As reopening begins, we all want to alleviate our collective cabin fever. However, it’s important to do so in a responsible way. A great option is to take a scenic road trip that affords numerous opportunities along the route to take in a view, stretch the legs a little, and get some fresh air. I discuss some of my favorite in-car adventures on my latest Afternoon Live appearance. Click here to watch the segment.
The Eagle Creek Fire forever changed the way that we will experience the Gorge. And certainly the way we hike it. This week on Afternoon Live I listed my favorite Gorge hikes that are currently open, as well as when you might be able to visit some of your other favorites. Click here for the segment landing page with video.
Yesterday I was on Afternoon Live to talk about adventurous day trips close to Portland. Click here to watch the segment.
It’s always fun to write about my favorite place in the world, the Columbia River Gorge. From the article:
“Over the course of roughly 80 miles, the Gorge, a National Scenic Area, switches over from temperate rainforest to desert. Every turn in the river, every bend rounded, introduces a new microclimate or landscape. It’s stunning and easily experienced. From west to east, a trip along Washington’s Highway 14 will show you firsthand.”
Click here to read the whole article.
Earlier this week I was a guest on a local morning show, Portland Today, to discuss Fall Family Hikes. Click here to watch the segment.
This is a feature I wrote about scenic loop drives you can take from the Allison Inn. Roots is an in-house magazine published exclusively for Oregon wine country’s premier luxury resort, the Allison Inn. Click here to read a PDF version.
My latest literary spawn has left the nest! The “Best Outdoor Adventures Near Portland” is now available in select bookstores and via any of your favorite online outlets, including Amazon.
From the Intro:
“Portland, Oregon is a special place. One of the primary reasons many of us choose to hang our hats here is the seemingly limitless outdoor recreation options. If there’s something you like to do outside, chances are good that you can find it within two hours of Portland. What do you like doing? What would you like to try? It’s here. Or near here. A quick rundown of things to do includes: hiking, trail running, kayaking, whitewater rafting, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, kite boarding, cycling, mountain biking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, horseback riding, paragliding, skydiving, ziplining…..the list is extensive.
Any real estate agent will give you an earful about “location.” Portland benefits greatly from its location in many ways, but with regards to outdoor endeavors, we’re sitting in the catbird seat. From downtown Portland, you can get to the Columbia River Gorge in 30 minutes, have Mt Hood in your face in an hour, dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean in an hour and a half, and take in a sunset from the high desert in two hours. And within that radius are more creeks, rivers, trails, lakes, peaks, valleys, and protected wilderness areas than any of us could ever see in a lifetime or more.
Over the last year and a half, I got to go traipsing around the greater Portland area with my friends, experiencing the best outdoor activities the region has to offer. And now it all culminates in a guidebook that for me, also serves as a journal of these incredible experiences. Some of the best adventures I’ve had in my life were had while “working” on this book. It is my sincere hope that it can provide you with comparable experiences. I also encourage you to keep going. This book, while chock full of some of the best stuff around, is more or less an amuse bouche for what’s out there. Within two hours of Portland, an immeasurable amount of adventure awaits.”
In my first article for the Portland Mercury I encourage people to visit some of the area’s waterfalls for more than just their inherent beauty. From the article:
“Some waterfalls are more than just pretty places to visit. While the opportunity to prance around in a forested scene straight out of a Kinkade-ian masterpiece is typically inspiration enough to seek one out, sometimes you want more from your experience. Luckily, there are a number of waterfall hikes in the Portland area that dangle alluring carrots of added interest, like “fascinating regional history” or “a chance to commune with a faith-based deity.” So for those of you who need a little extra motivation to get your butt outside and next to a beautiful waterfall, here you go.”
Click here to read the entire article.
While it still might only be in the editing phase, the project that has consumed much of my time over the last two years is now available for purchase….preorder anyway 🙂 The “Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon” guidebook from Falcon Guides won’t be available in stores until June, but my local bookseller is selling it at a screamingly good preorder discount price of $16.46! Click here to check it out.
While doing more work for the Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon guidebook my girlfriend, Stephanie, lines up the perfect shot of Lower Oneonta Falls. I’ve had this waterfall featured a few times as Pic o’ the Week before, but if you haven’t seen it or would like to know how to get there, check out this link. Click on pic for larger image.
Adam Sawyer 