Swimming

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

Poet’s, Audrey McCall, Sellwood, Cathedral, Tom McCall Bowl, or Duckworth Dock—which Willamette River swim spot is best for you and your crew?

06/02/2023 By Margaret Seiler, Michelle Harris, and Matthew Trueherz

Swimming Holes

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Under 90 Minutes from Portland

From Jones Beach to Rooster Rock to the Hood River waterfront, the Columbia River is big enough for everyone to find a beach and take a dip.

06/02/2023 By Margaret Seiler, Katherine Chew Hamilton, and Julia Silverman

Water Safety

Heading to a Swim Hole? It Might Not Be Safe Right Now

Warm spring weather doesn't mean it's time to hit your river spot.

05/30/2023 By Sam Stites

Summer Fun

Floating Hot Tubs Offer Novel Way to Get Out on the Willamette River

Rentable floating hot tubs from Yacht Tubs offer novel way to relax on the river, with no boating license required.

04/26/2023 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland's Regional Government Wants to Give You a Life Jacket

A Metro naturalist breaks down his best pieces of advice staying safe near water, including the Sandy River, the Columbia River, and Blue Lake Park.

04/21/2023 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

Aug-tober

Summer's Not Ending. Here's How to Make the Most of It.

Five things that won't be as fun when the rain inevitably comes.

10/12/2022 By Sam Stites

Summer Fun

The Big Float Is Bringing the Party to the Willamette River for One Last Hurrah

A summer tradition in Portland, this year is both the 10th anniversary and the final installment for the flotilla of unicorn floaties, big yellow ducks, and more.

07/05/2022 By Michelle Harris

Travel Deals

Great Wolf Lodge Offers a Free Night for 100 Travelers with Canceled Flights

The hotel and water park chain, which has a location between Portland and Seattle near Centralia, says it’s easing the pain of frustrated passengers.

06/29/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Get Out

19 Great Swimming Holes within 3 Hours of Portland

Drive to Hagg Lake, the Wilson River, Rooster Rock State Park, and more swimming holes near Portland, Oregon.

06/29/2022 By Benjamin Tepler, Rachel Ritchie, Margaret Seiler, Caleb Diehl, and Kasey Cordell

Swimming

6 Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Your Summer Staycation

Book a room with cable and AC and lounge by the pool at University Place downtown, the Holiday Inn at Jantzen Beach, the Monarch in Clackamas, and more.

06/24/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Swimming

Not Signed Up for Swim Lessons in Portland Yet? There’s Still Hope

Expect to see "full," "waitlist," and "members only" messages, but there are still some spots available or coming online soon at Portland parks, gyms, and more.

06/10/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Hood River, White Salmon & Bingen

Windsurfing, cherry-picking, and rafting await in these Oregon and Washington towns in the Columbia River Gorge.

03/17/2022 By Gabriel Granillo and Julia Silverman

Real Estate

First They Came for the AC. Now, It's About a Backyard Pool.

Historically, a pool was unexpected in Portland-area backyards. But given climate change and COVID, they are hot commodities.

08/18/2021 By Julia Silverman

Watersports

Sup, SUPers? Grab Your Board. We're Going Paddling.

Paddle up at Lost Lake, Hood River, Sellwood Waterfront Park, and more.

08/18/2021 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Fiona McCann, and Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

Beat the Heat with Whitewater Rafting

Get ready to ride the rapids on the North Santiam, White Salmon, the Clackamas, the Deschutes, and the McKenzie Rivers.

08/12/2021 By Gabriel Granillo

All Aboard

Soon, You Can Cruise the Willamette Aboard a 'Yacht Tub'

The 350-gallon floating soaking tubs will be available for rent starting later this month

08/05/2021 By Julia Silverman

Water Sports

Kayaking within Reach: A Guide for the Newbie

Looking to get your oars wet? These paddle tips from first-timer will steer you in the right direction.

07/28/2021 By Leah Altman

News

Got Shut Out from Summer Swim Lessons in Portland? All Is Not Lost.

Slots are pandemic-era limited, and lifeguards are in short supply, but another round of lessons opens in June.

05/26/2021 By Julia Silverman and Fiona McCann

Travel & Outdoors

Portland’s Newest Swimming Hole Is Ready for Your Diving Pleasure

Activism efforts by the Human Access Project have increased swimming access to the Willamette River.

09/29/2020 By Morgan Westling