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Of the 200 Wild and Scenic Rivers in the U.S., 58 of them are here in Oregon. You could say we have more than our fair share. More

Some years are better than others for snowfall in Oregon; many are stoked at this winter’s forecast, which calls for decent conditions. Even if skiing and snowboarding aren’t accessible, however, sledding and tubing are guaranteed ways to have a blast in the snow. Even with some early season snowfall, many tubing spots need more snow to… More

With three days left of 2016, I found myself back in Oregon, celebrating the turn of the year and exploring two of the state's wonders: Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. I live in Seattle but love frequent visits to the this beautiful neighboring state and its many diverse outdoors. Thanks to the new Oregon Weather Compass, it's been easy to track down the sun, rain and snowfall, which is at epic levels right now. More

In winter and spring, the Gorge’s full-to-bursting waterfalls and Mt. Hood’s snowy vistas are wild and wonderful counterpoints to its cozy brewpubs, shops, museums and galleries. More

Itinerary #1: Troutdale to Waterfall Alley Just a short ride from Portland is the western entrance to the Historic Columbia River Highway, where a classic American town ushers the way into a wooded wonderland filled with scenic viewpoints and impressive waterfalls. This 20-mile segment of the historic highway is popular for good reason. Photo credit: Joe Quavillon / Friends of the Columbia Gorge   Itinerary #2: Scenic Corridor to Mitchell Point Drink up incredible views and craft brews on this 30-mile stretch of the historic highway. Thanks to restoration work, previously... More

Wake up in paradise, Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the world and the perfect place to linger during a tour of the Gorge. If you spend the night in the Columbia Gorge Hotel (N4), a 1920 historic landmark frequented by old Hollywood stars and presidents, grab a great view of Wah-Gwin-Gwin Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the Gorge. More

US-26 parts a verdant forest of fir and hemlock en route from Portland to Mt. Hood, climbing steadily through the Mt. Hood National Forest along the mountain’s southern flank. For outdoor pursuits, it’s almost an embarrassment of riches: splashing salmon streams; hidden lakes; bountiful campsites; miles of hiking, biking, ski and snowmobile trails; and the… More

Once a rustic trading post stopover, modern-day Sandy boasts a vibrant community well worth a visit. More

On recent summer day, I have a chance to visit the quaint, riverside town of Cascade Locks where, legend has it, brothers Pahto and Wy’East fought over the beautiful maiden Loowit and caused the collapse of the Bridge of the Gods. Even for an adrenaline junkie like me, used to packing it in, it clearly takes a full weekend to explore this beautiful, adventure-packed town. Families and thrill seekers alike can tackle the trails, waters, and forests of the Columbia Gorge without the busyness (and... More

Just five miles east of Hood River, Ponderosa pines, basalt cliffs and leafy cherry orchards welcome visitors to the little town of Mosier (pop. 437). Set on the Columbia River and with the Historic Columbia River Highway running through town, Mosier is a great destination for wine tasting, road biking and browsing historic sites. Outdoor fun:… More

Terrie Brigham and her sister, Kim Brigham-Campbell, 41, members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, are sharing their generations-old family tradition with the public. In February they opened the Brigham Fish Market in Cascade Locks, their riverfront hometown in the Columbia River Gorge, 40 miles east of Portland. More

This story was first published in 2013 during the construction of a new section of the Columbia Gorge State Trail, which now covers a 1.6-mile stretch between Troutdale and Cascade Locks. Before this scenic pass opened, the trail was not connected between the John B. Yeon State Park trailhead and Moffett Creek Bridge. Learn more about this important… More

Timberline Lodge has a long and interesting story. My relationship with the Lodge and surrounding recreation area only goes back the 35 years I have been alive, but it is interesting to see how many times this place has had a part in of my life. I like to think that Timberline Lodge and I… More

When Molli and James Martin started making wine in 2004, they figured it would be an engaging hobby to go along with their real careers as cherry farmers. Born and raised into cherry-growing families in The Dalles, they’d moved away for college and jobs. Following 15 years in Portland, they returned to take over the family farm. But when James really threw himself into the new pastime, their lives took a very different course. More

As spring reaches full bloom, Oregonians are eager to hit a hiking trail. Fortunately in the Columbia River Gorge there's a new way to discover the nooks and crannies of the region, one that encourages visitors to try local flavors too. I consider the Mosier Plateau Trail a “back-pocket hike” because it’s handy and easy to reach.… More

What is it about Haystack Rock that inspires endless gazing from a beachfront balcony? Or the glittering sight of snowy Mt. Hood, from the window of a rustic lodge? They’re Oregon icons that are made for romance, to be sure. Whether it’s glorious trails for trekking, cozy nooks for relaxing or charming downtowns for dining,… More

I’ve traipsed all over Mt. Hood — past Burnt Lake and up to Zigzag Mountain, over to McNeil Point, nearly to the top of Barrett Spur, out to Owl Point, through Elk Meadows and up Gnarl Ridge. I’ve been to the summit four times, circled around the entire beauty twice on the 41-mile Timberline Trail, snowshoed to Cloud Cap, skied White River and paddled around Lost Lake. And yet I’ve never spent the night here, never pitched the tent among the wildflowers, burbling streams and... More

For many years, Hood River has been known for its kiteboarding and windsurfing scene, as wind enthusiasts scramble to the Columbia River to pump the adrenaline. But Hood River is also an excellent mountain biking destination, with a huge variety of mountain biking trails for any season. In the springtime, a top choice for mountain… More

Farm-to-table freshness is all well and good, but here in Oregon you’ll find growers and makers who can help you stock the pantry with culinary delights that keep. This is especially true in the fertile lands of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. From fermented organic foods to fresh apple cider, a cornucopia of… More

Tucked in the hills of Dufur, a small town in the Gorge, is Wolf Run Ranch. Every summer solstice the ranch bursts with energy as thousands of music lovers flock to What The Festival, a four-day electronic music and arts celebration inspired by Burning Man with an Oregon twist. This beautiful venue features a large field surrounded by forest… More

The first time I brought my petite 8-year-old daughter to a week-long overnight summer theater camp, I wasn’t sure who was more nervous, Maya or me? She was the youngest camper and I feared she might get homesick and would have a terrible time. On my way home, already missing her, I assured myself that I… More

Imagine yourself on a stand-up paddleboard. Now imagine yourself doing a downward facing dog. Or striking a warrior pose. Or holding a plank. Yes, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga is a thing now, with specially designed boards and international retreats attracting water yogis worldwide. In Oregon, many SUP outfitters offer yoga as an option, but Float On SUP Yoga in… More

Though the wine industry has traditionally been dominated by men, it's becoming more and more common to see women winemakers and assistant winemakers in Oregon’s wineries. Here are a few of Cellar 503's favorite women winemakers. More