Jen Anderson

Anyone who’s traveled along Interstate 84 to the Columbia River Gorge knows that there’s just one problem: The view, one of the most beautiful in the state, whizzes by at 65 miles per hour. Starting Aug. 3, 2019, a brand-new section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail will be open to visitors to soak up the grandeur at a much slower, gentler pace — by foot or bicycle, without vehicle traffic. More

Ahh — long nights of stargazing, snack foods and wanderlust explorations. Camping is a rite of passage in Oregon, no matter if it’s your first time or 50th. Even for the most seasoned outdoors enthusiast, there are a few camping insider tips that can help you channel your inner Smokey Bear so your next camping trip is more “Planet Earth,” less “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Here’s what to consider when planning your next Oregon camping adventure. More

To Hunter Noack, a small state park or private farm can offer just as much grandeur as a concert hall, if not more. The young Portland musician — a classical pianist raised in Central Oregon — brings the state’s majestic outdoor spaces to life each year with his award-winning “In a Landscape” series of concerts. With help from a dedicated crew, he sets up a 9-foot Steinway grand piano and performs for concert goers who either gather around or listen with headphones as they explore... More

When’s the last time you put on fairy wings to watch a troupe of stilt-walkers; glamped riverside to wake up to a day of fly-fishing and paddling; and cruised through town by foot or bike to sip wine, spot murals and listen to live music? You can do it all in the small- and mid-sized towns of the South Willamette Valley, which are often less crowded, and yours to discover. More

If you’ve been looking for that off-the-beaten path road trip, there’s almost no place in the state more remote than Lakeview, home to around 2,300 people who call Southern Oregon’s outback home. This high-desert town has no stoplight. It’s 100 miles east of Klamath Falls, 140 miles south of Burns and 175 miles southeast of Bend. More

Yes, there really is a place in Oregon where you can sip wine, nibble on perfectly paired cheese and charcuterie made on site, ooh and aah over the baby goats and then stretch your legs with a long walk in the vineyard. Wooldridge Creek Winery, in Southern Oregon’s fertile Applegate Valley, is that uniquely magical place, and the winemakers just celebrated their 40th year of giving back to the land. More

Visitors can now plan their tasty self-guided trips with help of the new East Gorge Food Trail map, which highlights 30 farm-fresh businesses from the idyllic little town of Mosier, 16 miles east to The Dalles, and 15 minutes south to Dufur. There are farms and orchards to visit as well as wineries, craft breweries and cideries, fruit stands, farmers markets, farm-to-table eateries and the historic Balch Hotel, with its own seasonal chef-driven bistro. More

Can you think of your favorite memory on a bicycle? Alison Graves has seen a lot of Oregon on two wheels, but loves to relive the vivid experience of her 2015 Cycle Oregon tour of the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway, from Baker City to La Grande in Eastern Oregon. More

That big orb in the sky is heating up, and more sunshine means it’s time to find a place to splash around and cool off. Central Oregon’s high-desert lakes and rivers and crisp mountain air are ideal family-friendly escapes for boating, paddling or just hopping in for a swim. Here are several spots to explore during the warmer months. More

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI, as it’s better known) is Portland’s top spot for exploring the wonder of science all over again, whether you bring your kids for the day or pop in for a grown-up experience. Here’s how to spend the day — and night — at OMSI. More