Powered by Tofu

Portland in March – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

February 24, 2022

March in Portland kicks off spring, after what always feels like a long winter. The worst of winter drizzle is almost over, 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. And with average highs in…

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

February 17, 2022

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…

Outdoors• Portland, Oregon

15 Epic Waterfall Hikes Near Portland within a 1-ish Hour Drive

February 14, 2022

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, plus the best waterfalls for easy hikes or accessible hikes, and the best waterfall hikes for an extra…

Outdoors• Portland, Oregon

12 Best Hikes IN Portland, Oregon for Views, Forest Trails, & Urban Walks

February 6, 2022

Portland is a city with more green space and parks than most urban cities. And as a city sitting on dormant volcanoes, vast forests, and multiple rivers, this makes urban Portland a great place to hike! You don’t even have to leave the city limits in Portland to find exceptional hiking opportunities. So here are the best hikes in Portland for mountain views, forest wanders, and streams and…

How Tos + DIY• Outdoors

Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet: My Checklist + Pack Weight Calculator

January 28, 2022

Backpacking gear weight can add up quickly! Over the years, I have added all my gear to a handy spreadsheet. This serves as both a backpacking checklist – so I don’t forget anything – and a pack weight calculator! So here’s my sharable backpacking gear list spreadsheet and how I use it for trip planning and even planning before buying new gear upgrades! One of the great things…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

Portland in February – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

January 25, 2022

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…

Home + Gardening• Portland, Oregon

14 Lush Plant Shops in Portland for House Plants, Flowers, & Gifts!

January 22, 2022

Portland has an abundance of local plant shops. From specialty plants to flowers, house plants, gifts, and even small garden nurseries. While there are also many bigger garden nurseries in Portland, like Portland Nursery, I still love to browse the smaller and more intimate little plant stores for house plants, gifts, and decor inspiration. So here are the best plant shops in Portland, Oregon. Give them a follow…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do• Travel

The Best Time to Visit Portland: Things to Do & Events by Month {2022 Edition}

January 19, 2022

When is the best time to visit Portland, Oregon? Peak weather and summer events make May though August the ideal time to visit Oregon. With longer daylight hours, more sunshine, less rain, and many summer events to choose from. High season in Portland is June through August. Shoulder season is roughly April/May and September/October. And low season is usually November through March. Here’s my local’s guide to the…

Hawaii• Outdoors

Kalalau Trail Packing List: What to Pack & What to Wear Hiking in Kauai

January 14, 2022

Backpacking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast is one of the most epic trips I’ve taken. It’s challenging and rewarding and a much different backpacking experience than at home in the Pacific Northwest. So there are some slightly different items from a typical backpacking trip that you will need for hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. The top items that I needed that were different than a…

Hawaii• Outdoors• Travel

Hike Kauai’s Incredible Napali Coast – Backpacking the Kalalau Trail

January 6, 2022

My favorite outdoor adventure last year, was backpacking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast. What a way to celebrate turning 40 with my best friend! This trip had been an idea bouncing around the back of my head for a few years. Until we hit the trail that morning, I was still holding my breath that it would work out. It’s not an easy trail, the hiking…

Pacific Northwest• Travel

Suttle Lake Cabins in Winter: A Perfect Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaway

December 29, 2021

Cabin camping at Suttle Lake Lodge is an adventurous weekend getaway in winter. Last January, we spent a winter weekend at Suttle Lodge in the rustic cabins near Sisters, Oregon. Suttle Lake Lodge & Boathouse is a popular summer destination. The grounds and cabins feel a bit like summer camp for grown-ups. Even when we have camped at Suttle Lake, it’s fun to boat or hike around to…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

Portland in January – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

December 26, 2021

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…

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Life in PORTLAND Oregon + Outdoor Adventures + Spreadsheets

21 Fun Things to Do in Manzanita, Oregon – Hikes, Restaurants, & more

Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet: My Checklist + Pack Weight Calculator

Garden Planning Spreadsheet + My 2022 Garden Plan!

Portland in March – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

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

15 Epic Waterfall Hikes Near Portland within a 1-ish Hour Drive

12 Best Hikes IN Portland, Oregon for Views, Forest Trails, & Urban Walks

Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet: My Checklist + Pack Weight Calculator

Portland in February – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

14 Lush Plant Shops in Portland for House Plants, Flowers, & Gifts!

The Best Time to Visit Portland: Things to Do & Events by Month {2022 Edition}

Kalalau Trail Packing List: What to Pack & What to Wear Hiking in Kauai

Hike Kauai’s Incredible Napali Coast – Backpacking the Kalalau Trail

Suttle Lake Cabins in Winter: A Perfect Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaway

Portland in January – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather