Travel & Outdoors

Events

What to Do in Oregon in June

Goonies Day hits Astoria, a Bach festival kicks off in Eugene, wine country shows some Pride, and more!

06/02/2023 By Portland Monthly Staff

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

Summer Fun

An Incomplete Guide to Portland’s Biggest Summer 2023 Concerts and Events

From Pedalpalooza to Pickathon, Diana Ross to Diana Krall, Shakespeare to Samantha Bee, a roundup of what's happening in Portland, Oregon, this summer.

06/01/2023 By Margaret Seiler and Sam Stites

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

Best of PDX

50 Things to Do in Portland

From markets to movie houses to museums, here's your expert list of the absolute best things to do in this city.

05/26/2023 By Shannon Daehnke, Michelle Harris, Fiona McCann, Conner Reed, Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Matthew Trueherz

Forests

Why You Should Visit Wildfire-Burned Forests This Summer

Witnessing the destruction and rebound of once-lush forests on a wildflower hike helps put the impact on Oregon forests into perspective.

05/25/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Road Trips

Concerts and Events Worth a Trip Out of Town This Summer

Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, rodeos, big-time fairs, and more can be found in other places around Oregon, Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest.

05/24/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Columbia Gorge

Timed-Entry Permits Are Back at Multnomah Falls

Visitors to Oregon's tallest waterfall will again need to obtain a timed-entry permit beginning May 26.

05/22/2023 By Sam Stites

Thrills

Oaks Park vs. Enchanted Forest: Oregon Amusement Park Showdown

Which classic theme park is for you, a Southeast Portland gem with carnival games and a roller rink, or a storybook village just south of Salem?

05/19/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Stay & Play

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants at Chambers Bay Golf Course

In just 16 short years, this public course on the banks of the Puget Sound has cemented its place in golf history as one of the nation’s great courses.

05/16/2023 By Sam Stites

Opt Outside

Outdoor Beer Collaborations We're Loving Right Now

Including partnerships with Northwest Trail Alliance and Hopworks Brewery, Oregon Zoo and Portland Cider Company, and 10 Barrel and Poler.

05/12/2023 By Sam Stites

Aliens

Extraterrestrials Invade McMinnville

Get out of this world with a visit to McMinnville for the UFO Festival’s 23rd year, May 19 and 20.

05/10/2023 By Sam Pape

#VanLife

6 Signs You Should Try Van Life

Does the open road call your name? Do crowded campgrounds give you the ick? You might be a perfect candidate for van living.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites Illustrations by tara jacoby

#VanLife

Tips for First-Time Camper Van Buyers

How to land the camper van or RV of your dreams, with advice from Axis Vehicle Outfitters, GoCamp, and Overland Van Project.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites

Events

What to Do in Oregon in May

Learn about UFOs and close encounters in McMinnville, race between breweries in Bend, celebrate Oregon wine in award-winning viticulture regions, and ride a fat-tire bike in Cannon Beach.

04/28/2023 By Sam Stites, Katherine Chew Hamilton, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Trails

Hike of the Month: Mosier Plateau by Transit

With the CAT bus, you don’t need a car to get to this wildflower standby in the Columbia River Gorge. Bring a bike and hit the Mosier Twin Tunnels, too.

04/27/2023 By Margaret Seiler

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

Arty Attractions

Bend’s New Music and Performing Arts Scene

There’s more to this Central Oregon city than just outdoor adventures and great beer.

04/20/2023 By Sam Stites