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With its cascading waterfalls, hills full of wildflowers and sparkling river views, touring the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the most scenic routes you can take in all of Oregon. But what if you could see the sights without having to drive? Luckily visitors can check out a few new ways to explore the Gorge car-free. Leaving the car behind means… More

The two-hour drive from Portland to Mt. Hood is a destination in itself, and the good news is you don’t have to drive there. There are plenty of access options including public transportation, private shuttles, ride shares and seasonal ski area transit. Enjoy the views and leave the driving to the pros. More

Oregon’s Central Coast offers rugged Pacific Northwest scenery, from soaring headlands to pristine crescent beaches. You’ll also find the quintessential seaside attractions that resonate both with kids and playful adults. You can rent bikes, learn to surf, book whale-watching and charter-fishing cruises, and ramble along breezy oceanfront trails. Casual restaurants specializing in everything from hearty pancake breakfasts to local albacore and razor clam dinners proliferate in the region’s main towns, of which Lincoln City is the largest and most central, making it a perfect base... More

Words like “epic” might get thrown around a lot, but for Bend, the label fits. An active weekend in Bend without a car provides just enough time to soak in Central Oregon’s legendary sun, explore the Cascade Range, lap up life on the river and relax in the state’s great logger-turned-lager town. More

One of the coolest little towns on the Oregon Coast actually lies just inland from the ocean along a magnificent span of the Columbia River. If you’re a beach lover, fear not: Hip and historic Astoria is an easy bus ride from the Pacific. This former trading hub and salmon-canning center has become a haven for painters, writers, history buffs, foodies and craft-beer lovers — so much so that plenty of folks seeking an active arts and culture scene but with a less-harried pace have... More

Set amid rolling hills of green and gold, verdant mountains, and the orchards and farms just southwest of Portland, Yamhill County does two things best: world-class wine and walkable small towns. With more than 300 wine producers calling the area home and regular buses to regional destinations, getting there isn’t a problem — but never wanting to leave might be. More

Take a trip back in time and experience the Columbia River Gorge as it was a century ago. Thanks to community restoration work, previously abandoned sections of the historic highway are returning to their early glory days. We recommend bringing some hiking shoes and a bike to take full advantage of this adventurous, often car-free segment. More

From rocky headlands to wide-open shores, agates, seabirds, tide pools and lighthouses in the distance, the Oregon Coast is a balm for the soul. Why ride it? Because its 363 miles of glorious coastline are full of wonder, largely car-free and accessible for us all. Rather than try to ride the length of Oregon Coast… More

The Mt Hood/Columbia Gorge region is a cyclist's dream come true. Nature handcrafted some stunning riding corridors, and with a little help from an enthusiastic local cycling culture, the area boasts an impressive network of paved, gravel, and dirt trails. If you also dream of smooth paved car-free road snaking beneath a canopy of fall colors,… More

Portland has lots of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods – check out these posts on my blog along with the discussions in the comments: “Best Thing About Your Neighborhood” and “Top 5 Portland Neighborhoods for Car Free Living.” In general the further out you get from downtown, the more affordable housing becomes.  Some neighborhoods I would recommend that have that combination of inexpensive housing and walkable amenities are Roseway, Hollywood, Montavilla, Kenton, Arbor Lodge, St. Johns, Sellwood, Multnomah Village. In addition some of the suburbs are less expensive... More

With stunning waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams and rivers, the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area is a magical, awe-inspiring place to visit in the summer — or anytime of year. Two million visitors flock to the Gorge each year to experience some of Oregon’s most popular recreational, historic and cultural attractions like Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, Beacon Rock State Park and Rowena Crest Viewpoint. Especially this summer and fall, car use and trails will be at their max during the Historic Columbia River... More

Oregon’s fourth-largest city, Gresham (pop. 109,397), feels more like an amiable small town thanks to its vibrant town center and bounty of public green spaces. Perched at the eastern edge of the Portland metro area, Gresham is a gateway to both urban pleasures and the outdoor wonders of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Well-served… More

Pay attention — or simply plan ahead — and you could enjoy a rare opportunity to experience Crater Lake by bike, without traffic! More

Anyone who has felt the rush of pedaling down intricate singletrack deep in the Oregon forest, or any network of carefully designed trails, knows the importance of the state's dedicated cycling culture. More

Last Saturday morning as I drove past Multnomah Falls, the parking lot was saturated with cars and the orange gate prohibited more vehicles from entering. Although the mighty Multnomah Falls is impressive, I wanted to scream out, "Drive another half hour into the Gorge and you’ll be wowed by the blossoms and wildflowers!" There’s only a short window… More

On a fine early summer morning, scores of travelers in cars and costumes from a bygone era gathered at the Vista House at Crown Point to celebrate a milestone: the Historic Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, known as the "King of Roads," turned 100 years old. The historic route was first dedicated on June 7, 1916. Back… More

The farmers who first planted wine grapes in the Willamette Valley planted their wildest dreams into the soil: the hope that someday this region would becomes one of the world's best. More

We grinded out revolution after revolution, waving to cyclists coming down who had passed us only a couple hours earlier on their way up. The steep roads never seemed to flatten, yet, we felt such immense joy to be among so many cyclists on such a beautiful day. More

Maybe Tualatin took inspiration from the Oregon Trail, the epochal pioneer route that ended just 10 miles east of here in Oregon City. A web of trails stitches through this town 20 minutes southwest of Portland, linking downtown businesses and leading off into parks and natural areas. You might also want to beat a path… More

If the thought of building a campfire, launching a canoe or baiting a hook leaves you feeling lost, fear not — there’s plenty of hope. Not everyone’s a born outdoors person. Which is why Oregon State Parks launched its Let’s Go series of events — as an easy, low-cost way to pick up these handy skills, through the friendly expertise of trained park rangers and other guides so you can set out with confidence in Oregon’s pristine natural spaces. More

Oregon native Todd Roll knows Portland and he knows bikes. The owner of Pedal Bike Tours, he’s helped thousands of visitors explore one of America’s most bike-friendly cities for the past six years. “We cater to novice cyclists, people who haven’t been on bikes in many years,” Roll says. Pedal Bike Tours offers bike rentals… More

A rumpled landscape of fertile river valleys surrounds these friendly communities south of Eugene. Creswell and Cottage Grove provide a welcoming base for exploring the region’s winding back roads, which lead to scenic farm country, wineries, recreation areas and Lane County’s utterly charming collection of covered bridges. Creswell: A backdrop of lush green lands defines Creswell.… More

These aren't your typical bike routes. Oregon Scenic Bikeways are the state's best road rides, showcasing incredible, only-in-Oregon scenery — along high-desert highways, past geologic wonders, on covered bridges, next to roaring rivers, over snowy mountain passes and through charming communities. Not one Oregon Scenic Bikeway is just like the other, so we don't blame you for trying to experience them all. More

Happy 100th Birthday, Historic Columbia River Highway! In honor of the monumental centennial, explore what’s hailed as the “King of Roads” — and plan your trip in advance to make it memorable. More