Explore Oregon

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…

Named after Bandon, Ireland, this coastal gem is known for world-class golf at Bandon Dunes Resort, a picturesque, wild beach and fresh seafood at casual and upscale restaurants.

Southern Oregon Coast

The better season for the hauntingly beautiful Oregon Coast? written by Isabella Golasi The Oregon Coast’s other season is the dead of winter. Yes, it may rain a bit here in the late winter months, but with a little planning for weather, you’ll find mild maritime temperatures in the midst of the most hauntingly beautiful scenery Oregon has to offer. All without the summer crowds. The Southern Oregon Coast from Coos Bay south to the California border is home to the towns of Coos Bay, Bandon, Port Orford and Gold Beach among others. They all have three things in common—a direct connection with the Pacific Ocean, remarkable beauty and unexpectedly exceptional restaurants that enhance your coastal experience. Over the next three days, you’ll walk through these places as if in a misty dreamscape. Day 1 Coos Bay Working your way down the Southern Oregon Coast, Coos Bay was Oregon’s largest…

Let Pine Path Cabin lead you down a trail to romance along Crescent Creek with adventures in fishing on nearby lakes, skiing and mountain biking.

Adventures Around Five Romantic Cabins

Pack the wine and chocolates—plus the skis, bikes and hiking boots written by K.M. Collins Want to get snowed in on a romantic getaway this winter? While the wind blows and the snow falls, snuggle up beside a fire or in a hot tub at a cabin in the middle of a forest. Here are five ways to do just that. COAST WildSpring Eco Friendly Cabin WildSpring Guest Habitat, overlooking the Pacific in southern Oregon, is set on five acres of temperate rainforest, in quaint Port Orford. These luxurious cabins in a naturally beautiful environment let you doze off to the sound of the wind through the trees and wake to deer grazing outside cabin windows. Have a meditative morning, walking the resort’s labyrinth and strolling through the sculpture garden, then head to the beach for agate hunting, or walk about a mile into town to explore this working fishing…

Sip carménères and viogniers amid the Blue Mountains at Kinhaven Winery & Vineyard.

Walla Walla Springs Forward

Holiday wine spurs spring wanderlust written by Everett E. Cummings It is this time of year when the brooding dark fruit, the languorous vanilla and the rich earthy notes of a holiday red wine awaken something in your dormant wanderlust and put the small wine warren of Walla Walla on your spring schedule. For most Oregonians, Walla Walla, in the southeastern corner of Washington, is far enough away to feel like a journey yet close enough to make a long weekend trip. Early May each year, Walla Walla buzzes with lovers and wine lovers pouring into the tasting rooms downtown and driving out to the vineyards in the rolling hills as they climb up into the Blue Mountains to the east. The annual Spring Release weekend, May 6 through May 8, is one of the signature events for the town and one of the most intriguing for oenophiles anywhere. In…

Wanderlust Tours leads snowshoe trips by the light of the sun, stars, moon or bonfire.

Fire + Ice = Love

A recipe for winter fun in Bend, from mellow to adrenaline-laced, or both written by Adam Thorn Smith If Oregon is a dartboard of adventures, Bend is the bullseye—dead center, dedicated to the outdoors, and destiny to adrenaline junkies. In this high desert town, people surf water and land, from river wave to snow-clad volcano. Wild mountains, streams, forests, caves and cliffs are top targets year-round. But, you can put the mild side of Bend in your sights too. Historic downtown is a rustic-hip center of food, drink, music, softly lit streets and riverside strolls. Festivals, fundraisers, concerts and markets populate the calendar. Boutique lodging and pro outfitters offer amenities and excursions suited to novice explorers and those who prefer endorphins over adrenaline. Of all the seasonal regional getaways in Oregon, winter in the state’s center is among the best. Getting there is part of the experience. If you’re coming…

Wallowa Lake beginning to freeze over in December.

Go East!

The Wallowas offer wide-open spaces to play, explore and discover inner and outer peace written by Cathy Carroll We all know the old-timey call for adventure: “Go west, young man!” This winter, go with the obverse: “Go east, young_____!” Fill in your own gender. And by east, aim for Eastern Oregon, specifically, the Wallowas. Take to the roads, whether they’re cleared or paved with packed, cold, dry snow (when tires get grippy). At Wallowa Lake, first notice what’s missing: traffic, noise, hurry, tension, human-made marring of the beauty of the natural world. A few things you’ll immediately gain: deeper breaths, a clearer mind and a visage with fewer worry lines. Take in the deer and elk who’ve made the winter trek down into the valleys as hawks and raptors swirl above. Reconnect with belly laughter zipping down on a sled at Alder Slope or any other of the surrounding hills….

Free tours are offered daily at the Parliament Buildings overlooking Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbour.

A Victoria Venture

Traipse back in time and across cultures on Vancouver Island, BC written by John Macdonald Note: At the time of writing in mid-August, Canada began welcoming back fully vaccinated leisure travelers from the United States who have proof of being fully vaccinated. We all have our own reasons for visiting Victoria. My reason was quite narrow. I wanted to walk Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, also known as Canada’s narrowest street. In the era of social distancing and pandemics, I realize this may not resonate with everyone, but, for me, it was a grounding starting point to explore the history of Vancouver Island and Victoria. Vancouver Island’s largest ethnic groups are British descendants and Chinese, the former because it had been a fur trading outpost and then British colony, the latter population largely streaming in after the 1858 gold rush. Chinatown is Canada’s oldest and second in North America only…

Take the Oregon Outdoor-100 Challenge

Take the Oregon Outdoor-100 Challenge

Pro tips for your own challenge to explore 100 scenic state sights Written and photographed by Travis Hughes The mark of a truly great adventure is when the memories outnumber the miles traveled. A few years ago, I embarked on a quest to see 100 of Oregon’s most scenic spaces. It took me just over three years to complete, and the memories will last a lifetime. As a lifelong Oregonian, I wanted to see Oregon’s iconic places, such as Blue Pool, Multnomah Falls, Crater Lake and Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, but I also wanted to see the state’s lesser-known gems. My final list included everything from crashing waterfalls and towering rock formations to mountain summits, stunning beach vistas, wind-whipped deserts and spooky caves. Taking the Oregon Outdoor-100 Challenge requires some planning. Here are some tips I learned along the way. Think outside the box Every corner of Oregon is…