Portland Things to Do

Portland in May – 2023 Events, Best Things to Do, and Weather

April 25, 2023
portland roses may june

May in Portland can feel downright summery and great shoulder season, travel-wise. Depending on the year, it feels like a summer preview with way less spring rain and growing daylight hours. The average high temperature in May is 68°, but there are always a few 80° days scattered throughout the month. But be warned, it can still drop down to freezing at night! May is a month to…

Hiking Mt Hood & Gorge Oregon Portland

15 Epic Waterfall Hikes Near Portland within an Hour Drive

April 14, 2023
Wahclella falls - waterfall hikes near portland

There are so many gorgeous waterfalls near Portland, Oregon. The highest concentration of waterfalls is in the Columbia River Gorge, followed by the Mt Hood area. And what better way to see waterfalls than to go on a waterfall hike! So here are my 15 favorite waterfall hikes near Portland within a 1-ish hour drive, plus the best waterfalls for easy hikes or accessible hikes, and the best…

Portland Things to Do

Cherry Blossoms in Portland: 15 Best Spots for 2023 Spring Blooms

February 28, 2023
Cherry Blossoms at Waterfront Park on a sunny day

Spring is almost here, which means one thing for the Portland waterfront… cherry blossoms! The best time to see cherry blossoms is for just a couple of weeks each spring. After they bloom but before a heavy rain storm knocks all the blossoms off the trees. Depending on the year, cherry blossom season runs from early to mid-March through early April. It’s fun to go back through pictures…

Portland Things to Do

Portland in March – 2023 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

February 25, 2023
Portland cherry blossoms

March in Portland kicks off spring, after what always feels like a long winter. The worst of winter drizzle is almost over (or snow, in some cases), spring is arriving and in three months it will be summer! March is also the last month of five months of heavy rain (November through March see about 5-7″ each!). So we’re beginning to see the light of spring in Portland.…

Gear Hiking How Tos + DIY

What to Wear Hiking in Winter: Essential Hiking Gear Checklist!

January 17, 2023
what to wear hiking in winter

What to wear hiking is very dependent on personal preference. However, when it comes to what to wear hiking in winter, there is definitely a basic structure to follow so that you stay warm and dry. And ultimately enjoy the great outdoors! Preferably in style! ;) While some of us already know what we like to wear hiking, it’s a question I answer quite a bit from visiting…

Portland Things to Do

Portland in January – 2023 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

December 26, 2022
Trillium lake snowshoeing

January is just about the coldest month of the year in Portland! Hello winter. So January is your best bet for experiencing some Portland snow. But more often than not, we just have rain and heavy winds. But watch out if it does snow, as we really don’t know what we’re doing in snow. Even a dusting of snow can send Portland into Snowpocolypse reporting and the entire…

Portland Things to Do

A Local’s Guide to Portland in Winter: Things to Do to ENJOY the Season!

December 8, 2022
Snowy christmas in portland

It starts to feel like winter in Portland around the middle of November. While winter doesn’t officially start until late December, our short window for fall colors abruptly ends with a few big storms. From a cold and snow perspective, Portland has mild winters. We don’t get tons of snow like some areas of the Pacific Northwest. But Portland winters can still feel like such a slog! It’s…

Portland Things to Do

9 Best Christmas Lights in Portland – Including Free Light Displays!

December 1, 2022
Christmas Lights in Portland

A favorite holiday outing in December is going to a Christmas light display. We have plenty of options in Portland for Christmas lights – ranging from free light displays like Peacock Lane or the Christmas Ship parade to ticketed events like drive through lights at ZooLights or Winter Wonderland. So here’s a roundup of all the best Christmas lights in Portland when you’re looking for events to celebrate…

Portland Things to Do

Christmas in Portland: 21 MUST-SEE Holiday Events & Lights!

November 25, 2022
grotto christmas lights

Portland has plenty of fun Christmas activities, events, and holiday things to do. From Christmas light displays to holiday arts and performances, holiday markets, and the holiday ale fest. So whether you’re visiting or live in the area, here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in Portland, Oregon – events, best Christmas lights displays and the best holiday things to do in late November through December. Portland…

Portland Things to Do

Portland in December – Events, Things to Do, and Weather

November 23, 2022
December in portland, winter tree wine country

December in Portland is the coldest, wettest, and darkest month of the whole year. It’s a good thing we have the holiday season and outings to distract us. But of course, you will find some bluebird days in December. So here’s more information about visiting Portland in December – events, weather and the best things to do in Portland, Oregon at the start of winter. Jump to: Portland…