Mountain Magic

Where to play, explore, eat, and stay around our favorite Northwest peaks. Plus: The Fire is back, but women hoopers never left; the future of Portland’s waterfront; and our exciting Thai food scene.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Curtain Call

Ring, Ring.... Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble Calling.

Telephone, a play about the history of electric speech, marks the troupe’s 15 years of dialing up extreme efforts to communicate.

06/08/2026 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jason Hill

In the Booth

Underground Electronic Music’s Portland Outpost

Barn Radio brings DJs from around the world to a nondescript storefront downtown, reconnecting the genre to its predominantly Black roots.

05/11/2026 By Andrew Simon

Gimme Five

5 Artists to See at Converge 45

Curator Lumi Tan on standout artists coming to Portland for the citywide triennial.

04/29/2026 By Matthew Trueherz

Art News

Portland Arts Week Isn’t Playing Around

The new citywide festival launches this July with a sports theme, rallying on the Fire’s comeback and World Cup excitement.

04/21/2026 By Matthew Trueherz

Concerts

The Best Music Festivals in Portland and Across Oregon

Project Pabst, Pickathon, Aminé’s Edgefield party, and the Blues Fest are just a fraction of the state’s robust festival circuit.

01/20/2026 By Matthew Trueherz

Eat & Drink

Food History

The Thai Chinese Diaspora in Dishes at Portland Restaurants

Nong’s, Khao Moo Dang, and Yaowarat, and more show off the multicultural origins of beloved Thai classics.

05/26/2026 By Alex Frane Illustrations by Michael Novak

To-Go

The Case for Takeout Thai Food

There’s a reason Portland’s favorite Asian cuisine travels so well.

05/19/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Michael Novak

Restaurant Review

3 New Restaurants Prove Portland a Thai Food Haven

OK Chicken & Khao Soi picks up the ghost of Pok Pok while Bangkok Belly and Yui add to the city’s long legacy.

05/14/2026 By Jordan Michelman

Superfan

Feeling Right at Home at Lombard House

It might be famous for its Philly fandom, but you don’t have to love the Eagles to be welcomed at this St. Johns bar.

05/07/2026 By Margaret Seiler

In the spirit

Portland’s New Mezcal Boom

Local bars are going all in on rare agave spirits.

05/04/2026 By Jordan Michelman

Dining Picks

A Guide to Portland’s Top Thai Restaurants

Our favorite places for khao soi, pad kee mao, and panang curry.

03/24/2026 By Alex Frane and Brooke Jackson-Glidden

News & City Life

Big Picture

When a 1905 Heat Wave Sent Swarms of Naked Boys into the Willamette

Can you blame them?

06/05/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

In Short

Hot Takes on Portland’s Latest News

Real news in small packages.

05/26/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Design

Could a Waterfront Park Makeover Revitalize Portland?

Fifty years ago, the city demolished a freeway to build a riverside green space. Today, much of it often sits empty.

05/04/2026 By Brian Libby Illustrations by Michael Novak

Coming in Hot

The Fire’s Return Fans the Flames of Portland Women’s Basketball Culture

After a 20-year absence, the WNBA is back. This town’s women, trans, and nonbinary players have been hooping all along.

04/27/2026 By Lola Milholland Photography by Molly J. Smith

PDX Index

How Franz Bakery Makes 1 Million Buns Every Day

Running the numbers on the Portland company, which got its start 120 years ago.

04/06/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Cobra Pose

A Portland Reptile Shop Strikes It Big with Snake Yoga

At Hisss, downward dog comes with a massage from a ball python.

03/30/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

Travel & Outdoors

Eat Stay Play

A Summer Traveler’s Guide to Mount Hood

Huckleberry milkshakes, family-friendly hikes, and the ultimate weekend backpacking trip.

06/10/2026 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Serenity Now

In Search of Seclusion on the Olympic Peninsula

During summer, quiet can be scarce—unless you know where to look.

06/08/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Eat, Stay, Play

A Summertime Guide to the Wallowas

The hidden gem hikes, detour-worthy restaurants, and cutest cabins near the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

06/01/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Ups & Downs

Millions of People Visit Oregon Volcanoes Every Year. Why?

Beyond the draw of their waterfalls and wildflowers, mountains remind us of our own resilience.

05/20/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

What a Blast

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play Around Mount St. Helens

Pyroclastic mounds, pumice plains, lava tubes, big burgers, and juicy hucks.

05/18/2026 By Rebecca Jacobson

On the Rocks

A Mountaineer Shares Their Biggest Lessons from the Summit

Robin Wilcox, Mazamas board president and mountain climbing teacher, on the mental and physical hurdles encountered reaching the summit.

05/13/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Long Story Short

Fat Cyclist Marley Blonsky Won’t Leave You Behind

The All Bodies on Bikes cofounder wants to create a more welcoming, inclusive cycling world, one ride at a time.

03/16/2026 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Molly J. Smith

Glass Houses

What’s the Deal With Those Mirror Cabins All Over Airbnb?

Reflective glass houses keep popping up at campsites and resorts in Oregon and beyond.

03/12/2026 By Emily Grosvenor