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

Environmental News

Is Oregon About to Get a Shiny New Wilderness Area?

The Senate just passed a massive public lands package—and it includes some sweet promises for lovers of Oregon's rainforests and rivers.

02/14/2019 By Wriik Maui

Politics

Oregon's New Office of Outdoor Recreation Finally Has a Leader. What Will He Do First?

Cailin O'Brien Feeney will have to balance feedback from all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts, from environmental activists to ATV lovers.

06/26/2018 By Sydney Dauphinais

Amazing Escape

Condé Nast Traveler Just Named Oregon's Minam River Lodge to Its Global Hot List

Though to call this new Eastern Oregon gem "charming" is like calling Timberline Lodge "nice."

05/15/2018 By Ramona DeNies

Hotel News

You Can Now Book McMenamins' New Hawaiian-Themed Hotel in Exotic Kalama

The chain's brand-new waterfront project, announced two years ago, is opening in April. There will be tiki drinks.

01/09/2018 By Sarah Hutchins

Hikes

5 Close-to-Portland Hikes for Reveling in Fall Color

From golden larches to migrating swans, autumn is the time to visit these nearby forests and wetlands.

10/11/2017 By Hannah Bonnie

Urban Dips

Will Portland Get a Public Swimming Dock Just off the Eastbank Esplanade?

If so, it could take several years. (Upside: summers will probably be even more scorching by then!)

09/13/2017 By Ramona DeNies

Bike Touring

These 7 Oregon Scenic Bikeways Are Made for Fall Cycling

These perfect rides—from the Breitenbush River to the new-ish Sherar's Falls route—will pump air into your fall plans.

08/30/2017 By Rachel Wilson

The Great Escapes: Cabin Fever

How Two Portlanders Heard the Call of the Cabin

A lake disappeared. Then one couple’s vacation home started to get interesting.

08/14/2017 By Zach Dundas

Winning Finds

Fizzy Cold Brew to Perfect Picnic Blankets, the Best Local Stuff for a Lazy River Day

Headed to the water? Pick up these essentials first.

07/10/2017 By Eden Dawn

Beach Life

Portland Made a Beach—with Sand!

It's under the Marquam Bridge, it has a sandy shore, and you can swim here through early September.

07/07/2017 By Rachel Wilson

Get Out

The Insider’s Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Rafting in Oregon

From epic backpacking treks to essential river trips to top-notch campground tips, here’s how to get outside this summer.

06/30/2017 Edited by Ramona DeNies

Healthy Events

Have a Healthy, Happy July with These Portland Wellness Events

Learn to climb at Smith Rock, raft the White Salmon River, cook Ayurvedic meals, and practice yoga at Ponzi Vineyards.

06/27/2017 By Bryanna Briley

WATER WORLD

Your Ultimate Guide to Northwest Swimming Holes

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars. Plus: your essential river rat gear guide and some etiquette suggestions (if we may).

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler, Margaret Seiler, Rachel Ritchie, and Caleb Diehl

GET OUT

The Pacific Northwest Swimming Hole Hall of Fame

The one caveat: everyone else knows about these 10 spots, too.

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

MANNERS

The Swimming Hole Code of Conduct

Or, how not to infuriate your fellow bathers.

07/12/2016 By Portland Monthly Staff

GEAR UP

Your Essential River Rat Gear Guide

From doggie life preservers to the most refreshing beer for your cooler, here’s our favorite Northwest-made stuff to schlep to the swimming hole.

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

Take the Plunge

9 Incredible Northwest Swimming Holes

Breath-stealing waterfalls. Secluded lakes. Rollicking rivers. The Northwest’s greatest summer destinations hide off the beaten path—and within three hours of Portland.

07/12/2016 Edited by Benjamin Tepler By Rachel Ritchie, Margaret Seiler, and Caleb Diehl

GET OUT

What’s the Story behind Oregon’s World-Famous Wild and Scenic Rivers?

Plus 10 of our state’s best waterways to explore.

06/24/2016 By Adam Sawyer