Outdoor Activities

Hike of the Month

Hike of the Month: Ecola Point to Indian Beach

Lighthouse views and inland shade on this Oregon Coast trail near Cannon Beach, at Ecola State Park

08/12/2022 By Michelle Harris

Outdoors

Shady Hikes and Picnic Spots for Hot Days in and around Portland

From the fir frenzy of North Portland’s Columbia Park to a tree-lined trail on Sauvie Island, here are a few places to celebrate the shadows.

08/11/2022 By Cassondra Bird, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Nature

Off to Pick Huckleberries? You Might Need a Permit

Washington state’s berry-packed Gifford Pinchot National Forest requires a permit to pick up to a 3 gallons a year. That's a lot of huckleberry pies.

08/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Hiking

These Waterfall Hikes Don’t Require a Timed Permit

While you need a permit to reach much of the waterfall corridor in Oregon and Washington, some trails don't take so much planning.

08/04/2022 By Michelle Harris

Swimming

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

But which in-the-city river beach or dock—Poet’s, Audrey McCall, Sellwood, Cathedral, Tom McCall Bowl, or Duckworth Dock—is right for you and your crew?

07/27/2022 By Margaret Seiler, Michelle Harris, and Matthew Trueherz

Bicycles

5 Things to Know about Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride

The 2022 event happens Saturday, July 30, starting at Peninsula Park in North Portland.

07/21/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Cycling

Pedalpalooza Is Back! The Beloved Bike Festival Runs June, July, and August

The super-fun, volunteer-led Portland bike festival returns with themed rides, from Kate Bush to a cargo bike competition.

06/30/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Swimming Holes

Take a Hike to a Swimming Hole

Combine water and a walk, short or long, with a visit to Lacamas Park, Mosier Creek Falls, Metzler Park, or lakes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

06/08/2022 By Michelle Harris and Margaret Seiler

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria

Boardwalks, tree-root stairs, and the namesake Sitka spruce line the way to the Astoria Column and stunning views of the Columbia River Bar and Oregon Coast.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Camping

5 Places to Camp within an Hour of Portland

Pitch a tent at Milo McIver, rent a cabin at Stub Stewart, book a yurt at Champoeg—so many Oregon State Parks are close to the city.

05/06/2022 By Michelle Harris

Events

What to Do in Oregon in May

Celebrate UFOs in McMinnville, toast rosé season in the Willamette Valley's wine country, and ride a fat-tire bike in Cannon Beach.

05/02/2022 By Shannon Daehnke, Katherine Chew Hamilton, Michelle Harris, and Margaret Seiler

Hiking

Explore These Trails Right at Portland’s Doorstep

A hike at Hogan’s Butter, Scouters Mountain, Tualatin River Greenway, and more are right at Portland's doorstep.

04/29/2022 By Brian Barker, Ramona DeNies, and Michelle Harris

Biking

Biketown Rides Are Free This Weekend in Honor of Earth Day

The Nike-sponsored Portland bike share program's all-electric fleet is free for up to an hour if you have the app.

04/22/2022 By Conner Reed

Travel

The Ultimate Guide to the Columbia River Gorge

Waterfalls, hikes, history, breweries, wineries, great food, a historic post office, and views galore

03/17/2022 Edited by Gabriel Granillo By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Conner Reed, Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Matt Wastradowski

Hiking

Essential Rainy Day Hikes around Portland

From Beaverton to the Columbia Gorge and beyond, explore raging waterfalls, ambling rivers, and lush forests with these close-to-home hikes.

03/04/2022 By Gabriel Granillo and Michelle Harris

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.

02/22/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Outdoors

Who's Left Behind by Oregon’s Ever-Growing Trail Permit System?

Last year's permit rollout at Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Washington was rife with no-shows. This season looks to address access and equity.

02/18/2022 By Gabriel Granillo