About the Author

Jen Sotolongo

Jen Sotolongo is a freelance writer, book author, dog trainer and owners for the popular adventure dog blog Off-Leash Rebels (formerly Long Haul Trekkers). She lives in the Columbia River Gorge with her dogs Sitka and Alpine. You can usually find them trail running, hiking or camping in the mountains.

Oregon’s Top Running Events

December 22, 2025
Whether you're training for your personal best, exploring new trails or just having fun with friends, there are events across the state for every style and distance. More
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Outdoor Recreation ,

5 Ways to Take a Run-cation On the Coast

March 11, 2024
As the hometown of the iconic distance runner Steve “Pre” Prefontaine, Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston boasts a rich running tradition that continues to draw fans from around the world. More
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Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Mountain Biking for All in Eastern Oregon

June 14, 2023
Situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains in northeastern Oregon, just over 4 hours east of Portland, the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA) offers an outdoor oasis for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful scenery, more-than-45-mile trail system and diverse recreational opportunities, MERA is a year-round mountain biking destination suitable for all skill levels, from gentle cross-country cruisers to adrenaline-pumping technical descents. Here’s what you need to know to make your base camp in La Grande and get out on the... More
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Eastern Oregon , La Grande , Bicycling , Mountain Biking , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Biking the Grande Ronde Farm Trail

June 16, 2022
Graced by a skyline crowned with the Blue and Wallowa mountains, the Grande Ronde Valley has a long history of agricultural production, with fertile ground tended by Indigenous peoples for millenia. This part of Eastern Oregon was a stop on the Oregon Trail, and some settlers stayed put, creating farms that have been managed by the same family for well over 100 years. More
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Eastern Oregon , La Grande , Bicycling , Road Riding , Favorite Trips , Culinary Experiences , Trip Ideas ,

Queer Guide to Bend

May 16, 2022
If you’re out on the trails in Central Oregon and see a fellow hiker in heels, a big red wig or flowing feathery wings, it just might be local celebrity, environmental activist and drag queen Pattie Gonia (she/they). Known for her support of queer-friendly outdoors recreation and climate justice video campaigns, she’s sure to be wearing something fabulous, but also upcycled and low-waste. More
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Central Oregon , Bend , LGBTQ+ , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Trail Running in Eastern Oregon

May 3, 2022
Eastern Oregon is rugged, isolated, and filled with long, empty trails that beckon trail runners to enjoy solitude along stunning single-track. Due to the higher altitudes, which range between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, the best time of year to visit is July through October, when the snow will have melted and the wildflowers will be in full bloom. Three experts who know the trails well share their favorite routes and tips for trail-running adventures with us. More
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Eastern Oregon , Baker City , Running , Outdoor Recreation ,

Hasta el fin de los principales senderos de Oregon

October 1, 2021
The concept of the FKT has been around for about 20 years but has seen a surge recently. Inspired by the achievements of their peers, Oregon runners added a whopping 29 new FKTs in 2020, including the Steens Range Traverse (75 miles), the Crater Rim Trail (20.73 miles) and the Crown-Zellerbach Trail (23 miles). During a three-week span in summer 2020 alone, women bested the existing times for unsupported circumnavigation of the 40-mile Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood. More
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Outdoor Recreation ,

Going the Distance on Oregon’s Top Trails

February 25, 2021
The concept of the FKT has been around for about 20 years but has seen a surge recently. Inspired by the achievements of their peers, Oregon runners added a whopping 29 new FKTs in 2020, including the Steens Range Traverse (75 miles), the Crater Rim Trail (20.73 miles) and the Crown-Zellerbach Trail (23 miles). During a three-week span in summer 2020 alone, women bested the existing times for unsupported circumnavigation of the 40-mile Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood. More
found in
Running , Outdoor Recreation ,

Oregon’s Top Running Events

January 2, 2020
Whether you're training for your personal best, exploring new trails or just having fun with friends, there are events across the state for every style and distance. More
found in
Running , Running Events , Events ,

Trekking the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway

July 24, 2017
After two days of riding alongside cars, the start of the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway felt almost eerily quiet. The tall pines cast long shadows across the road, blocking the sun from beating down on us for most of the day. Bright pink foxgloves and purple lupine lined the roads, escorting us along the gradual uphill. More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Boring , State Parks , Beer & Breweries , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Bicycling , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,