Margarett Waterbury

Extending almost 190 miles along the length of Western Oregon’s Willamette River, the Willamette River Water Trail is a network of paddler-centric parks, natural areas and campsites. “It’s one of just a handful of nationally recognized water trails,” says Kate Ross Kuthe, outreach and education coordinator for Willamette Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization that manages the Water Trail and works to ensure a clean, healthy river. “But it’s still under the radar.” More

It’s not an unusual experience for Oregon hikers. While walking on a verdant, shaded trail, you spy a brightening in the forest ahead. Stepping forward, you find not a lake or meadow but a wildfire scar. Perhaps it’s spangled with wildflowers and brushy new growth — or maybe it’s fresh enough to catch the lingering scent of charcoal in the air. More

Some things about the holidays feel a little different this year. One thing that’s not different? The reliable sense of joy that comes from popping a tray of cookies in the oven and basking in the irresistible aroma of flour, sugar and butter slowly transforming into little discs of good cheer. More

Central Oregon’s many independent businesses are open for business — in person and online — and they make it easy to gift a little high-desert cheer to everyone on your shopping list. More

Tasting pinot after an hour-long, up-close-and-personal stroll through the vines that grew the fruit that’s in your glass? That’s the kind of day you’ll remember long after the bottle is empty. More

The Umpqua Valley in southern Oregon is becoming a powerhouse producer of tempranillo. Known for its rich cherry and leather flavors, gentle spice, and silky tannin, tempranillo is widely grown in Spain and plays a key role in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. More

Ready for a time-out from your frenetic pace? You’re ready for Bandon. For families looking to reconnect with one another the old-fashioned way — you know, face to face — there’s no better place to put the technology away. More

It’s approaching evening, and the sun slips behind the forested hills of Oregon’s Siskiyou Range. You’re nestled in a corner of DANCIN Vineyard’s heated piazza sharing a bottle of silky 2017 Adagio Southern Oregon pinot noir with two of your closest friends. Here’s how you can experience all that this acclaimed Rogue Valley estate has to offer. More

Here’s a vintners secret: Winter may be the best time to visit Oregon’s wine country. After the final grape clusters are plucked from the vines, the whole tempo slows down. The days may be short and the rain may drizzle, but the gray months between the emptying of the last harvest bin and the first bud break offers a chance to experience another, more intimate side of the Willamette Valley More

Sometime around March, Western Oregon undergoes a metamorphosis. Previously bare trees and nondescript green shrubs suddenly explode in colorful flutters. As with anything weather-related, it’s impossible to say exactly when peak bloom will happen, but early spring (March and April) is your best bet to catch the action. So grab your camera, zip into that raincoat and venture out to appreciate every petal of this beautiful spring. More