Guidebook: Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest
Welcome to fall! If you ask me, this is the best season for Northwest weekend getaways for a number of reasons. That’s why I’ve written a book on it! Autumn offers unique, colorful and delicious opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest. Get inspired to spend your fall weekends combing rocky beaches, savoring the harvest, and […]
Campfire Restrictions in the Northwest
Taking a camping trip this weekend? Pack your gear using our handy Car Camping Checklist and you won’t forget anything, ever. UPDATE: August 20, 2016 Going camping? There are campfire restrictions in place (see details below). In fact, 2016 marks the fourth summer in a row that has seen restriction on campfires in the Northwest, though the restrictions are […]
Quick Escape: Bend, Oregon
Bend is a sophisticated, outdoorsy town tucked in the eastern Cascade foothills, surrounding by some of the finest hiking trails, ski runs and fishing streams the Northwest has to offer. With more than 250 days of sun per year, you can visit Bend year-round, but autumn is particularly nice. Hike among fall foliage through late October, […]
CAMP & HIKE: Trillium Lake, Mount Hood
On the south side of Mt. Hood at 3,600 feet elevation is Trillium Lake, ringed with fragrant conifers, flower-filled boggy meadows, and a flat, family-friendly, barrier-free loop trail. If you’re looking for a late summer or early autumn overnight camping trip near Portland, this should be near the top of your list. Where to Hike […]
Ask TripFinder: Where to Go Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley?
Dear TripFinder, Q: Hi, We are travelling to Portland Oregon in late June for a 4 day long weekend and are looking to spend some time wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Any recommendations for restaurants, vineyards or B&B’s in the area? We will have a car. Thanks! -Kathleen from Calgary Dear Kathleen, Yes! A visit […]
Getaway Guide to Astoria, Oregon
It rains a lot in Astoria, Oregon, as anyone familiar with the winter of 1805 according to Lewis and Clark well knows. The rich shades of grey found in Astoria’s sky probably provide inspiration for Benjamin Moore. But when the sun comes out (and it does, eventually) this small maritime city is spectacular. And very well-caffeinated. […]
CAMP & HIKE: Silver Falls State Park
At Silver Falls State Park, you’re in the best of both worlds–a stone’s throw from Willamette Valley wine country, and inching up the west slope of the Oregon Cascades. And by “cascades” we mean mountains… and waterfalls. Lots of waterfalls. We are spoiled rotten. In the Pacific Northwest where huge swaths of land are protected […]
CAMP & RIDE: Champoeg State Heritage Area
Set on the south bank of the Willamette River just southeast of Newberg is one of Oregon’s best kept secrets. When we stumbled upon Champoeg State Heritage Area during a day of Yamhill Valley wine tasting, I instantly wanted to curl up in one of their adorable yurts and listen to the bluebirds sing outside my window. […]
Q: Vacation Rental Cabins near Mt. Hood?
Dear TripFinder, Q: Any suggestions for vacation rental sites for large cabins around Mt. Hood? – Adina from Seattle Dear Adina, Many of our Northwest mountain communities have cabins that are second homes, and owners often rent these out as vacation rentals when they aren’t using them. Around ski areas, it’s not uncommon to find […]
CAMP & HIKE: Beverly Beach State Park
Just to the north of Newport is a fantastic but popular camping destination, Beverly Beach State Park. You’ll camp in some lovely woods on the east side of Highway 101, but only a short distance away through a tunnel is a stretch of beach that offers miles of roaming and beachcombing. Just to the north is […]
