Urban Almanac

3 Oregon Wildflowers To Check Out This Spring

There are blooms all around us in spring. But here are three local wildflowers to seek out on your next adventure in nature.

Climate Change Poses Threat to Northwest Fish

Climate change is likely to compel all kinds of species migration that could lead to increased predation, competition and some localized extinctions of once native species in the Northwest and globally.

Go Whale Watching This Coming Week in Oregon

It’s time for Oregon’s spring Whale Watch Week — Saturday, March 22 to Sunday March 30. In late March, the gray whales begin migrating up the coast on their way back to Alaska.

What To Forage in Portland

There’s some good news for anyone curious about foraging for food (and fun) in Portland yards and wilderness areas. Almost all local weeds are edible. “ We brought them here on purpose, as insurance against food starvation, when we decided to colonize America,” says Norther Emily, who runs foraging classes through her company, Wild

City Cast Portland staffMar 6, 2025

Why Cross-Country Skiing Is Portland’s Best Winter Sport

If you’re looking for a way to stay active in the winter, consider cross-country skiing at one of the many great spots around Portland. It’s low impact, relatively accessible, and a great way to explore the wilderness.

City Cast Portland staffDec 19, 2024

The Remote Destination in Oregon Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

Summer Lake Hot Springs is one of those remote destinations where the journey is just as rewarding as the final destination.

Only In OregonDec 12, 2024

How and Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Portland

Oregon holds the distinction of being the top grower and exporter of Christmas trees in the country.

Adrian GonzálezDec 5, 2024

Here Are 11 Spots In Oregon You Must Explore This Winter

Only In OregonNov 13, 2024

Explore One of Oregon’s Deepest, Clearest Lakes in Willamette National Forest

Clear Lake, near Sisters, Oregon, is, like its name, a crystal-clear lake that is not only breathtakingly beautiful but it also holds the title of one of the clearest and most pristine and deepest lakes in the state of Oregon. It's located in the Willamette National Forest.

Only In OregonOct 22, 2024

Don’t Rake Your Fall Leaves in Portland

The colorful leaves that fall every Autumn protect native pollinators and plants over the winter in Portland.

Francesca DabeccoOct 2, 2024

Get To Know the Vaux's Swifts at Chapman Elementary

Portland has a bunch of swift fans. The superstar of the city’s fall season flies at sunset — in fact, the swift flies most of the time — even mating mid-flight. The Vaux’s swifts, for the uninitiated, roost in a decommissioned chimney at Chapman Elementary during their fall migration. By the thousands, the tiny birds swirl in a cyclone-style formation into their overnight quarters, making for a magnificent show. Head over at sunset to check out the spectacle — and for some good people-watching.

City Cast Portland staffSep 16, 2024

When Will the Rain Start in Portland?

We had a bit of a false fall last week, with the rain and cooler weather — not that anyone wanted to call it that. We celebrate the arrival of spring and sun, but rain? Not so much. So I checked in yesterday with the National Weather Service’s Portland office and talked to Tyler Kranz, lead meteorologist, about how much more sunny warm weather we can expect.