Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

A Cheat Sheet to Enjoying the Counties Voting for ‘Greater Idaho’

Without places like Burns and Baker City, Joseph and the Alvord Desert, Oregon just wouldn’t be Oregon.

09/04/2023 Edited by Sam Stites

Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

You Won't Forget the Bathrooms at the Imnaha Tavern

Two roadside bars out east are worth the (long) drive.

09/04/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Back Off, Idaho!

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play on a Road Trip to Eastern Oregon

Who knew La Grande was such a shopper’s paradise? A rodeo in Pendleton, vintage bling in La Grande, biscuits and gravy in Baker City, a historic hotel in Burns, plus hot springs.

09/04/2023 By Margaret Seiler and Sam Stites

Rivers

It's Time For You to Meet the Magical Lower Deschutes River

Whatever your speed—dirtbag to debutante—there is something for you on the Lower Deschutes. From its beginnings high up near Mount Bachelor to where it flows into the Columbia River, Central Oregon's Deschutes River is a special place.

06/08/2023 By Sam Stites and Chad Brown

#VanLife

6 Signs You Should Try Van Life

Does the open road call your name? Do crowded campgrounds give you the ick? You might be a perfect candidate for van living.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites Illustrations by tara jacoby

By the Numbers

Oregon State Parks Facts and Figures

13 disc golf courses, nearly 3 million camper nights last year, 30 years of yurts, and the real reason behind the most visited state park

03/09/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Just northeast of Mount Rainier, Crystal Mountain is a fun and challenging resort for all skill levels, but amenities are lacking amid growing pains.

01/19/2023 By Sam Stites

Outdoors

Sno-Parks, State Parks & Beyond: Snag a Wilderness Parking Pass

Tired of paying trailhead parking fees? There's a pass for that. Get one of these Pacific Northwest wilderness passes for yourself or your outdoorsy friend.

11/22/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Fall Road Trips

Going Solo in Washington’s San Juan Islands: Kayaking, Mountain Hikes, and Peace and Quiet

Take a slow trip via ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, with detours to Orcas, Lopez, and other parts of the archipelago on the Salish Sea.

09/09/2022 By Ryan Good

Fall Road Trips

Wacky Roadside Attractions and Treehouse Hotels Await in Southern Oregon

Throw the kids in the car and head south for rope swings, cave tours, and In-N-Out Burger.

09/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Fall Road Trips

More than Wine and Onions in Eastern Washington’s Wine Country

Find beer, cider, gelato, cheesemakers, and an inexplicable aviary (but no octopus mural, RIP) on a weekend trip to Walla Walla.

09/07/2022 By Rachel Alexander

Vacation

Still Looking to Book that Summer Getaway?

These Airbnbs have some reservations available (but act fast!)

07/25/2022 By Michelle Harris

Sports

The Rock that Brings the Runners

The World Athletics Championships descends on Eugene this week. Many visitors will peel off to a roadside shrine to the state's most famous track star.

07/12/2022 By Charles Butler