Portland, Oregon

Lacamas Lake is popular for all types of water activities with easy access because of it’s dock and free public parking. This area is family and dog friendly and has picnic tables for a place to sit down and have a nice lunch after swimming. Rope swings can be found along the beach if you’re the ...

This is on the Round Lake Loop trail and there’s a free parking area. It’s a relatively in and out hike that is family friendly but does have some downhill scrambles. Be careful when jumping as there has been fatalities in the past but as long as you’re practicing safe swimming you’ll be okay. 

This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead t...

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in nature on the Kingfisher Marsh and Pintail Pond Loop, a serene and accessible trail nestled within the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge near Hillsboro. This easy, family-friendly loop offers an exceptional opportunity to observe native wildli...

Each trail is well maintained and easy to navigate through the area.  All trails are either packed dirt or gravel depending on which trail you’re on. The Douglas-firs, hemlocks, ferns, Oregon grape and many other native tree and plant varieties grow in the area that make the area abound with wild...

Nestled in the scenic Chehalem Ridge Nature Park near Gaston, Oregon, the Timber Road, Ayeekwa, and Witches Butter Loop offers a serene 3.3-mile trail experience. This easy loop, typically completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, meanders through diverse landscapes, including meadows, dense fir ...

This is a perfect easy hike close to Portland on Sauvie Island that offers more than just a walk through a forest. At the end of the 3 mile trail is a long secluded beach and the Warrior Rock Lighthouse. This has become one of my favorite go-to runs on a summer weeknight evening or for a quieter ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

The Banks–Vernonia State Trail is one of Oregon’s premier multi-use rail trails, and the Banks Trailhead to Buxton Trestle segment offers a scenic and accessible experience for hikers, cyclists, runners, and nature lovers. This section begins in the town of Banks, about 25 miles west of Portland,...

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...

The Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail, located near Gaston, Oregon, offers a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Opened to the public in recent years, this refuge protects vital wetland and prairie habitats while providing an easy walking trail ideal for birdwa...

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). ...

The Grouse Vista Trailhead is located through the town of Washougal off of highway 14 just past Camas. Once you leave the city, the road will turn to gravel and dirt though it is fairly well maintained until snow arrive and accessible by most cars so long as you're willing to get drive over loose...