Michelle Harris

Scaponia County Park’s yellow maple leaves provide a golden canopy—a nice contrast to the moss-covered forest.

We talked to coastal residents about their favorite spots to hit the trails.

Hit the Coast and Skip the Crowds in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston

Oregon has plenty of weird attractions: the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, the Oregon Vortex, what is likely the world’s only Bigfoot Trap. But there’s even more where that came from.

If you’re looking to maintain social distance even after getting vaccinated, here are some alternative hikes to try next time you venture westward.

Think your kitty has what it takes? That depends.

Winter is finally over, and you know what that means: It’s wildflower season!

In the summer, Sauvie Island is Portland’s favorite rural retreat. Situated just 10 miles north of the city proper, it’s an easy getaway for beachgoers—particularly those looking to lounge in the buff—and u-pickers hoping to score some fresh produce. Even at its most crowded, the vibe is still bucolic and sleepy.

For most on this side of the Columbia, our neighbor to the north is little more than another Portland bedroom community. But the Couve’s reputation as a sleepy suburb is a boon for outdoor recreationalists in particular. There’s plenty to explore in and around the city if you’re looking for an escape into nature without traveling too far from home—and much of it is far less crowded than Portland’s perma-packed old reliables.

Hiking a planned community in Lake Oswego might sound about as thrilling as watching paint dry while walking on a low-impact treadmill. But the suburb’s Mountain Park neighborhood is hiding an entire trail system worth exploring.

When you pull into your spot at the cabin village in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, there’s one thing you’ll notice immediately: panoramic views that sweep out toward the Oregon Coast Range.

If they weren’t located in a park in suburban Hillsboro, you might assume the stickwork sculptures in Orenco Woods Nature Park were the work of a pagan cult.

What is it about this idyllic country pond that keeps attracting out-of-state film crews? Beats us—but it’s certainly not a bad spot to spend a lazy late summer afternoon.