Summer

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in July

Chainsaw races, lavender trails, a hazelnut festival, and dory boats on parade.

06/29/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Fourth of July

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

From the waterfront to Oaks Park, Rockaway Beach to Hood River, here’s where to enjoy some spectacular displays for the semiquincentennial.

06/25/2026 By Portland Monthly Staff

Eat Stay Play

A Visitor’s Guide to Mount Rainier

The best hikes, waterfalls, and viewpoints within Washington’s first national park.

06/23/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Jump In

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Postcard perfect? Not always. But the mighty Columbia is big enough for everyone.

06/16/2026 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Margaret Seiler, and Julia Silverman

Eat Stay Play

A Summer Visitor’s Guide to Oregon’s Three Sisters

Best hikes, nearby lodges, and mountain-view lakes.

06/15/2026 By Matt Wastradowski

Eat Stay Play

A Summer Traveler’s Guide to Mount Hood

Huckleberry milkshakes, family-friendly hikes, and the ultimate weekend backpacking trip.

06/10/2026 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Maximum Fun

The 22 Best Summer Events in Oregon

When it comes to festivals and fairs, our state doesn't mess around.

06/05/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Davide Comai

Big Picture

When a 1905 Heat Wave Sent Swarms of Naked Boys into the Willamette

Can you blame them?

06/05/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Eat, Stay, Play

A Summertime Guide to the Wallowas

The hidden gem hikes, detour-worthy restaurants, and cutest cabins near the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

06/01/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Cinematastic

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Open-air showings in and around Portland this summer include The Mandalorian and Grogu at the drive-in and Wicked, Zootopia 2, The Princess Bride, and Cool Runnings at local parks.

05/22/2026 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

What a Blast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play Around Mount St. Helens

Pyroclastic mounds, pumice plains, lava tubes, big burgers, and juicy hucks.

05/18/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

The People's Coast

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

Our coast brims with spectacular beaches. Here are a few that will leave you breathless.

08/29/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Procrastinators Unite

9 First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds for Last-Minute Adventures

Did you fail to reserve your spot six months ago when summer felt so far away? All is not lost.

07/14/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Water World

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars.

06/30/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Oar You Ready?

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

Eight gorgeous destinations, all less than two hours away.

06/20/2025 By Molly Allen and Sam Stites

Water World

Hike to These 6 Hidden-Away Swimming Holes near Portland

Working up a bit of a sweat means the water will feel extra delicious.

08/02/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Lake Life

Our 8 Favorite Lake Trips near Portland (Yes, You Can Still Book One)

Gorgeous views and easy water access await at these lakeside campgrounds.

07/10/2024 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

But which in-the-city Willamette River swim spot is the one for you and your crew?

07/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler, Michelle Harris, and Matthew Trueherz

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

Portland Monthly

Summer

What to Do in Oregon in July

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

A Visitor’s Guide to Mount Rainier

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

A Summer Visitor’s Guide to Oregon’s Three Sisters

A Summer Traveler’s Guide to Mount Hood

The 22 Best Summer Events in Oregon

When a 1905 Heat Wave Sent Swarms of Naked Boys into the Willamette

A Summertime Guide to the Wallowas

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Popular Content

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

What to Do in Oregon in July

A Summer Traveler’s Guide to Mount Hood

A Visitor’s Guide to Mount Rainier

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

When a 1905 Heat Wave Sent Swarms of Naked Boys into the Willamette

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play Around Mount St. Helens

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

9 First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds for Last-Minute Adventures

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

Hike to These 6 Hidden-Away Swimming Holes near Portland

Our 8 Favorite Lake Trips near Portland (Yes, You Can Still Book One)

Portland Is a Beach Town. It's True.

These Oregon Coast Hikes Have All the Views

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Mountain Magic