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

OUTDOORS GUIDE 2016

Oregon's Ultimate Summer Backpacking Treks and River Trips

Quintessential Northwest trails. Epic whitewater voyages. Luxuriously lazy floats. Here’s how to make the most of the season.

05/19/2016 Edited by Rachel Ritchie By Benjamin Tepler, Christopher Van Tilberg, and Adam Sawyer

RIVER TRIPS

10 Oregon Rivers You Must Explore

Oregon is world-famous for its Wild and Scenic rivers. Whether you’d rather raft, fish, or float, here are some of our state’s best stretches of water.

05/19/2016 By Adam Sawyer

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

GEAR UP

This App Will Find the Perfect Local Swimming Hole

A locally made app catalogs more than 231 of Oregon's glorious summer swimming holes.

07/14/2015 By Katie Vaughan

TIPS

Website Helps You Discover New Swimming Holes

The Swim Guide helps you find beaches and swimming holes near you—wherever you are.

07/09/2013 By Marty Patail

FEATURE

On the Water: Idyllic Escapes to Northwest Islands, Beaches, Rivers, and Lakes

The sun is here! Now's the time to start planning your day and weekend trips to the Northwest best waterfront spots.

05/01/2013 Edited by Kasey Cordell

Insider's Guide to the Gorge

How’d the Gorge Get There?

We chart the geologic evolution of the Columbia River Gorge. This may take a while.

05/25/2012 Edited by Kasey Cordell