Travel & Outdoors

City Soak

A Luxe Hotel and Thermal Spa Opens in NE Portland

Cascada brings thermal pools, fitness classes, and Portuguese-Japanese dining to the Alberta Arts district.

01/15/2025 By Alex Frane

Oregon Trails

Step Inside the Oregon Coast’s Historic Bowling Alleys

Life’s a beach. Then you bowl.

01/07/2025 By Margaret Seiler Illustrations by Jordan Kay

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

Near & Far

Our Travel Editor’s Top Moments of 2024

Brilliant birds, beautiful beaches, and decked-the-heck-out tiki bars.

12/30/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in January

Plunge into the Pacific on New Year's Day, dance to folk music in Florence, and cheer on sled dogs in Oregon's answer to the Iditarod.

12/26/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Let It Snow

Where to Sled, Snowshoe, and Play in the Snow in Oregon

These are our favorite spots for powder playtime, plus all you need to know about sno-park permits.

12/17/2024 By Julia Silverman and Gabriel Granillo

Making Merry

I Won't Be Home for Christmas: 3 Family-Free Ways to Spend the Holiday

Whether you're solo, boo'd up, or partying with pals, we've got a Portland itinerary for you.

12/11/2024 By Jamie Cattanach

Transit Trip

We (Eventually) Rode the Current to Downtown Ridgefield

It took a couple of tries.

12/09/2024 By Margaret Seiler

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

Holidays

Where to Get a Christmas Tree near Portland

Did you know that Oregon leads the US in Christmas tree production? Here are our favorite farms and stands to get your Tannenbaum on.

11/27/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Get Lit

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

It's twinkle time. From Peacock Lane to Zoo Lights to dazzling shows across the state, here's how to make the season extra bright.

11/26/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Mountain Highs

Where to Ski in Oregon and Washington

From Timberline and Meadows in Portland's backyard to road-trip getaways across the Northwest, here are the slopes to seek out.

11/22/2024 By Margaret Seiler, Sam Stites, and Portland Monthly Staff

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in December

Make crafts at Silver Falls, hunt for ornaments in the forest, hop aboard a Christmas train, and spot gray whales swimming south.

11/22/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson and Margaret Seiler

In Defense of Skinny Skis

Cross-Country Skiing Is More Joyful Than You Think

It’s serene, affordable, and as strenuous or leisurely as you want it to be—and a balm during dark Northwest winters.

11/19/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

As Told To

Meet Astrophysicist and Former Elite Cross-Country Ski Racer Alison Crocker

The Reed College professor reflects on racing, working hard, and waffles.

11/18/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

XC Ski 101

A Beginner's Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Never clipped into skinny skis? Here's all you need to know. Plus: gear rentals, lessons, and clubs in the Portland area.

11/15/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Glide Time

5 Favorite Cross-Country Ski Spots in the Pacific Northwest

Here’s where to find tranquil wooded trails, big volcano views, cozy warming huts, and even a glittering ice cave.

11/12/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Blades of Glory

Portland’s Downtown Ice Rink Is Back

Get ready to glide.

11/08/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Travel

9 Grand Lodges of the Pacific Northwest

For every season, there’s a dream destination.

11/07/2024 Edited by Ramona DeNies By Portland Monthly Staff

Heat Seeking

Destination Saunas in Oregon and Beyond

Shvitz in a “wine barrel,” cold plunge in a river, or soak up the steam from a bubbling hot spring.

10/30/2024 Edited by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Rebecca Jacobson

Portland Monthly