Bend Hiking Mt Hood & Gorge Oregon Coast Things to Do

Best Fall Hikes in Oregon for Fall Foliage, Hiking, & Weekend Trips

September 15, 2023
Oregon fall hikes

Oregon 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 Things to Do

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

August 28, 2023
Sandy River rocks at Glenn Otto

Portland 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…

Bend Pacific Northwest Travel

23 Things to Do in Sunriver, Oregon: Best Year-Round Activities!

August 16, 2023
Things to do in Sunriver

Sunriver, Oregon is a charming vacation town in Central Oregon. And while the Sunriver area may not seem like much more than a resort community, there’s a lot to see and do when you’re basing your Central Oregon explorations from here. In any season – from summer to winter, here’s a list of fun things to do in Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is just a twenty minute drive south…

Portland Things to Do

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

August 1, 2023
August fruit loop

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…

Hiking Kayaking + SUP Mt Hood & Gorge

7 Best Mt Hood Lakes for Kayaking, Hiking, & Camping

July 3, 2023
best Mt Hood lakes Oregon

Mt 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,…

Portland Things to Do

Portland in May – 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…

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

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…

Bend Hiking

11 Stunning Waterfalls in Bend, Oregon Worth the Hike

October 27, 2022
Waterfalls in Bend, Oregon

Central Oregon is full of stunning waterfalls, from mountain run-off, rivers, and lakes. You’ll find plunge waterfalls, river rapid chute falls and everything in between. From drive-up viewpoints to easy and moderate hikes, here are our favorite waterfalls in Bend, Oregon (or close by). Best Easy Waterfall Hikes near Bend: Benham Falls, Steelhead FallsBest Accessible Waterfalls near Bend: Sahalie Falls, Paulina FallsBest Challenging Waterfall Hikes near Bend: Tumalo Falls LoopBest…