October in Portland is the start of our rainy season. But there are always a few weekends of sunny warm weather still. One weekend you might be camping in 70 degree weather and the next it pours an inch of rain with fierce winds. You just never know what you’re going to get with the weather in October. So most of my October plans are a bit more…
Oregon fall colors are some of the most beautiful in the world. While the changing leaves season is more fleeting than east coast fall colors, it makes the views all the more special since the window of opportunity is shorter. Here are some of the best fall hikes in Oregon and spots to view epic fall colors, along with where to stay to make it a weekend getaway!…
Portland in September can be one of the hardest months to plan for! September can be one of the best months to visit Portland. Because the shoulder season of good weather and less crowds. In the last five years though, almost every September has been marked by wildfire season. 2020 being the worst so far, causing the most devastation throughout the state in recent history. And air quality…
August in Portland is the busiest and hottest month of the year. Locals and tourists are out making use of every spare second of nice weather. Hiking, biking, patio dining and drinks – everything moves outside in summer in Portland. August can also bring some too hot weather. Most daily highs average in the low 80s though, but there are always 90-100s days sprinkled throughout the month. So…
Mt Hood National Forest is full of gorgeous lakes. From hiking to kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, backpacking and more Mt Hood lakes are some of my favorite destinations – in all seasons. So here are my favorite lakes near Mount Hood. And a map that includes a bunch more obscure lakes in the Mt Hood National Forest. Best Lakes on Mt Hood: While there are dozens of lakes,…
July in Portland is peak summer! It’s one of the best months of the year, for good reason. Summer is in full swing, berry season is here, and the rivers, lakes, and hikes are calling our names. And it’s usually before the heatwave and smoky season of August and September. Ah, the sweet spot of summer! The weather in Portland in July has an average high temp of…
This week marks the official start to summer! As the weather heats up – yes, it gets into the 100s in Portland – city folk run for the Oregon coast and the nearest rivers. It’s time to river float Portland! If you’ve been dreaming of a leisurely day on the water, here’s everything you need to know to get out on one of our many rivers. TL;DR –…
June in Portland is one of my favorite months of the year! Summer is just starting, roses are blooming, berry season is on the way. And we’re already counting down how to best use our 91 days of summer. So June holds a lot of promise and long-awaited summer weather. No pressure, June! Plus, since most of June is still technically spring (summer solstice is June 20, 2024),…
May in Portland can feel downright summery and great shoulder season, travel-wise. Depending on the year, it feels like a summer preview with way less spring rain and growing daylight hours. The average high temperature in May is 68°, but there are always a few 80° days scattered throughout the month. But be warned, it can still drop down to freezing at night! May is a month to…
Ah spring! April is the start of a comfortable shoulder season in Portland. Some warmer spring weather, but still not as busy as summer gets. And April brings loads of spring events from tulip festival to beer fests and runs. April can still feel a little rainy and cold, but with an average of 12 days of rain and only 3.5 total inches of rain for the month,…
Portland is a city with more green space and parks than most urban cities. And as a city sitting on dormant volcanoes, vast forests, and multiple rivers, this makes urban Portland a great place to hike! You don’t even have to leave the city limits in Portland to find exceptional hiking opportunities. So here are the best hikes in Portland for mountain views, forest wanders, and streams and…
March in Portland kicks off spring, after what always feels like a long winter. The worst of winter drizzle is almost over (or snow, in some cases), spring is arriving and in three months it will be summer! March is also the last month of five months of heavy rain (November through March see about 5-7″ each!). So we’re beginning to see the light of spring in Portland.…