Outdoor Activities

Outdoors

Hidden Gems among Oregon's State Parks

From a sleepy spot on the Minam River in Eastern Oregon to a so-close-yet-so-far island in Portland on the Columbia, these parks are off the beaten path.

03/08/2023 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

Trails

Hike of the Month: Linear Trail at L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

Take in views of the Oregon Coast Range while exploring this state park’s 25-mile network of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-friendly trails.

03/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Family Fun

6 Lessons Learned from Snowshoeing with a Baby

Simple advice for keeping your little adventurer safe, warm, and happy during winter excursions to Mount Hood and other Oregon destinations.

02/27/2023 By Sam Stites

Politics

Lawmakers Consider Bill to Protect Oregon’s Outdoor Industry from Lawsuits

Senate Bill 754 would put Oregon in line with its neighbors, but opponents say it will make it harder for people to claim a business acted negligently.

02/17/2023 By Sam Stites

Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park to Partially Close for 4 Weeks This Summer Due to Construction

Monkey Face, Misery Ridge Trail, and other features at the popular rock-climbing destination will be off limits while a bridge is replaced.

01/20/2023 By Sam Stites

Outdoors

How to Reserve a Hiking, Camping, or Backpacking Trip in Oregon

As permits are becoming the norm in the Pacific Northwest, having a plan in place for your next outdoor adventure is key.

01/20/2023 By Gabriel Granillo

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Beyond Mount Hood takes us across the Pacific Northwest with a series of excursions to must-visit ski resorts.

01/19/2023 By Sam Stites

Travel & Outdoors

12 Oregon Adventures to Get You Outdoors Every Month of the Year

Fly-fish on the Deschutes River, soak in the Terwilliger Hot Springs, ski late into spring at Mount Bachelor, and more—2023 is yours for the taking.

12/29/2022 By Gabriel Granillo, Katherine Chew Hamilton, Fiona McCann, Karly Quadros, Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Sam Stites

Winter Travel

10 Spots for Winter Camping in Oregon

Hike, snowshoe, ski, and camp year-round at parks and campgrounds across the state, including Crater Lake’s scenic Rim Drive.

12/21/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MOUNT HOOD

Where to Bed Down for the Night on Mount Hood

A-frames, hot tubs, log cabins, and views for days—check out these winter lodging options that go beyond hotels, lodges, and resorts.

12/15/2022 By Julia Silverman Illustrations by Chris Koelling

Trails

Hike of the Month: Neahkahnie Gap Trail

This two-mile addition to the Oregon Coast Trail offers beautiful scenery of Nehalem Bay and secondary-growth forest, and connects to Neahkahnie Mountain.

12/08/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

The Insider’s Guide to Mount Hood

No Skis, No Snowboard, No Problem: Next-Gen Ways to Play in the Snow

These portable, packable snow-play options don’t always require a lift ticket.

12/07/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Snow

The Insider’s Guide to Mount Hood

Tips on how to make the most of your day at the mountain just outside of Portland, from the people who know.

11/30/2022 By Sam Stites Illustrations by Chris Koelling

Outdoors

Sno-Parks, State Parks & Beyond: Snag a Wilderness Parking Pass

From the Oregon State Parks Pass to the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, pick one (or a few) of these passes to save time, money, and stress.

11/22/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Hiking

5 Post-Thanksgiving Hikes around Portland

Skip Black Friday this year and spend your morning in Forest Park, on Mt Tabor, and elsewhere

11/17/2022 By Gabriel Granillo With Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park

A stunner year-round, the picturesque waterfall trail at Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon, is bursting with color in autumn.

10/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Travel

Quick and Easy Day Trips for Fall Fun

Orchards in the Hood River Valley, spooks in St. Helens, fall revelry in Wilsonville, and more

10/03/2022 By Gabriel Granillo, Rose Lee, and Fiona McCann

Trails

Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Where to Check Out Fall Colors around Portland

See changing autumnal leaves at Lone Fir Cemetery, Portland Japanese Garden, and beyond.

09/22/2022 By Kate Bryant and Gabriel Granillo