Banks, Oregon

It is located just off the side of highway 101 north of Manzanita and south of Cannon Beach. To get here, you need to just pull off into the Oswald West parking lot on the ocean side of the freeway. From here, It is just a short walk through the old growth forrest covered in dense green moss wher...

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. ...

Hike: The trail is basically a handmade wooden staircase that takes you all the way down to the beach, so once you locate it, just keep following the stairs all the way down until you've reached the beach. Directions: Drive North along Cape Meares Loop Rd just past Oceanside until you reach the ...

This historic site served as a major lighthouse for years and was turned into a scenic viewpoint offering some rad views of the Oregon Coast. The park is located only about 10 miles west of Tillamook. The parking lot has limited space so get there as early as you can. The Cape Meares lighthous...

The main beach is located adjacent to Oceanside Beach State Park, which can be accessed via Cape Meares Loop/Netarts Oceanside Hwy. Once you arrive at the park, head down towards the beach and start walking North. You'll notice a little hole-in-the-wall past a small group of rocks which you'll h...

Oceanside Beach is often passed over for Tunnel Beach just north. Both are great, but you're missing out if you don't head down to Oceanside and fly a kite.  There's a parking lot right next to the marked location. Park there, then head down to the beach—don't forget your kite! 

The view from this spot is definitely worth the drive, if you're visiting Portland or the Columbia River Gorge area I highly recommend taking the time to stop here. Not a lot of people know about this spot and its likely you'll be the only person/people there!If you get the chance, definitely com...

Silver Star is simply a must-do hike for adventure lovers here in the Northwest! From the parking area, take the main trail up to the first open meadow. Eds Trail splits off here, meeting back up just before the summit. Be warned, Eds Trail is much steeper in sections and is more difficult than ...

Hug Point is located just 4-5 miles south of the famous Cannon Beach along HWY 101 and is a must stop on any travel along the Oregon coast. Hug Point got its name from the original travelers to this beautiful area. Without the modern day highways we know today, visitors to this rugged coast line ...

Take a short walk to the base of Latourell Falls, where there is a small pool, so you can get up very close. If you want to stretch your legs, take the 2-mile loop outlined in the GPX below to reach the top of Latourell Falls. Latourell Falls is a beautiful and unique waterfall in the Columbia...

Start your adventure by heading to Cannon Beach, Or. Either head west on Highway 26 from Portland, OR. or Highway 101 south from Aberdeen Wa. Plan to arrive at the town a few hours before sunset, the beach stretches a couple miles, and it is awesome to walk along the beach during the day. There i...

Youngs River Falls is a scenic 50-foot waterfall on Youngs River, about 15 minutes outside of Astoria. The falls are somewhat unique in that the base is located only about 10 feet above sea level From Astoria. The falls have been featured in several movies, most notably Free Willy 2 and Teenage M...

The Cape Horn Trail is great for those who are short on time, but still want to get outside for something close by with great views. Located just 35 min east of Portland, the Cape Horn Trail offers a few different possibilities for you to hike. The whole loop (lower section is closed from Feb 1s...

The trailhead for this short hike is right off of the Columbia River Highway just west of Multnomah Falls. You can't miss the parking lot for it; there is a sign for Bridal Veil and the parking lot is visible from the road. The hike is only 0.6 miles and has hardly any elevation gain (70 feet). ...

Cape Lookout is a two-mile long peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean from Oregon's rugged coastline. The park features more than 170 campsites, yurts, rustic cabins, and a day-use area, all located a short walk from the beach. There are roughly 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to mode...

Head off the 101 to Ecola State Park and drive to the large main car area. From here the trailhead is located just above the restroom facility and is well signed, you can't miss the huge placard. Starting with a few short incline stair sets, you will hit the main roadway; follow the sidewalk for ...