Transit Trip

We Took the New North Coast Express Bus to Rockaway Beach

This summer weekend bus heads straight for Oregon Coast hits like Tillamook and Cannon Beach. We had the cushy coach practically to ourselves.

08/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Jump In

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Postcard perfect? Not always. But the mighty Columbia is big enough for everyone.

08/05/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Margaret Seiler, and Julia Silverman

Oar You Ready?

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

Eight gorgeous destinations, all less than two hours away.

06/20/2025 By Molly Allen and Sam Stites

Cascade Catalog

Where to See Oregon's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Forget what TLC said. Let's go chasing.

05/16/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson, Reina Harwood, and Portland Monthly Staff

Transit Trip

We (Eventually) Rode the Current to Downtown Ridgefield

It took a couple of tries.

12/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Transit Trip

A Day in Forest Grove via TriMet’s Westernmost Bus

College town vibes, a sweet main drag, vegan doughnuts, a historic-home walking tour, and a dash of Avonlea.

10/16/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Berry Good

Where to Pick Your Own Berries This Fruit-Filled Season

We found the perfect U-pick farm for every type of Portlander.

07/02/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Thrills

Oaks Park vs. Enchanted Forest: Oregon Amusement Park Showdown

Which classic theme park is for you?

05/19/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Get Out

10 Photo Ops in Portland and Beyond to Prove You Live Here

Let your friends know where you are with pictures of the downtown Powell’s Books, the St. Johns Bridge, the airport carpet, and day-trip destinations like Cannon Beach.

09/28/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Scenic Drives

The Northern Clark County Scenic Drive Is a Blast to the Past

The 70-mile loop just off I-5 includes a historic homestead, an old grist mill, a museum, waterfall hikes, river swims, and more.

06/23/2022 By Michelle Harris

Oregon Coast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Astoria on the Oregon Coast

This fishing town is packed with history, hikes, quirky shops, fish and chips, and beer.

06/07/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Literary Road Trip

New Mural in Clatskanie Celebrates Writer Raymond Carver

A free festival this weekend shows off the mural, which is nearly complete, and includes a poetry contest and Birdman screening.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play Closest to Portland in the Columbia River Gorge

1920s-era spring-fed bathhouses, piled-high soft serve, and waterfalls galore.

03/17/2022 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Conner Reed, and Julia Silverman

Get Outside

6 Uncrowded Day Hikes Near Portland

Skip the crowds and seek the shade with our picks for day-trip leg stretchers.

07/14/2021 By Riley Bass

The Gorgeous Gorge

Pandemic Travel: Researching a Columbia River Gorge Guidebook When the World Is Shut Down

The loneliness of the COVID-era travel writer

02/20/2021 By Matt Wastradowski

Little Joys of Summer

Get Out of Town with These Daytime Drives

Bored at home? Take a spontaneous drive through scenic Oregon and be back in time for dinner.

08/01/2020 By Julia Silverman and Marty Patail

Music

Pickathon Announces 2019 Lineup

Khruangbin, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Mandolin Orange are headed to Happy Valley this summer.

01/21/2019 By Rebecca Jacobson

Cellos & Chardonnay

This Oregon Festival Pairs Chamber Music with Wine

Phenomenal acoustics and pinot noir? The Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival tunes up for its third year.

08/07/2018 By Emily Davis

Cow Palace

The New Tillamook Creamery Is a Dairy Lover's Dream Come True

Two floors and 42,000 square feet of ice cream, grilled cheese, movies, interactive milking exhibits, and—of course—heaps of free cheddar samples.

06/13/2018 By Alena Willbur

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