Tillamook, Oregon

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,...

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 ...

The Siletz Bay region of Lincoln City offers a wide variety of activities. With miles of public beach, there is a lot to see and explore.  Despite being the "quiet" part of town, getting here and finding parking will be your biggest issue this whole trip. Parking although free, is very limited, s...

Less than 2 hours from Portland, set the GPS to Gearhart, and drive out onto Del Ray Beach for the sunset with your significant other. This is the only beach in the state of Oregon that you are allowed to drive on. If you have four wheel drive, take a little drive through the incoming waves and ...

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...

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...

Black Rock Mountain Bike area is the perfect place to hone your MTB skills and take your riding to the next level. Black Rock offers clearly marked single track trails riddled with wooden ramps, berms and dirt features. There are trails ranging from "green" to "double black diamond", ensuring the...

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint is a stunning coastal gem on the Oregon coastline. Boiler Bay offers up picturesque panorama views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Located just north of Depoe Bay, this state scenic viewpoint is a great stop for not only taking in the landscape but also ...

It all started when a man, in my grandad's age, initiated a conversation outside a rest stop just off the coastal highway, 101. I, then, was alone waiting for my travel companions outside the restrooms. He approached me without warning, and began asking intricate details of my travel plans and th...

Tucked into the heart of Hillsboro, just outside Portland, the Rock Creek Trail in Orenco Woods Nature Park offers a peaceful and family-friendly escape through forested landscapes, open meadows, and along the gentle curves of Rock Creek. This paved, accessible trail is ideal for walking, biking,...

Tucked in a forest within a few minutes drive of Astoria and along the Columbia River, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is small in size but rich in history.  If you're a wanderluster who appreciates learning about the early explorers that came before you this is a can't miss spot.  My own...

The Netul River Hike is a picturesque trail located in Oregon's Coast Range, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region's natural splendor. This moderate 2-mile out-and-back hike follows the Netul River, providing stunning views of the surrounding forests, meadows, and wildlif...

Just minutes from downtown Beaverton, the Cooper Mountain Loop Trail offers a perfect blend of open prairie, oak savanna, and forested hillside, all set within the Cooper Mountain Nature Park. This family-friendly loop provides beautiful views of the Tualatin Valley and is one of the best place...

Nestled in the Bethany neighborhood just northwest of Portland, Bethany Lake Park offers a quiet and scenic spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With a peaceful lake, paved trails, picnic spots, and fishing access, this small but charming park is ideal for families, walkers, birdwatchers, ...

Parking for this hike can be found at either end of the trail. It starts at the west end of the Lewis & Clark Bridge from a small access road that is used as a parking lot. From here it is a flat walk along an old grassy road that is well maintained. If you forgot to bring along bags to pi...

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...