Travel

The Insider's Weekend Guide to Bend

Here's where to eat, shop, hike, float, and golf in the happiest city in the Oregon high desert.

04/24/2018 By Ramona DeNies and Portland Monthly Staff

Fitness: Surf's Up

Why Surfing the Oregon Coast Is So Addictive

Alex Morris, a longtime surfer and owner of Portland's Cosube surf shop, breaks it down.

12/28/2017 By Rebecca Jacobson

Urban Dips

Will Portland Get a Public Swimming Dock Just off the Eastbank Esplanade?

If so, it could take several years. (Upside: summers will probably be even more scorching by then!)

09/13/2017 By Ramona DeNies

Beach Life

Portland Made a Beach—with Sand!

It's under the Marquam Bridge, it has a sandy shore, and you can swim here through early September.

07/07/2017 By Rachel Wilson

Long Story Short

Una the Mermaid Is Portland's Most Magical Sea Nymph

She's also the organizer of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade, which returns for its third year July 28.

06/12/2017 By Rebecca Jacobson

Dispatch

Yes, Portland Has a Surf Scene—and It's on the Rise

These are swell times in our landlocked city.

06/12/2017 By Rick Albano

Extreme Sports

Meet Extreme Sea Kayaker Freya Hoffmeister

The champion athlete (and ice cream mogul, and former Miss Germany contestant) passes through Portland in the way to her next adventure: a solo circumnavigation of North America.

03/20/2017 By Regan Breeden

WATER WORLD

Your Ultimate Guide to Northwest Swimming Holes

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars. Plus: your essential river rat gear guide and some etiquette suggestions (if we may).

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler, Margaret Seiler, Rachel Ritchie, and Caleb Diehl

GET OUT

The Pacific Northwest Swimming Hole Hall of Fame

The one caveat: everyone else knows about these 10 spots, too.

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

BEST OF THE CITY 2016

Best of the City 2016: Seven Essential Outdoor Escapes in Portland

Resplendent picnic views to car-free cycling—lucky for us, natural wonder is always close at hand.

06/13/2016 By Ramona DeNies

LONG STORY SHORT

Endurance Swimmer Michelle Macy Sets Out to Paddle from Ireland to Scotland—Again

The 39-year-old talks long swims, jellyfish, and brain tongue.

05/19/2016 By Zach Dundas

LONG STORY SHORT

The 92-Year-Old Swimmer Breaking World Records and Inspiring Us All

In 2014, Oregon Masters-class swimmer Willard “Wink” Lamb broke five age-group records, bringing his current count to 14 world and 36 national marks. We talked to the athlete about aging, staying active, and what it takes to just keep swimming.

07/13/2015 By Mary Stutzman