Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon

Champoeg was the first town to be settled in the Willamette Valley and the site of the formation of the first government in the northwest. The park offers historical sites as well as plentiful camping and some short day hikes. I decided to do the Townsite loop with my family on black friday #opto...

Beginning at the Suttle Lake Lodge just off Highway 20, the Suttle Lake Loop follows a wide dirt path that circumnavigates the entire lake. Hug the lake whenever the trail opens up to camping areas or pavement - it's nearly impossible to become lost on this track. Pass campsites, kayakers, and r...

The crystal clear waters of Big Lake sit at an elevation of 4,600 ft. in the Willamette National Forest, on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Big Lake Campground (N 44 22.439 W 121 53.599) lies on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of the Santiam Pass near Hoodoo Ski Re...

Koosah Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sisters, Oregon.

This loop might be on the shorter side, but the hike is more than worth it for the scenery. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finis...

Before officially becoming a nature park in 1987, Powell Butte was primarily known for being home to four 50-million gallon underground reservoirs. Today, the wide expanse of land is packed with miles of trails-- the perfect place for hikers, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders to get thei...

Latourell Falls is a beautiful and unique waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. This amazing waterfall is just a few hundred yards from the road and parking lot. Once you park, there is a viewpoint for the falls that is straight ahead. The view from there isn't that great compared to ...

The Vista House located in the Columbia River Gorge offers those looking to photograph the night sky without traveling long distance from Portland the opportunity to do so. Vista House is just far enough away from Portland's light pollution to allow you to capture enough stars on a clear night.T...

If there were a river in heaven it would be the Metolius. This gem located near Sisters Oregon offers year-round fly-fishing (only) to anyone who wishes to do so. The area offers multiple types of accommodations from tent camping to staying in resort-like cabins on the river. The best time to go...

At the parking lot for Angel's Rest, turn left uphill on to Palmer Mill Road. Drive for about a mile, and park right past a tributary stream/small waterfall (pictured above) on your left that flows through a small pipe under the road. You will see a small space to park on the right. Park here and...

Head to Rooster Rock State Park off exit 25 on I-84 E in the Columbia River Gorge. Park at the west end of the park.There are multiple paths at the west end of the park heading south to I-84. If you go too far west, you will hit water. Pick one of these paths which lead to the edge of the freeway...

This is a great hike for those who are visiting Lost Lake. There's a steady 1200ft elevation climb all the way to the summit, so the hike will give you a good workout, but is worth it in the end. To begin this hike, make your way to the Lost Lake Campground Amphitheater Stage (off of NF Dev RD ...

The Tualatin River runs from Hagg Lake, near Forest Grove, then travels through many small towns before it empties into the Willamette River at Willamette Park.Start at the Tualatin Community Park in Tualatin and paddle down to Willamette Park in West Linn. This section offers a few miles of easy...

When the temperature starts to creep up in the summer, Lost Lake is the perfect escape. The campground provides you with everything you could want – miles of scenic hiking, a multitude of water activities, and even a general store for anything you might have forgotten at home.The lakeside tent ca...

Lookout Mountain should be the most popular destination in Oregon given its views to effort ratio. Mount Hood seems close enough to reach out and touch from the open, rocky summit, and views extend from the Three Sisters in the south to Mount Rainier to the north. While the hike is popular in the...

Tryon Creek State Park has a fantastic, well-maintained trail system that’s a great alternative to Portland’s downtown Washington Park and Forest Park. It’s a super family-friendly area with a Nature Center that hosts kid’s events year-round. This entire area is relatively small and therefore eas...