Outdoor Activities

Let It Snow

Where to Sled, Snowshoe, and Play in the Snow in Oregon

These are our favorite spots for powder playtime, plus all you need to know about sno-park permits.

01/05/2026 By Julia Silverman, Gabriel Granillo, and Portland Monthly Staff

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in January

Plunge into the Pacific on New Year's Day, dance to folk music in Florence, and cheer on sled dogs in Oregon's answer to the Iditarod.

12/31/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

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

Tired of paying trailhead parking fees? There's a pass for that. Get one of these Pacific Northwest wilderness passes for yourself or your outdoorsy friend.

12/23/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Wriik Maui

Eat, Stay, Play

A Guide to the Ultimate Bend Winter Trip

Ski runs and sled dog rides by day, drag shows and 32-ounce porterhouses by night.

12/17/2025 By Cathy Carroll

Travel

9 Grand Lodges of the Pacific Northwest

For every season, there’s a dream destination.

12/09/2025 Edited by Ramona DeNies By Portland Monthly Staff

Oregon Trails

An Illustrated Guide to Oregon’s Winter Celebrations

Must-catch happenings during the state’s coldest months.

12/01/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in December

Make crafts at Silver Falls, hunt for ornaments in the forest, hop aboard a Christmas train, and spot gray whales swimming south.

11/26/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Margaret Seiler

Get Lit

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

It's twinkle time. From Peacock Lane to Zoo Lights to dazzling shows across the state, here’s how to make the season extra bright.

11/25/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Glide Time

Where to Cross-Country Ski in the Pacific Northwest

Find tranquil trails, big volcano views, and a glittering ice cave.

11/24/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Mountain Highs

Where to Ski in Oregon and Washington

From Timberline and Meadows in Portland's backyard to road-trip getaways across the Northwest, here are the slopes to seek out.

11/20/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

Holidays

Where to Get a Christmas Tree Near Portland

Oregon leads the US in Christmas tree production. Here are our favorite farms and stands to get your Tannenbaum on.

11/20/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Transit Trip

A Fall Day in Troutdale via TriMet’s 77

Find celery lore, lots of happy dogs, and no line at Sugarpine.

11/17/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Soak Spots

The Best Hot Springs near Portland

Let off some steam in nature's hot tubs.

11/11/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Rebecca Jacobson, and Margaret Seiler

Toe pick!

Where to Go Ice-Skating in Portland and Beyond

Total beginner? Wannabe Winterhawk? Aspiring Olympian? We have the rink for you.

11/10/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in November

Taste olive oil in Dayton, dance to Celtic music in Yachats, gorge on sausage and kraut in Forest Grove, and celebrate Thanksgiving in wine country.

10/29/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Best of PDX

Your Quintessential Portland Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Town

These are our city's can't-miss activities, whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just passing through.

10/27/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Gearing Up

Meet the Outdoor Store Designed for Latinx Adventurers

BaseCamp, from the outdoor education nonprofit Loco por la Aventura, wants to make gear shopping more accessible.

10/06/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Hit the Trail

9 Sublime Fall Hikes In and Around Portland

Head to these trails in Oregon and Washington for misty waterfalls, migrating birds, and golden-needled larches.

10/06/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Squash Season

13 Great Pumpkin Patches to Visit near Portland This Fall

Pumpkins? Check. Also: hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, apple cider doughnuts, and so much more.

09/29/2025 By Cami Hughes and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Leaf Peeping

Where to Check Out Fall Colors in Portland and Beyond

See changing autumnal foliage from the top of Mount Tabor, in the Portland Japanese Garden, and across Oregon.

09/22/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Portland Monthly

Outdoor Activities

Where to Sled, Snowshoe, and Play in the Snow in Oregon

What to Do in Oregon in January

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

A Guide to the Ultimate Bend Winter Trip

9 Grand Lodges of the Pacific Northwest

An Illustrated Guide to Oregon’s Winter Celebrations

What to Do in Oregon in December

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

Where to Cross-Country Ski in the Pacific Northwest

Where to Ski in Oregon and Washington

Popular Content

Your Quintessential Portland Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Town

What to Do in Oregon in January

What to Do in Oregon in January

Where to Sled, Snowshoe, and Play in the Snow in Oregon

The Best Hot Springs near Portland

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

Where to Get a Christmas Tree Near Portland

A Fall Day in Troutdale via TriMet’s 77

The Best Hot Springs near Portland

Where to Go Ice-Skating in Portland and Beyond

What to Do in Oregon in November

Your Quintessential Portland Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Town

Meet the Outdoor Store Designed for Latinx Adventurers

9 Sublime Fall Hikes In and Around Portland

13 Great Pumpkin Patches to Visit near Portland This Fall

Where to Check Out Fall Colors in Portland and Beyond

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The 25 Restaurants that Made Portland