Travel & Outdoors

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

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

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

Blades of Glory

Portland’s Downtown Ice Rink Is Back

Get ready to glide.

11/08/2024 By Margaret Seiler

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

History Tour

Visit These Oregon Ghost Towns This Fall

Once-bustling towns like Bridal Veil, Shaniko, and Golden hold remnants of the state's past.

10/22/2024 By Gabriel Granillo

Wine Country

At Renowned Winery Antica Terra, 'A Very Nice Lunch' Feels Like Art

In a room of witchy luxury at the winery's new Dundee property, winemaker Maggie Harrison and chef Timothy Wastell take visitors on a weird and wonderful journey.

10/18/2024 By Jordan Michelman

Transit Trip

A Day in Forest Grove via TriMet’s Westernmost Bus

College town vibes, a sweet main drag, vegan doughnuts, a historic-home walking tour, and a dash of Avonlea.

10/16/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Getaway

Fly Direct from PDX to Austin for Tacos, Two-Step, and Sunshine

Even as tech money pours in, the capital of Texas retains its swagger.

10/09/2024 By Nadia Chaudhury

Get Lost

Lose Yourself in These 7 Portland-Area Corn Mazes

Work your way through the dead ends and wrong turns, then reward yourself with apple cider doughnuts.

10/07/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Oregon Trails

9 Historic Oregon Cemeteries That Offer Clues to Bygone Eras

Find stories of shipwrecks, range wars, and prominent Portlanders.

10/02/2024 Illustrations by Jillian Barthold By Rebecca Jacobson

Squash the Competition

How to Grow a Giant Pumpkin and Paddle It to Regatta Victory

A reigning champion of Tualatin's annual race spills his hard-won tips.

09/20/2024 Illustrations by Sam Island By Rebecca Jacobson