Destinations

Rest Your Head

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Historic hotels, micro-cabins with private soaking tubs, and triple-stack bunk rooms await in Portland's backyard.

05/06/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Gone Thriftin’

6 Can’t-Miss Vintage Shops in the Columbia River Gorge

Find perfect statement pieces, midcentury hutches, and Barbies in boxes on the unofficial Gorge vintage trail.

03/03/2025 By Shannon Daehnke

Transit Trip

We Took the Bus to the Oregon Coast for a Car-Free Getaway

Bar trivia, a tunnel to a hidden beach, steaming chowder, and wild-yeast beer are just a $25 round-trip bus ticket away.

01/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Transit Trip

We (Eventually) Rode the Current to Downtown Ridgefield

It took a couple of tries.

12/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Heat Seeking

Destination Saunas in Oregon and Beyond

Shvitz in a “wine barrel,” cold plunge in a river, or soak up the steam from a bubbling hot spring.

10/30/2024 Edited by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Rebecca Jacobson

History Tour

Visit These Oregon Ghost Towns This Fall

Once-bustling towns like Bridal Veil, Shaniko, and Golden hold remnants of the state's past.

10/22/2024 By Gabriel Granillo

Field Notes

A Magical Old-Growth Forest Hike Just an Hour from Portland

The Old Salmon River Trail promises towering trees, carpets of moss, and a perfect pool for a dip.

06/25/2024 By Ellee Thalheimer

Transit Trip

We Took the Bus to Camas and Washougal

Find river paths, vintage clothes, a floating restaurant, art galleries, woolly Pendleton temptations, and an indoor-outdoor barbershop.

06/21/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Bounty Bender

How to Eat Your Way across McMinnville in 48 Hours

In the heart of Oregon wine country, the food scene rivals that of any Portland neighborhood.

06/04/2024 By Jordan Michelman

Midway Stop

Where to Eat, Stay & Play in and around Madras

Break up the drive to Bend with drag races, witchy books, and farm-to-bottle spirits.

05/21/2024 By Sarah Hutchins

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

Hiking

These Oregon Coast Hikes Have All the Views

Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Lookout, and other coastal trails beckon with shady walks and vast ocean vistas.

05/01/2024 By Julia Silverman and Michelle Harris

Perfect Plans

Doe Bay Resort: What to Do, Where to Stay, and What to Eat

Don't be misled by "resort" in its title, says our writer, who has visited for 30 years. Nestled in the San Juan Islands between mountains and water, this spot offers something for everyone, from campers to hikers to luxury seekers.

08/07/2023 By MaryRose Denton

Stay & Play

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants at Chambers Bay Golf Course

A pilgrimage to play the only golf course in the Pacific Northwest to host a major championship, and a stay in Tacoma’s up-and-coming Point Ruston village should be on your docket this summer.

05/16/2023 By Sam Stites