February is still one of Portland’s colder months. And with the grey and drizzle stretching on for what feels like ages, it can leave your spirits feeling pretty low! If you live in the PNW, February is a great time to escape to a warmer area. In lieu of a winter getaway, even a Portland-area day trip to a sunnier area can do the trick! In winter we…
A Local’s Guide to Portland in Winter: Things to Do to ENJOY the Season!
January 8, 2025It 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…
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 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 in December – 2025 Events, Things to Do, and Weather
November 28, 2024December 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…
9 Best Christmas Lights in Portland – Including Free Light Displays!
November 25, 2024A 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 in November – 2025 Events, Things to Do, and Weather
October 25, 2024November in Portland is full on fall colors and a race to enjoy fall before the rain and wind knock all the leaves off the trees! Because November is one of the wettest months of the year, with almost 6.5 inches of rain. This is the month to have some indoor activities planned and be geared up for rainy and cold weather for any outdoor adventures. That said,…
Portland in October – 2025 Events, Best Things to Do, and Weather
September 24, 2024October in Portland is the start of our rainy season. But there are always a few weekends of sunny warm weather still. One weekend you might be camping in 70 degree weather and the next it pours an inch of rain with fierce winds. You just never know what you’re going to get with the weather in October. So most of my October plans are a bit more…
Best Fall Hikes in Oregon for Fall Foliage, Hiking, & Weekend Trips
September 15, 2024Oregon fall colors are some of the most beautiful in the world. While the changing leaves season is more fleeting than east coast fall colors, it makes the views all the more special since the window of opportunity is shorter. Here are some of the best fall hikes in Oregon and spots to view epic fall colors, along with where to stay to make it a weekend getaway!…
Portland in September – 2025 Events, Things to Do, and Weather
August 28, 2024Portland in September can be one of the hardest months to plan for! September can be one of the best months to visit Portland. Because the shoulder season of good weather and less crowds. In the last five years though, almost every September has been marked by wildfire season. 2020 being the worst so far, causing the most devastation throughout the state in recent history. And air quality…
August in Portland is the busiest and hottest month of the year. Locals and tourists are out making use of every spare second of nice weather. Hiking, biking, patio dining and drinks – everything moves outside in summer in Portland. August can also bring some too hot weather. Most daily highs average in the low 80s though, but there are always 90-100s days sprinkled throughout the month. So…
7 Best Mt Hood Lakes for Kayaking, Hiking, & Camping
July 3, 2024Mt Hood National Forest is full of gorgeous lakes. From hiking to kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, backpacking and more Mt Hood lakes are some of my favorite destinations – in all seasons. So here are my favorite lakes near Mount Hood. And a map that includes a bunch more obscure lakes in the Mt Hood National Forest. Best Lakes on Mt Hood: While there are dozens of lakes,…