Portland• Things to Do

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

November 12, 2025
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

Portland in December – 2026 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

November 12, 2025
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…

Portland• Things to Do

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

November 6, 2025
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…

Bend• Hiking• Mt Hood & Gorge• Oregon Coast• Things to Do

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

September 22, 2025
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

Rose Gardens in Portland, Oregon: 8 Best Places to See Roses!

April 24, 2025
roses

Portland is known as the City of Roses. One of the best things about May, is that all throughout the city roses are starting to bloom. The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is flooded with roses, and my local favorite is the Peninsula Park rose garden in North Portland. So here are the best rose gardens in Portland, Oregon – from the biggest The International Rose…

Portland• Things to Do

Cherry Blossoms in Portland: 15 Best Spots for 2026 Spring Blooms

March 5, 2025
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…

Hiking• Kayaking + SUP• Mt Hood & Gorge

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

July 3, 2024
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,…

Hiking• Portland

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

March 6, 2024

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…

Portland• Things to Do• Travel Itineraries

One Day in Portland: Itinerary for 24 Hours in the Rose City

October 15, 2023
one day in portland

With one day in Portland, you’ll have your work cut out for you! Here is my Portland itinerary – 24 hours in Portland, Oregon. More often, visitors will have a weekend in Portland, which gives you a bit more time for Friday night and Sunday morning add-on. But with one full day, here’s where I take visitors. A few of my favorite things to do in the Rose…