Outdoor Activities

Bier Fest

Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.

Break out your lederhosen for pretzel tossing, dachshund races, and a goat petting zoo.

09/04/2025 By Alex Frane and Portland Monthly Staff

Hit List

The Best Farms and Orchards for Apple Picking near Portland

We’ve narrowed down the region’s autumnal offerings, with great mountain views, kid-friendly vibes, and rare varietals ripe for the picking.

09/04/2025 By Alex Frane and Portland Monthly Staff

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

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in September

Dahlias are in bloom, Crater Lake goes car-free, the Pendleton Round-Up kicks off, and Oktoberfest has us raising our steins.

08/27/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

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

Fire Season

What to Know About Oregon Wildfires Right Now

Where the fires are burning, how to track them, and how to stay safe.

07/25/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Summer Weekends

Eugene Is Oregon’s Underrated Wine and Dining Destination

Tasting flights, Trinidadian doubles, and tantalizing views.

07/23/2025 By Andrea Damewood

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Water Ways

How a Jog and a Jump in the Willamette Became My Summer Ritual

I’ve learned to love Portland’s river like a friend.

07/07/2025 By Emily Chenoweth Illustrations by Davide Comai

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

Paddle to the People

These Kayakers See Climate Justice as Community Work

With a kayak lending library and social paddles, Mosquito Fleet wants to shift how we relate to the Willamette.

06/17/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Summer Weekends

A Waterfall-Loving Wine Nerd’s Guide to the Gorge

Follow hikes and swims with skin-contact viognier and stone fruit.

06/13/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Transit Trip

How to Camp Without a Car Close to Portland

Go glamping by bus, or bring your own tent for a car-free getaway.

06/03/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Ruby Beauties

A Picker’s Guide to Oregon’s Strawberry Varieties

Hoods aren’t the only berry in town.

05/20/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Illustrations by Mark Wang

Cascade Catalog

Where to See Oregon's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Forget what TLC said. Let's go chasing.

05/16/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson, Reina Harwood, and Portland Monthly Staff

Big Picture

In 1925 Portland, a Day of Bike Races and Costume Contests

Our city has always had fun on two wheels.

05/09/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

In the Trees

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

First-timer? Super athlete? Bird-watcher? We've got a trail for you.

04/15/2025 By Brian Barker, Rebecca Jacobson, and Benjamin Tepler

Snow!

Best Not-Too-Exciting Sledding Hills Around Portland

Portland is not a sledder's paradise, and we’re OK with that.

02/03/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Outdoors

Oregon, It’s Time to Book Your Summer Campsites

Six months out is the sweet spot for securing the state’s most coveted tent sites (and cabins, yurts, and fire lookouts).

01/03/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Oregon Trails

8 Ways to Embrace Winter in Oregon

From snowshoeing to stargazing to dips in the sea, there’s no reason to fear the cold.

12/02/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Portland Monthly

Outdoor Activities

Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.

The Best Farms and Orchards for Apple Picking near Portland

The Best Oregon Beaches Within 3 Hours of Portland

What to Do in Oregon in September

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

What to Know About Oregon Wildfires Right Now

Eugene Is Oregon’s Underrated Wine and Dining Destination

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

How a Jog and a Jump in the Willamette Became My Summer Ritual

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

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In Antelope, Oregon, Light Breaks Through

These Kayakers See Climate Justice as Community Work

A Waterfall-Loving Wine Nerd’s Guide to the Gorge

How to Camp Without a Car Close to Portland

A Picker’s Guide to Oregon’s Strawberry Varieties

Where to See Oregon's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

In 1925 Portland, a Day of Bike Races and Costume Contests

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

Best Not-Too-Exciting Sledding Hills Around Portland

Oregon, It’s Time to Book Your Summer Campsites

8 Ways to Embrace Winter in Oregon

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