Swimming

Portland's Regional Government Wants to Give You a Life Jacket

Metro’s Jason Ligons helps BIPOC kids have fun in the water, and has advice for everyone on staying safe.

04/21/2023 By Sam Stites

Trails

Hike of the Month: Oxbow Loop

Explore 12 miles of trails through towering old-growth forest and the glacier-fed Sandy River just minutes from Portland.

02/14/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Light a Fire 2022: Caring for the Planet

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Helps Protect a National Treasure

For decades, the group has been a ‘citizen watchdog’ to monitor development on the Oregon and Washington sides of the river.

01/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Transit

Frog Ferry: Dead in the Water

The recurrent fantasy of a Willamette River commuter ferry is back to being just a pipe dream, after local boosters give up on its latest iteration.

09/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Travel

This Tiny 'Cocoon Cottage' on the Oregon Coast Isn't Quite Open Yet, But It’s Already TikTok Famous

The owner’s other Airbnb rentals include a giant potato in Idaho, a hobbit hole in Washington, and a treehouse in Hawaii.

07/21/2022 By Julia Silverman

Summer Fun

The Big Float Is Bringing the Party to the Willamette River for One Last Hurrah

Grab your unicorn floatie and a life jacket for the 10th and final installment of the flotilla fundraiser.

07/05/2022 By Michelle Harris

Real Estate

Property Watch: A Charming Floating Home on Sauvie Island

Classic cabin vibes meet nautical themes on this home in a gated community on the Willamette.

07/05/2022 By Melissa Dalton

History

The Day The Dalles Dam Silenced Celilo Falls

“I'm trying to use a careful word, not using the ‘genocide’ word, but to me that's what it was. That's what the Celilo loss means: we've lost longevity.”

03/09/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Watersports

Sup, SUPers? Grab Your Board. We're Going Paddling.

Paddle up at Lost Lake, Hood River, Sellwood Waterfront Park, and more.

08/18/2021 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Fiona McCann, and Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

Beat the Heat with Whitewater Rafting

Get ready to ride the rapids on the North Santiam, White Salmon, the Clackamas, the Deschutes, and the McKenzie Rivers.

08/12/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

All Aboard

Soon, You Can Cruise the Willamette Aboard a 'Yacht Tub'

Who needs St. Tropez, anyway?

08/05/2021 By Julia Silverman

Water Sports

Kayaking within Reach: A Guide for the Newbie

A few paddle tips for beginners. No. 1: it's hard to carry!

07/28/2021 By Leah Altman

Outdoors

Oregon's Stupendous, Incredible, Magnificent Lake Country

Where to camp, hike, paddle, float, or just dip your toes in the water

07/13/2021 By Kiva Hanson, Reina Harwood, Fiona McCann, Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Benjamin Tepler

Lake Country

Swimmer’s Itch, Giardia, and More Can Ruin a Good Lake Trip

To lessen your risk, towel off quickly and avoid drinking untreated water.

07/12/2021 By Margaret Seiler

Lake Country

What Does Your Swim Float Say About You?

If the swan is your choice, we’re not saying you’re evil, but....

07/10/2021 By Aurora Biggers

Transit

Is This the Portland Commuter River Ferry the Prophecy Foretold?

Frog Ferry has gotten farther than past efforts and could actually launch next year. Here are 5 reasons why.

06/11/2021 By Margaret Seiler

Winter Adventures

Enjoy the Calm of Ice Fishing in the Northwest

All you need is an auger, a short rod and reel, lures, and a bucket to sit on.

12/12/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

A New Swimmable, Loungeable Beach Is Open Under the Hawthorne Bridge

The Human Access Project's Audrey McCall Beach offers lifeguard-protected swimming on the east side.

07/23/2019 By Brendan Nagle

Summer Adventures

The Ultimate Guide to Oregon's Great Outdoors

Hike, bike, and paddle your way around the wildest corners of the Northwest.

05/28/2019 Edited by Benjamin Tepler

Summer Adventures: Rafting

Explore Oregon’s White-Water-Blessed Wilderness in 5 Classic Guided Trips

Get out on the water, stat.

05/28/2019 By Tim Gibbins

Portland Monthly

Rivers & Lakes

Portland's Regional Government Wants to Give You a Life Jacket

Hike of the Month: Oxbow Loop

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Helps Protect a National Treasure

Frog Ferry: Dead in the Water

This Tiny 'Cocoon Cottage' on the Oregon Coast Isn't Quite Open Yet, But It’s Already TikTok Famous

The Big Float Is Bringing the Party to the Willamette River for One Last Hurrah

Property Watch: A Charming Floating Home on Sauvie Island

The Day The Dalles Dam Silenced Celilo Falls

Sup, SUPers? Grab Your Board. We're Going Paddling.

Beat the Heat with Whitewater Rafting

Soon, You Can Cruise the Willamette Aboard a 'Yacht Tub'

Kayaking within Reach: A Guide for the Newbie

Oregon's Stupendous, Incredible, Magnificent Lake Country

Swimmer’s Itch, Giardia, and More Can Ruin a Good Lake Trip

What Does Your Swim Float Say About You?

Is This the Portland Commuter River Ferry the Prophecy Foretold?

Enjoy the Calm of Ice Fishing in the Northwest

A New Swimmable, Loungeable Beach Is Open Under the Hawthorne Bridge

The Ultimate Guide to Oregon's Great Outdoors

Explore Oregon’s White-Water-Blessed Wilderness in 5 Classic Guided Trips