Jen Anderson

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

It’s hard not to fall in love with the dreamy images of Kiger Gorge, Wildhorse Lake and rest of the backcountry wilderness that surrounds Steens Mountain in Southeastern Oregon. The Steens (yes, it’s just one mountain) is located at the opposite corner of the state from Portland, about a seven-hour drive, and as removed from city life as can be. It’s one of Oregon’s most rugged and lesser-visited destinations to backpack, hike, camp, fish and soak up the grandeur, due to its remoteness and rustic amenities. More

In Oregon, every town has a story to tell. Many of the state’s hottest destinations for biking, paddling, fishing, fresh seafood and craft beer have only recently landed on the map for visitors. For decades, these communities had been working to reinvent themselves, to forge a new identity after timber, railroad and other industries slowed. More

Remember last spring, when we exaggerated ever so slightly? The “Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated” animated campaign is back for spring 2019, with many of the same sweet characters — large and small — that made a lasting impression on visitors across the world. The art team at Wieden+Kennedy had a blast reinventing the latest whimsy-filled multimedia project, which, like the first campaign, was inspired by real-life locations in Oregon. More

From the Hot Wheels they wooshed around the floor when they were small to the Pinewood Derby cars they designed as Scouts, my boys have always had a need for speed. Engineers at heart, they are fascinated with how things work — how to make things faster, stronger, more efficient. So a trip to the World of Speed Motorsports Museum in Wilsonville, 20 miles south of Portland, proved to be a worthy family excursion. More

You may have noticed the array of boutique hotels have popped up downtown Portland and in the hip Pearl District and central eastside — all geared toward visitors with an eye toward style and personality. Think: local tea and coffee in each room, colorful art and book collections in the lobby, and rustic, modern decor. Much to the delight of hungry visitors, most of these hotels are home some of the most exciting restaurants in town — either for their bold cuisine, killer rooftop views... More

Hundreds of thousands of pioneers traveled west on the Oregon Trail in the 19th century and landed in The Dalles (then called Dalles City), the end of the primary land route. Here, they either decided to settle, raft the Columbia River farther west or later risk a treacherous trip by wagon on the Barlow Trail. Among the pioneers was a young girl named Matilda Hendricks, who settled with her family in The Dalles to farm wheat and raise cattle in the fertile Fifteenmile Creek Valley. More

Three thousand years ago, a volcanic eruption in Central Oregon pushed a giant flow of lava southwest toward the McKenzie River. The lava scorched the forest and redirected the flow of the river, creating what’s known as Clear Lake. More

Warning to all adrenaline junkies: These skyward adventures will make you swoon. Oregon’s clear skies, big winds, rugged landscapes and accessible waterways all add up to endless opportunities for some one-of-a-kind airborne experiences. More

Ahh, spring in Oregon is in the air. It’s that time when soft pink cherry blossoms, purple and white lupines, red and yellow tulips, and hot pink rhododendrons dazzle against bright blue skies. (OK, sometimes it’s still drizzly and gray but don’t worry, blue skies are usually just around the corner.) More