Plus: Go for a grand opening swim in Cathedral Park.
 
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Sunrise 5:22 a.m. | Sunset 9:03 p.m.
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💦 Where the map turns blue

Green means go to these parks in Portland
Three little kids stand on the waters edge with the one on the right holding a small fishing pole. Water lilies are in the water in front of them, blooming with pink flowers.
At Blue Lake Regional Park, only fishing from the dock or shore is allowed. | Photo via Metro
It’s well documented that spending time in green spaces is great for your health, but there’s also evidence that “blue spaces” like lakes, rivers, and even fountains can boost your well-being.

With that in mind, get out and enjoy the pleasant summer weather on the water at these parks.

Errol Heights Park, Southeast 52nd Avenue and Tenino Street
This newly renovated park features walking trails around a beaver pond and other restored riparian areas for wildlife viewing. On the upper plateau you’ll also find play and picnic areas.

Willamette Park, South Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street
Stand-up paddleboarders can embark on a voyage (and maybe even do some floating house hunting) from this park’s boat launch. Other attractions include an off-leash dog area and four tennis courts.

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 N. Marine Dr., Portland
Water levels can vary drastically depending on the time of year, but from mid-April through late June you can explore the Everglades-esque park (alligator free, thankfully) in your kayak or canoe, or on foot year-round via the Interlakes Trail.

Blue Lake Regional Park, 21224 NE Blue Lake Rd., Fairview
Whether you’re into swimming, fishing, or disc golf, this underground spring-fed lake is a place of tranquility and fun. Much of its amenities like the dock, picnic areas, water spray ground, and wildlife observation deck are wheelchair accessible.

Spring Park Natural Area, 2001 SE Sparrow St., Milwaukie
Tucked away behind a quiet neighborhood, you’ll find access to the Willamette River and nearby Elk Rock Island via the seasonal land bridge — be aware of fluctuations in water levels if you do decide to venture out there.
25 more parks
Asked

What is your favorite park activity to do in our city?

A. Walking my dog
B. Spending time with the kiddos
C. Having a picnic
D. Jogging or working out
___ makes the park
Northwest Children's Theater and School
 
Events
Tuesday, June 25
  • Kaleo - Concerts In The Grove | Tuesday, June 25 | 6:30 p.m. | McMenamins Grand Lodge, 3505 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove | $38-$100 | This Icelandic blue rock group is ready to erupt onto the stage with shredding hits like “No Good” and soft songs like “Save Yourself.”
Wednesday, June 26
  • Portland Trail Blazers Draft Party | Wednesday, June 26 | 5 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | Free | We need all the good energy you can spare, Rip City — the team’s future depends on it.
Thursday, June 27
  • Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival | Thursday, June 27-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Locations vary, Portland | $5-$67.50 | Experience “the Beethoven effect” during this monthlong celebration of classical music.
Friday, June 28
  • The Bird Days of Summer: Butterflies! | Friday, June 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Portland Audubon, 5151 NW Cornell Rd., Portland | Free | Join this beginner walk in search of these fluttering pollinators.
Saturday, June 29
  • Bee Friendly Wine Tour | Saturday, June 29 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sokol Blosser Winery, 5000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln., Dayton | $60 | Join the winery’s founder and a local melittologist on a stroll through the vines accompanied by wine and food.
  • Portland Flea | Saturday, June 29-Sunday, June 30 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary, Portland | Free | Hunt for treasures among the 80+ vendors selling accessories, clothing, vintage items, and home goods, plus food and drinks.
  • Brewsology Beer Fest | Saturday, June 29 | 7-11 p.m. | OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland | $30-$70 | By the end of this “boozy elementary school field trip,” you’ll have guzzling down to a science.
  • The Macks | Saturday, June 29 | 8:30 p.m. | Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand Ave., Portland | $12-$15 | The Portland band is back home for a special set at the conclusion of their US tour with guests Ogre and Machine Country.
Events calendar here
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Seasonal

5 festive finds for the Fourth of July
Six pairs of wacky red, white, and blue sunglasses
Fourth of July party sunglasses, $20.99 via Amazon. | Graphic by 6AM City
Bring a party mood to any barbecue, pool party, or holiday gathering this Fourth of July with these festive finds:
More finds for the Fourth
News Notes
Outdoors
  • Human Access Project invites you to the river for the grand opening of the new $900,000 dock at Cathedral Park on Saturday, June 29. It’s the latest milestone of the cleanup project, which included removing 150 tons of rubble to create a beach. Extracting remaining derelict pilings is in the works.
Watch
  • Olympic shot putter Ryan Crouser has the threepeat on his to-do list. The local athlete, who graduated from Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, will seek his third gold medal in the event at the Paris Summer Games. Catch it (the broadcast, not the throw) during the Saturday, Aug. 3 final. (KGW)
Travel
  • Did you see the sneak peek of the new and improved Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Spring Resort? The Warm Springs vacation destination is nearly to the end of its $6 million remodel, setting a mid-July opening date. Reservations are yet to open, but guests can look forward to seven pools and 15 VIP cabanas. (The Oregonian/Oregon)
Fun Fact
  • Having tusks is the evolutionary trend that stands the test of time. Before elephants (or even woolly mammoths, for that matter) wore the tangential teeth, a giant 8-ft-long species of tusked salmon, Oncorhynchus rastrosus, swam the primordial PNW waters. Researchers at UO and OSU are studying fossils to learn more. (OPB)
Eat
  • Salt & Straw is bringing back its Berries, Berries, Berries series this Friday. Fans can enjoy five tasty flavors, including Birthday Cake & Blackberries and Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero. Stop by the Northwest 23rd Avenue scoop shop on Thursday, July 11, 4-6 p.m., for a special pop-up with GoNanas.
Sports
  • Having huge playoff expectations can be a blessing and a curse for Oregon football fans. Hear how Locked On Ducks host Spencer McLaughlin thinks you should feel about the hype.
    Plan Ahead
    Health
    • What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the award-winning Horizon hearing aid. Join 385,000+ people hearing better than ever with a 45-day, no-risk trial.*
     
    Arts

    🎨 Two Diegos are better than one

    ‘Dos Diegos’ mural to honor a pair of Timbers legends
    A rendering shows a future mural with visages of Diego Valeri and Diego Chara on a green background. There are also stars, crossed axes, and sunflowers with a yellow and green radiating pattern.
    ‘Dos Diegos’ led the Timbers to their only MLS championship in 2015. | Rendering courtesy of Cada Casa
    This summer, Cada Casa will design two soccer-themed murals to help beautify our community and pay homage to the sport’s impact in our city.

    “Dos Diegos” by Richard Miller will adorn Sweet Home Bar & Grill in North Portland, depicting the smiling portraits of two iconic Timbers players — Diego Valeri and Diego Chara — whose outstanding achievements for the club are equaled by their positive work off the pitch.

    And on the outside of Tursi Soccer in downtown, members of the local nonprofit’s CANS program will complete their 2023/2024 capstone project by painting “Rose City Till I Die” and “By Any Other Name” — the mottos of the Timbers and Thorns — in stylized Gothic lettering against silhouettes of the skyline and Mount Hood. Students from three different schools will collaborate on the 150-ft work of art.

    Production for the murals will start in August and late June, respectively. Learn more about Cada Casa’s mission and donate to these projects online.
    The Buy

    The Buy 6.25.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    Stylish men’s summer shirts made from cotton and linen. They come in demure colors like khaki, olive, and gray and are $30 a pop.
    Answered

    Although the US did not host the 1968 Summer Olympics, what city did the national committee choose as its candidate to host?
    Skyscrapers of Detroit's skyline can be seen in the distance across a lake or river.

    Detroit’s Olympics aspirations stemmed from Champions Day, an official 1936 proclamation celebrating Motor City’s sporting success.

    |

    Photo via Anon

    In our article about Portland’s failed attempt to host the 1968 Olympics, we asked readers if they could name the US city that was chosen to make a bid (even though Mexico City was the eventual host).

    Only 7% correctly guessed Detroit, while 75% wrongly chose Los Angeles.
     
    The Wrap
     
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    Today’s edition by:
    Ben
    From the editor
    Like many Portlanders, I enjoyed last weekend’s sun by heading to the water. We set up on a small Willamette River beach and paddled around Cedar Island Park in West Linn. I’ll take more days like that, please.
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