Travel & Outdoors

Trails

Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year, among other national forest fee increases.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Park for Free or Help Pull Weeds on National Public Lands Day, September 24

Attend a volunteer event in Portland and beyond, or visit federal recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park without paying a fee.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Getaways

Breitenbush Hot Springs to Open New Guestrooms

As part of its recovery from the 2020 wildfires, the wilderness resort plans to open 24 new overnight spots in January 2023.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Fall Road Trips

Going Solo in Washington’s San Juan Islands: Kayaking, Mountain Hikes, and Peace and Quiet

Take a slow trip via ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, with detours to Orcas, Lopez, and other parts of the archipelago on the Salish Sea.

09/09/2022 By Ryan Good

Fall Road Trips

Wacky Roadside Attractions and Treehouse Hotels Await in Southern Oregon

Throw the kids in the car and head south for rope swings, cave tours, and In-N-Out Burger.

09/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Fall Road Trips

More than Wine and Onions in Eastern Washington’s Wine Country

Find beer, cider, gelato, cheesemakers, and an inexplicable aviary (but no octopus mural, RIP) on a weekend trip to Walla Walla.

09/07/2022 By Rachel Alexander

History Lesson

Meet the Prineville Man Who Spent His Summer Hiking More than 2,400 Miles of the Oregon Trail

Along the way, he was joined by a cape-wearing stuffed steer named Last Ox.

09/02/2022 By Michelle Harris

Air Travel

Icelandair Is Extending Its Seasonal Portland Flights into January

Iceland’s wintertime northern lights and a heck of a New Year's party just got a little closer for Portlanders. Meanwhile, Delta’s nonstop from PDX to Tokyo, Japan, is delayed till 2023.

08/25/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Music

Have the End of Summer Blues? Check Out These Concerts at the Oregon State Fair

Psst: the lineup at the Salem fairgrounds includes the Beach Boys, TLC, and Shaggy, to name a few.

08/24/2022 By Michelle Harris and Dalila Brent

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

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

The wild berries lining mountain trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are calling, but you'll need a Forest Service permit in advance for these purple goodies.

08/08/2022 By Margaret Seiler