Explore Oregon

One bucket list item on the Oregon Coast is kayaking among the arches and seastacks on the southern coast.

Oregon Coast Adventures

From Brookings to Astoria, the Oregon Coast has more than 350 miles of bucket list items for you written by Jen Sotolongo The Oregon Coast may not be the kind of place where you soak up the sun while sipping an umbrella drink and that’s quite all right with Oregon residents. Instead, the Oregon Coast offers an array of adventurous activities that encourage visitors to truly explore the landscape. From surfing and paddling to clamming and tidepool hunting, the Oregon Coast won’t leave you yearning for a beach chair and colorful drink. Surfing Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest in general, may not come to mind when it comes to surfing, but the Oregon Coast is actually a terrific spot for both beginners and advanced surfers. Otter Rock, located right in between Portland and Eugene, offers a protected break with consistent 2-to 4-foot waves. The large stretch of sand allows surfers…

Mother’s Day begins in Central Oregon at the Old Mill District and shopping at upscale shops.

Mother’s Day in the High Desert

The luxury resorts of Central Oregon are a mom’s best friend written by James Sinks Remember when mom used to take you to the playground? This Mother’s Day—or any day, really—you can return the favor. And when it comes to choosing the right playground, few places on the planet tout more satisfying options than Central Oregon, where a seemingly endless menu of recreation, restaurant, and relaxation options await moms of every age, interest and mobility. Here, happy trails are everywhere, from ski trails to bike trails to river trails to hiking trails, and you can even hop onto the Bend Ale Trail and sample a smorgasbord of breweries. If mom likes clubs as much as diamonds, the area boasts two golf courses ranked highly as girls’ trip destinations by Golf Digest. And if she needs to relax, unroll a yoga mat or unwind at any of dozens of upscale spas…

The Setting Inn in the pastoral wine country town of Newberg.

The Setting Inn

written by Kerry Newberryphotography by Bob McClenahan One of the Willamette Valley’s long standing getaways had a modern makeover last summer and reopened as The Setting Inn. Owners Jeff Cova and Noah McMaha, also founders of a sister property in Napa, partnered with local makers and producers to build connections to the nearby Newberg community. The bright and airy main room with vaulted ceilings and gracious windows welcomes with natural light and minimalist decor. A smattering of art posters and wine books gives a cool aunt vibe—you know, the one who wears caftans, travels to Porto and has a kitchen garden. Speaking of gardens, the outdoor landscaping is the high point of the property. Come spring and summer, this is where you want to stay. The outdoor terrace has multiple gathering spaces from a corner with swing chairs and poufs to a cluster of Adirondacks circling firepits. Elegant cypress trees…

Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone is just one spectacle in the spectacular national park.

West Yellowstone

This gateway town is erupting with outdoor experiences written by Tony Camper Old Faithful geyser and its surrounding 2.2 million acres became the United States’ first national park in 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law. Largely in Wyoming, its western boundary and gateway is the tiny town in southern Montana, West Yellowstone. Nordic skiers know it for its hospitality during regional races. Naturalists and adventurers know it for its basecamp amenities while they explore the region. Everyone should know West Yellowstone for the opportunities it presents. In late spring and into the summer, snow recedes leaving hearty trails to hike, singletrack to ride and rivers to fish. If you enjoy all of these, you’re in for an experience you won’t soon forget. When it comes to visiting Yellowstone, we recommend beginning with a guide or tour service. There is an overwhelming amount of territory and history…

Seabrook follows the planning tenets of New Urbanism, with its twin goals of environmental sustainability and livability.

Stunning Seabrook

Discover seaside delights at this Washington destination Written by James Sinks If the picture-perfect beach hamlet of Seabrook feels like it is out of a movie, it’s by design. Nestled between Gray’s Harbor and Pacific Beach a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, the resort town is modeled in part by Seaside, Florida, the tidy community that helped to inspire The Truman Show. In Seabrook, the starring attraction is one of the most striking stretches of coastline in Washington, set against a beachfront community peppered with fire pits, parks, eateries and promenades. Seabrook invites you to do everything on foot. First opened in 2004 and now up to 475 houses—many of them vacation rentals with ocean views—the Cape Cod-evoking development follows the planning tenets of New Urbanism, with its twin goals of environmental sustainability and livability. Instead of navigating oceans of asphalt and strip malls, Seabrook invites visitors to ditch their cars…

Bowline Hotel sits on a peer over the mighty Columbia River.

Bowline Hotel

In case of Sea Lions. Earplugs. That’s on the keycard-sized envelope stuffed with hot pink earplugs in each room at the Bowline Hotel. But don’t worry, you won’t need them. Yes, there are sea lions serenading from the adjacent docks and sea lions swimming by if you book a riverside room (and you should definitely book the riverside room). But the baritone bellows from the curious sea creatures only complement the sense of place you get at this hotel perched over the mighty Columbia River. The sixth property from Adrift Hospitality, and their second Oregon location (the other one is Ashore Hotel in Seaside), the Bowline is a spot to behold in downtown Astoria. Set in a former seafood processing plant, harkening back to when Astoria was deemed the salmon-canning capital of the world, the hotel pays homage to the region’s salty roots in subtle ways. The designers retained all…

Senoj Lake is a fairly quiet, easy hike that features several lakes, depending on your starting point.

5 Great Off-Leash Hikes in Oregon

Destination trails around the state offer freedom and zen for people and their dogs Oregon dogs (and their humans) are spoiled with the abundant forested trails that lead to mountain tops, beautiful ocean beaches, and crystalline alpine lakes throughout the state. Outside of the cities, dogs can enjoy responsible off-leash freedom to satisfy all of their sniffing, exploring and swimming desires. Here are five off-leash trails to consider for your next hike with your best friend. OFF-LEASH PRIVILEGES: Understanding that hiking with a dog off-leash is a privilege, not a right, will keep the trails safe and enjoyable for all users. Do not allow your dog to approach other dogs and people, even if your dog is friendly. Allowing a dog to approach without permission is impolite and can be dangerous if the other dog does not appreciate other dogs in its space. Keep your dog in sight and under…

Sahalie Falls, on the McKenzie River National Scenic Trail, is steps from trailhead access off Highway 126.

Sahalie Falls

Get positive vibes from waterfalls, cozy cabins and outdoor adventure written by Cathy Carroll Need a boost for embracing new year’s goals? Want to work smarter, not harder? Bemoaning winter’s diminished light and time spent indoors in front of a computer screen—or just feeling glum? Try a waterfall. Extensive scientific research points to negative ions emitted as the pounding water at falls break apart air molecules. These particles can instantly affect the human brain—pressing a reset button and imparting calm, focus and invigoration. A visit to Sahalie Falls is a fantastic way to reap all of these benefits, and it’s so easy to do. You can get within 100 feet of the massive cascade of white water from a viewing platform that’s wheelchair accessible, about a half-minute stroll from the parking lot. Close your eyes and breathe in the positive vibes from the negative ions as the falls plunge 100…

At The Hoxton, Portland personality influences the earthy-glam decor.

The Hoxton

written by Lauren Sharp Old Town Portland is back. After nearly two years of area businesses’ off-and-on pandemic-related closures, this neighborhood is gradually resuming its pre-pandemic bustle. Straddling the edge of Old Town Chinatown and the Pearl District, this boutique hotel offers travelers a window into an area that ranges from tony to historic. After a few pandemic related delays, The Hoxton opened its doors in September. This is the first Hoxton property in the Northwest, from the group known for its locations scattered across Northern Europe. The property draws inspiration from the area’s diversity, artists and culture. Each room is inspired by Northwest modernist design that swept through the city in the 1960s. Emerge from the vintage aesthetics in a location that is ideal for exploring the five quadrants of Portland. Within a 15 minute walk, you can roam the West side to popular destinations, including Darcelle XV Showplace’s…