The People's Coast

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

Our coast brims with spectacular beaches. Here are a few that will leave you breathless.

08/29/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

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

Summer Weekends

Portland Staycation: Dinner and a Movie (and a Swim)

Craft a dreamy weekend out of the house without leaving the metro area.

07/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Water World

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars.

06/30/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

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

Sky's the Limit

This Nonprofit Makes Nature Expeditions Possible for All

Adventures Without Limits brings adaptive equipment and accessible pricing to the outdoors.

07/18/2024 By Dalila Brent

Lake Life

Our 8 Favorite Lake Trips near Portland (Yes, You Can Still Book One)

Gorgeous views and easy water access await at these lakeside campgrounds.

07/10/2024 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

But which in-the-city Willamette River swim spot is the one for you and your crew?

07/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler, Michelle Harris, and Matthew Trueherz

All Aboard

World Champion Paddleboarder Fiona Wylde Wants to See You on the Water

With three world titles under her belt, the Hood River local doubles down on community, with free paddle lessons in July and August.

06/14/2024 By Molly Allen Photography by Eric Duran Gazquez

Outdoors

15 of Our Favorite Oregon State Parks

Find lush coastal rainforest, towering waterfalls, arid high desert, and everything in between.

05/16/2024 By Sam Stites

Real Estate

Property Watch: Mount Tabor Atomic Ranch with a Hollywood Connection

Enjoy endless summer in a pool good enough for Esther Williams.

09/25/2023 By Melissa Dalton

Pool Party

Renting a Private Pool in Portland Has Never Been Swimpler

Want to go for a dip? Swimply has turned Portland into a hotbed for backyard pool and hot tub rentals, from saltwater pools on hilltop hobby farms to backyard hangs.

06/22/2023 By 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

Adventure

Your Best Ever White Water Trip on the Lower Deschutes

Rafting on the Lower Deschutes River is an Oregon rite of passage, just a couple hours from Portland. Our own Sam Stites, a former rafting guide, tells us the outfitters, guides, and rapids to know.

06/08/2023 By Sam Stites