Camping

Camping in the Era of Fire Bans

Bans on campfires have changed how we rough it in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Here’s how to have fun in spite of them.

04/04/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Editor's Note

From the Editor: How Many State Parks Have I Checked Off?

With 250-plus properties, Harris Beach to Farewell Bend to Cape Lookout to the Willamette Stone, Oregon State Parks is a welcome to-do list that never ends.

03/10/2023 By Margaret Seiler

State Parks

After Marking a Century, What’s Next for Oregon State Parks?

One of the nation’s best state parks systems is busy updating facilities, studying climate change, and becoming a more welcoming environment for all types of visitors.

03/09/2023 By Sam Stites

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

Explainer

An Oregon State Parks Glossary of Terms

Park? Natural area? Heritage site? Why so many different terms for seemingly the same thing?

03/08/2023 By Sam Stites

Outdoors

Hidden Gems among Oregon's State Parks

From a sleepy spot on the Minam River in Eastern Oregon to a so-close-yet-so-far island in Portland on the Columbia, these parks are off the beaten path.

03/08/2023 By Sam Stites

Outdoors

Our Favorite Oregon State Parks

From lush coastal rain forest to mountain waterfalls to arid high desert, and everything in between.

03/08/2023 By Sam Stites

Trails

Hike of the Month: Linear Trail at L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

Take in views of the Oregon Coast Range while exploring this state park’s 25-mile network of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-friendly trails.

03/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park to Partially Close for 4 Weeks This Summer Due to Construction

Monkey Face, Misery Ridge Trail, and other features at the popular rock-climbing destination will be off limits while a bridge is replaced.

01/20/2023 By Sam Stites

Outdoors

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

From the Oregon State Parks Pass to the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, pick one (or a few) of these passes to save time, money, and stress.

11/22/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park

A stunner year-round, the picturesque waterfall trail at Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon, is bursting with color in autumn.

10/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Park for Free or Help Pull Weeds on National Public Lands Day, September 24

Attend a volunteer event in Portland and beyond, or visit federal recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park without paying a fee.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Ecola Point to Indian Beach

Lighthouse views and inland shade on this Oregon Coast trail near Cannon Beach, at Ecola State Park

08/12/2022 By Michelle Harris

Camping

5 Places to Camp within an Hour of Portland

Pitch a tent at Milo McIver, rent a cabin at Stub Stewart, book a yurt at Champoeg—so many Oregon State Parks are close to the city.

05/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Guided First Day Hikes Are Back at Oregon State Parks

With waived parking fees at 25 state parks, take part in ranger-led treks at Silver Falls, Fort Stevens, and more.

12/29/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

Travel & Outdoors

As National Park Service Turns 105, Entrance to These PNW National Parks Is Free

Crater Lake National Park, Lewis and Clark Historical Park, Fort Vancouver Historical Site, and more are free this Wednesday.

08/23/2021 By Portland Monthly Staff

Camping

9 First Come, First Served Camping Spots for the Last-Minute Oregon Adventurer

Did you fail to reserve your spot six months ago? All is not lost! There are several campgrounds near Portland and beyond that don't require reservations.

07/09/2021 By Nick Campigli and Margaret Seiler