PNW Attractions
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How to See Thousands of Portland Swifts Dive into a Chimney
The annual Portland swift migration, or Portland swift watch, is one of my favorite weird Portland events. Around sunset on September evenings, thousands of birds dive into the Chapman Elementary chimney. In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights of watching the Portland swift migration, and everything you need to know…
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Salmon Cascades: How to See Salmon Jumping in Olympic National Park
The Salmon Cascades are one of the best places to watch the salmon run in Olympic National Park. The cascades are a set of small waterfalls on the Sol Duc River, and you can actually watch salmon jumping up the waterfalls! In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights of the…
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Lost Lake in Oregon | Stunning Mount Hood Views
Boating at Lost Lake in Oregon is a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Stunning Mount Hood views tower over the remote mountain lake. In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights of Lost Lake, Oregon, including everything you need to know about getting there, parking, boat rentals, and lodging…
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Mount Tabor Soap Box Derby | Weird Traditions of Portland
Every year in August, thousands of Portlanders head to Mount Tabor Park for the annual Mount Tabor Soap Box Derby. Contestants race down the extinct volcano on their homemade soap box cars, many of them spraying water to the delight of the crowd. In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights…
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How to See a Sunflower Field in Oregon
Here I’ll share the highlights of a sunflower field in Oregon that’s open to the public, the West Union Gardens sunflowers. Among the many stunning flower farms and gardens in Oregon, sunflower fields are among the best for photography. With a flower season in the peak of summer, you’re likely…
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7 Edible Berries of the Pacific Northwest
In today’s post, I’ll share our seven favorite edible berries of the Pacific Northwest, including photos and how to identify them, so you can enjoy wild edible berries on your hikes, too.
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First Time at the Oregon Country Fair, the Most Unique Festival in Oregon
The Oregon Country Fair feels like stepping into a storybook. For three days, an enchanted village materializes in the forest, setting the scene for the most unique festival in Oregon. This was the first time at the Oregon Country Fair for Bryan and me. In this post I’ll share the highlights…
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McMenamins Historic Edgefield Manor: “Poor Farm” Turned Quirky Resort
McMenamins historic Edgefield Manor is a delightfully quirky hotel in Troutdale, Oregon. The historic county “Poor Farm” has been transformed into a hotel campus with vineyards and gardens, restaurants and theaters. In today’s post, I’ll share the intriguing history of Edgefield and everything you need to know to visit Edgefield…
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Oregon Lavender Festival in the Hood River Valley: A Review
In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights of an annual Oregon lavender festival in the Hood River Valley, and tips for visiting the lavender farm yourself. Oregon’s Hood River Valley is a top travel destination for its idyllic countryside, framed by magnificent views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.