Travel & Outdoors

Oregon Coast

Find Funky Towns, Fancy Chowder, and More from Manzanita to Pacific City

For a day trip or a weekend getaway, the towns, tastes, and trails around Nehalem, Tillamook, and Netarts Bays and the Three Capes are worth the drive from Portland.

06/07/2022 By Fiona McCann and Julia Silverman

Air Travel

British Airways Launches Nonstop Flight from Portland to London Heathrow

The long-anticipated nonstop flight between London’s Heathrow Airport and Portland International Airport launched early June with a welcome party, and a phone booth.

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Oregon Coast

Here’s Where to Camp at the Beach

Find easy access to the sand between Tillamook and Yachats at Cape Lookout, South Beach, Beachside, and Tillicum campgrounds.

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Beach Eats

Pronto Pup, the Corn Dog Born on the Oregon Coast

The tale of the beloved Rockaway Beach–born hot dog on a stick, from the bustling counter by the bumper cars in Seaside to beach shacks and food carts around the Great Lakes

06/06/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Public Transit

Take a Transit Trip to Washington Park

We learned the ins and outs of TriMet's new Line 63 bus route, just in time for summer–with links to the shuttle for the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, and more.

06/03/2022 By Shannon Daehnke

Bars

12 Essential Oregon Coast Bars

From the Triangle in Astoria to the Bridge Tender in Seaside to the 101 in Brookings, these small-town taverns help you feel like a local.

06/02/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Events

What to Do in Oregon in June

Goonies Day hits Astoria, a Bach festival kicks off in Eugene, wine country shows some Pride, and more!

06/01/2022 By Margaret Seiler and Michelle Harris

Swimming Holes

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Under 90 Minutes from Portland

From Jones Beach to Rooster Rock to the Hood River waterfront, the Columbia River is big enough for everyone to find a beach and take a dip.

05/31/2022 By Margaret Seiler, Katherine Chew Hamilton, and Julia Silverman

Portland Parks

Where Parks Are More Than Just Playgrounds and Ballfields

A Q&A with Jon Blasher, director of parks and nature for Metro, on balancing the urgency of access to nature for all with habitat preservation

05/27/2022 By Julia Silverman

Portland Parks

Parks We Love in Portland’s Suburbs, from West Linn to Washougal

Venture beyond city limits for more great greenspaces in West Linn, Tualatin, Gresham, and Washougal.

05/27/2022 By Michelle Harris

Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

New tulips just dropped: The rural farmland north of Seattle erupts into a rainbow of color during the state's biggest flower fest.

By Allison Williams [email protected]
Published 03/27/2023

Ranking Seattle's Tourist Traps

From the Space Needle to Smith Tower, just how cheesy are the city's biggest attractions?

By Allison Williams [email protected]
Published 03/23/2023

How to Rent a Camper Van in Seattle

Four wheels, a bed, and the open road: Van life is within reach with Volkswagens, Sprinters, and more.

By Allison Williams [email protected]
Published 03/21/2023

A Road Trip from Fort Spokane to Kettle Falls

Deep in Central Washington, the mighty Columbia spreads itself into Lake Roosevelt, and a scenic highway traces its shores.

By Allison Williams [email protected]
Published 03/17/2023

Where to Hit the Slopes for the End of Ski Season

The Washington ski season is almost over—better make those last turns count at these local ski resorts, including Crystal and Mount Baker.

By Allison Williams [email protected]
Published 03/15/2023

A Viewing Guide for the UW Cherry Blossoms

The quad at the University of Washington has your flower peeping covered. Plus, tips for parking and hanami how-tos.

By Seattle Met Staff
Published 03/09/2023

Recreation

It’s Will-AM-it, Dammit! Running the Numbers on the Willamette River

Dive in at Poet's Beach, kayak at Sellwood Riverfront Park, or just worry about Portland Harbor pollutants—there’s a lot to do in the Willamette.

05/27/2022 By Michelle Harris

Oregon Wine

Alt Wine Fest Explores the World of Wine Beyond Pinot

The July festival, taking place at Abbey Road Farm, is dedicated to the 80+ varieties of Oregon grapes that aren't pinot noir.

05/25/2022 By Michelle Harris

Field Notes

Hike of the Month: Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria

Boardwalks, tree-root stairs, and the namesake Sitka spruce line the way to the Astoria Column and stunning views of the Columbia River Bar and Oregon Coast.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Literary Road Trip

New Mural in Clatskanie Celebrates Writer Raymond Carver

A free festival this weekend shows off the almost-complete mural and includes a poetry contest and Birdman screening.

05/20/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Property Watch: On Alberta, a Classic Portland Bungalow with Backyard Living Pods

Two living units—one modern, one vintage—occupy a single city lot, with a central courtyard.

05/16/2022 By Melissa Dalton

Wine Country

Remember When You Could Spontaneously Taste Your Way through Oregon’s Wine Country?

Want to visit wineries in Willamette Valley on a whim? Here's where you can stop and sip without having to plan ahead.

05/11/2022 By Michelle Harris

Flowers

Lilacs for Days at Hulda Klager Gardens in Woodland, Washington

Surrounded by flowers, the historic property’s farmhouse remains closed for now, but the gardens and arboretum just north of Portland are open year-round.

05/09/2022 By Margaret Seiler