Hearing The Earth

For Michael Mason, a longtime attorney and lobbyist for Pacific Northwest tribes, home is deeply rooted in the land, history, and songs of this region.

Along the Water’s Edge

Maya Lin’s Confluence Project traces cultures, history, and ecology across the Columbia River basin in Washington and Oregon. Here’s what it taught me about homeland, heritage, and waterways.

The Gathering Place

Located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the Vancouver Land Bridge merges rivers, land, people, and trade.

The Story Behind Oregon’s Popular Hood Strawberries

The understory forest dweller and popular PNW native has inspired many tales—tall and otherwise.

Best PNW Hikes: Memaloose Hills

This dog-friendly hike near Mosier in the Columbia River Gorge is best in the spring, when wildflowers cover the hills.

Best PNW Hikes: Camassia Nature Preserve

This dog-friendly hike near Mosier in the Columbia River Gorge is best in the spring, when wildflowers cover the hills.

Best PNW Hikes: The Thumb via The Knoll

The hike to God’s Thumb winds through a residential neighborhood, a UNESCO Biosphere Region, and a national forest—and offers one of the most stunning views of the Oregon coast.

American-made Design

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gordon House is the architect’s only project in Oregon.

Best PNW Hikes: Catherine Creek

Catherine Creek Recreation Area features several hikes that provide sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge — and wildflowers.

Best PNW Hikes: Trail of Ten Falls

Silver Falls State Park boasts a popular 7.2-mile loop trail past 10 waterfalls, behind four, and through a lush forested canyon.

Shifting Sands

A trip to the Oregon Dunes unearthed the influence for Frank Herbert’s Dune—and a love of stories and nature passed down from fathers and places.

The Art of Tea and Conversation

At Tea Zen Teahouse in southeast Portland, Fengxia Liu provides a traditional Chinese tea ceremony steeped in history, culture, and connection.