kelly Clarke

Family

20+ Ideas for Family Fun in Portland

We’ve got 10 gold-standard destinations and off-the-radar alternatives that will blow your little ones’ little minds.

06/30/2017 Edited by Fiona McCann By Zach Dundas, Margaret Seiler, and Kelly Clarke

Urban Trails

Gateway Green, an Urban Park in the Works for 12 Years, Is Open

Portland's new oasis for mountain biking and urban hiking is wedged between two highways.

06/20/2017 By Rachel Wilson

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

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

Family

20+ Ideas for Family Fun in Portland

We’ve got 10 gold-standard destinations and off-the-radar alternatives that will blow your little ones’ little minds.

01/23/2017 Edited by Fiona McCann By Kelly Clarke, Zach Dundas, and Margaret Seiler

Pets: Where the Wild Things Are

Five Favorite Portland Dog Parks

With 33 patches of off-leash, dog-friendly romping zones in city parks, how do you decide?

01/23/2017 By Rachel Ritchie

Politics

Three Oregon Environmental Leaders Brace Themselves for Trump

From public lands to parks funding to climate policy, it’s going to be a rocky ride.

11/23/2016 By Portland Monthly Staff

Nature Calling

Oregon Parks Waive Fees for Friday after Thanksgiving

Too many holiday sweet potatoes? Gather up the clan—or go refreshingly solo—for free outdoor therapy on "Green" Friday.

11/15/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Ramona DeNies

Light a Fire 2016: Game-Changing Project

Friends of Nadaka Unites a Gresham Neighborhood to Create a Park

Complete with bird walks, play spaces, and a community garden—and soon Gresham’s first handicapped-accessible swing.

10/10/2016 By Regina Winkle-Bryan

NPS Centennial

Happy Birthday, National Parks—We Got You Something Nice!

This month, the National Park Service turns 100 years old. We found six amazing items to trick out your celebration.

08/08/2016 By Marisa Russell and Ramona DeNies

Outdoors

Watch This Hang-Glider Try to Catch Sweet, Sweet Air in Clinton Park

The "majesty of flight" indeed.

08/05/2016 By Marty Patail

Parks and Rec

Punchbowl Falls: Meet Oregon's Newest County Park

After a century-long wait, Hood River County unveils this 102-acre public patch of pristine salmon habitat. And you can visit!

07/28/2016 By Marisa Russell

PARK FLICKS

A Giant Inflatable Movie Screen Pops Up in Four Oregon State Parks

This summer, the Hollywood Theatre launches its first outdoor film series event, with films playing in parks like Molalla River and Stub Stewart.

06/24/2016 By Marisa Russell

FOREST PARK

Forest Park Guide: Growing Pains

The lowdown on Forest Park's Invasive species.

06/29/2011 By Benjamin Tepler

FOREST PARK

Forest Park Guide: Wildlife Crossing

Exploring Forest Park’s animal magnetism.

06/29/2011 By Rachel Ritchie

FOREST PARK

Forest Park Guide: The Best Bikes

See the splendor of nature go whizzing by as breathtaking scenery is matched with a bicycle's breakneck speed.

06/29/2011 Edited by Brian Barker