Travel & Outdoors

Aliens

Aliens Descend on McMinnville in Annual UFO Fest

Thankfully, it’s mostly humans and pets in costume at the McMenamins UFO fest which returns for its 23rd year May 19 and 20.

05/10/2023 By Sam Pape

#VanLife

6 Signs You Should Try Van Life

Does the open road call your name? Do crowded campgrounds give you the ick? You might be a perfect candidate for van living.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites Illustrations by tara jacoby

#VanLife

Tips for First-Time Camper Van Buyers

Local experts give advice on how to land you the camper van of your dreams.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites

Trails

Hike of the Month: Mosier Plateau by Transit

Thanks to the CAT bus, you don’t need a car to get to this wildflower standby in the Columbia River Gorge. Bring a bike along and hit the Mosier Twin Tunnels or a winery while you’re there.

04/27/2023 By Margaret Seiler

Summer Fun

Floating Hot Tubs Offer Novel Way to Get Out on the Willamette River

Can I get a Yacht Tub!

04/26/2023 By Sam Stites

Swimming

Portland's Regional Government Wants to Give You a Life Jacket

Metro’s Jason Ligons helps BIPOC kids have fun in the water, and has advice for everyone on staying safe.

04/21/2023 By Sam Stites

Arty Attractions

Bend’s New Music and Performing Arts Scene

There’s more to this Central Oregon city than just outdoor adventures and great beer.

04/20/2023 By Sam Stites

Get Cultured

The Portland Japanese Garden Beckons You to Visit

This Portland cultural icon is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being in the city.

04/19/2023 By Sam Stites

America’s Best Airport

New Restaurants and Shops Coming to PDX's Main Terminal

Some familiar names are among the storefronts that will appear when the renovated terminal reopens over the next two years.

04/12/2023 By Sam Stites

History

Looking for Pixieland in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast

Memories and artifacts from the short-lived amusement park, opened in 1969, lurk in antique malls, coastal hotels, and more.

04/06/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Camping

Camping in the Era of Fire Bans

Here’s how to plan for camping trips without campfires.

04/04/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Camp Cooking

How to Dutch Oven Cook like a Pro

Tournant chefs Mona Johnson and Jaret Foster share tips and tricks for cooking great open-fire meals, plus their recipe for clam stew.

03/29/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Camping

Outdoor Gear Essentials for Your Next Camping Trip

From walkie-talkies to comfy chairs to less-bad camp coffee, add these to your packing list.

03/28/2023 By Sam Stites

Spring Break

4 Hikes for Families Close to Portland

Spring break is the perfect time to reconnect with family and nature with these hikes just a short trip from the city.

03/27/2023 By Sam Stites

In Bloom

Wildflower-Covered Hillsides to Elegant Gardens, Oregon Blooms Are Booming

Tulips, azaleas, wild irises, begonias, roses ... whatever flower you’re thinking of, it’s probably growing right here in Oregon.

03/20/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Ski Trips

Beyond Hood: Hoodoo

Hoodoo Ski Area near Central Oregon is the not-so-hidden gem of the Santiam Pass.

03/15/2023 By Sam Stites

State Parks

After Marking a Century, What’s Next for Oregon State Parks?

One of the nation’s best state parks systems is busy updating facilities, studying climate change, and becoming a more welcoming environment for all types of visitors.

03/09/2023 By Sam Stites