Travel & Outdoors

Events

Don't Miss These Annual Oregon Coast Events

Seafood fests in Astoria and Garibaldi, fat bikes in Cannon Beach, and labyrinths in Bandon.

03/20/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Spout Spotting

A Guide to Spring Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast

Thousands of gray whales are on the move. Here’s how to spy the showstopping cetaceans.

03/17/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Pretty in Pink

A Complete Guide to Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Portland

Peak bloom is nigh.

03/11/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Getaways

3 Perfect Spring Day Trips from Portland

Shake off the winter doldrums on a jaunt out of town.

03/07/2025 By Arlo Voorhees

Gone Thriftin’

6 Can’t-Miss Vintage Shops in the Columbia River Gorge

Find perfect statement pieces, midcentury hutches, and Barbies in boxes on the unofficial Gorge vintage trail.

03/03/2025 By Shannon Daehnke

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in March

Get schooled on cacao terroir, dissect an owl pellet, watch whales on their way to Alaska, and amble under a canopy of cherry blossoms.

02/26/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Beach Time

La Paz Is the Mellow Mexico Vacation You Need Right Now

Take a nonstop flight from PDX to Los Cabos, then turn north for sugar-white beaches, lagoon-blue waters, and glowing sunsets.

02/24/2025 By Amelia Arvesen

Soggy Season

6 Essential Rainy-Day Hikes Near Portland

Don't let the wet stuff scare you. Explore churning waterfalls, ambling rivers, and lush forests on these close-to-home hikes.

02/12/2025 By Gabriel Granillo and Michelle Harris

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

Oregon Is for Lovers

6 Romantic Getaways in Oregon

Vintage trailers? Sprawling ranch? Luxurious coastal spa? Take your pick.

02/03/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Veggies of the Sea

Alanna Kieffer Just Wants You to Love Seaweed

The seaweed farmer and marine educator cofounded a seaweed-centric event series called Winter Waters, back in 2025 for its third year.

01/29/2025 By Britany Robinson

Soak Zone

Is Bagby Hot Springs Ready for Its Next Chapter?

Under new management, the beloved but beleaguered site bounces back.

01/28/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Get Out

What to Do in Oregon in February

Leaving the house is good for you. This month delivers truffle dog competitions, sausage eating contests, ski races, and salty verse. (Also...Afroman?)

01/27/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Transit Trip

We Took the Bus to the Oregon Coast for a Car-Free Getaway

Bar trivia, a tunnel to a hidden beach, steaming chowder, and wild-yeast beer are just a $25 round-trip bus ticket away.

01/21/2025 By Margaret Seiler

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