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

Camping

Hoping to Camp in Oregon State Parks This Summer? You Can’t Book Quite Yet

After COVID cancellations and closures, the state park system is persevering for next year—but needs some time to heal.

10/15/2020 By Ainslee Dicken

PDX Index

Wanna Play in Oregon’s Great Outdoors This Spring? It’ll Cost You.

Kayakers, hikers, anglers, and RV’ers: prepare to cough up.

02/25/2020 By Julia Silverman

Secrets of the North Coast: Beach Guide

The Essential Guide to Oregon's North Coast

From the Long Beach Peninsula to Pacific City, here are the hot spots and under-the-radar finds to know.

07/17/2018 By Ramona DeNies

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

Motoring

Meet Oregon's 3 Newest Scenic Byways

Tootle down the McKenzie River, tour the Tillamook State Forest, or take in views of Mary's Peak. These ravishing routes just got the state's official seal of approval.

06/05/2018 By Emily Davis

Outdoors

Meet Oregon's Newest State Park

Sitka Sedge Natural Area is a magical mix of sand, marsh, and coastal forest.

04/26/2018 By Christine Menges

Hiking

This Oregon Guidebook Spotlights Two Coastal Forests

The Sierra Club wants you to fall in love with the Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests.

02/20/2018 By Catherine Johnson

Volcanic Birthdays

On the Anniversary of an Eruption, Mount St. Helens Is a Study in Resilience

The National Volcanic Monument turns 35. Thanks, Reagan!

05/16/2017 By Meagan Nolan

State parks

Pro-Rated Parks? Our State Agency Wants to Redistribute Your Love

Oregon's state parks are wildly popular. Well, some of them. A new bill points campers to the park less traveled.

04/03/2017 By Regan Breeden

Park Love

Duckbill Isn't Oregon's Only At-Risk Landmark

Some jerks knocked over Cape Kiwanda's iconic Duckbill formation. They were caught—on video, at least. Now Oregon State Police is on the case. But really, only you can prevent geology crimes.

09/09/2016 By Arlo Voorhees

SPORTS

Is This the Greatest Disc Golf Shot of All Time?

Magic happened in Milo McIver State Park this week.

06/15/2016 By Lisa Dunn

STATE PARKS

Go Wild for Oregon State Parks Day—It's All Free!

This weekend, Oregon goes full-on mad for state parkland—waiving fees for day use, camping, crabbing, and even hot dogs. Here's where to go to get the best park perks.

05/31/2016 By Marisa Russell