Eight gorgeous destinations, all less than two hours away. Trillium Lake brings the drama. Image: Courtesy Bob Pool/Shutterstock.com At any moment in Portland, you’re mere minutes from a gorgeous paddle—but the options can overwhelm. We can help. We’ve tracked down easy-to-reach paddle spots for kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders, and we have all you need to know when it comes […]
In Corvallis, the annual Graand Kinetic Challenge is a Da Vinci–inspired, all-terrain race between human-powered contraptions. Image: Curved Light USA / Alamy Stock Photo July is a glorious month in Portland. You know where else it’s glorious? Across much of the rest the state. So listen to what’s luring you out of town, whether it’s seabirds in Cannon Beach, hazelnuts […]
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s good advice in general, but is particularly important when you’re getting ready to sell your home. To attract homebuyers right off the bat and ensure your property looks like a million bucks, even from the street, curb appeal should be top of mind. Border plants are one easy […]
Sticky inflation and high interest rates continue to take a toll on Americans’ wallets. A new Achieve survey found that 1 in 3 consumers say their debt, including mortgages, is “unmanageable” in 2025. Mortgages still represent the bulk of Americans’ debt, standing at $12.61 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New […]
On a warm Florida day, real estate broker Alex Platt arrived at a Delray Beach home for a listing appointment. The home was spacious, with a smart layout and attractive furniture. But as Platt toured the home, he was surprised—and concerned—by how much clutter was in every room. “The miscellaneous items scattered throughout made it feel cramped and less appealing,” Platt says. He told […]
Most buyers spend months planning for their down payment—but closing costs? Those can fly under the radar until the very end. From loan processing to title work to last-minute “surprise” fees, closing costs can add thousands of dollars to the true price of buying a home. And while some charges are spelled out in your paperwork, others can sneak in […]
Ahome inspection can reveal issues that may not only affect the sale of your home, but also give buyers leverage to lower their offer, request repairs—or back out entirely. To avoid costly surprises, sellers should prepare ahead of time. Our home inspection checklist will guide you through key steps, so your property is in top shape. This way […]
Colorful toilets have been popping up everywhere—on social media, design magazines, and in many design-forward homes. But could they be a good addition to your bathroom? Real estate agent Ebonee Johnikin says she’s seen many houses with colorful toilets in her Mississippi markets, noting that they can be a unique selling point—especially for buyers who love midcentury style and retro charm. “Features like […]
An old piece of industrial equipment sits by a viewpoint at White River Falls State Park in north-central Oregon. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian The pair of tall, dramatic waterfalls seem to come out of nowhere, emerging like a mirage from the arid, rolling hills on the eastern flank of Mount Hood. So do the ruins. At White River Falls State […]
In a May 2024 episode of Peak Northwest, hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor share their favorite summer day trip destinations within a comfortable driving distance from Portland. Here are five takeaways from the conversation, highlighting accessible adventures that don’t require overnight stays or extensive planning. Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian 1. Cannon Beach by bus offers […]