In Southwest Washington, the Lewis River is a good introduction for beginners. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday
We hope you drank enough fluids this week to replenish the gallons of sweat we all lost over the weekend with those 90° temps.
While things have cooled off for now, it’s only a matter of time before things heat back up again. At least this weather is a perfect opportunity to get out on the water, though.
Here are a few local options for getting your feet wet:
Cathedral Park, Cathedral Park
Gaze up at the vaulted underbelly of the St. Johns Bridge, Portland’s tallest.
Willamette Falls, Oregon City
From the boat launch at Jon Storm Park, paddle 1.5 miles upriver to feel the mist on your face from the second largest waterfall by volume in the country.
Hagg Lake, Gaston
Half of this large Washington County lake is a wake-free zone, and you can actually rent a kayak for the day through the parks department. Life jackets are also available to loan.
Trillium Lake, Government Camp
Watching the sunrise over Mount Hood while floating these tranquil waters is a bucket list experience.
Portland Horror Film Festival | Thursday, June 12-Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Clinton Street Theater | $20+ | Boo — sorry, didn’t mean to scare you too badly. We just wanted to help get you ready for the festival’s lineup of 10 full length horror films and 60+ creepy shorts.
Friday, June 13
Ducky Drop | 3-6 p.m. | Director Park | Free | Just when you thought you’d seen it all, a construction company goes and drops thousands of rubber ducks into Teachers Fountain — your little one will be able to take some of them home.
ALLY OF THE YEAR: A Comedy Pageant For The Best Straight Person | 10-11:30 p.m. | Funhouse Lounge | Are you really well-behaved in gay bars? Do you totally understand Chappell Roan’s costuming? You might have a lot in common with the six comedians up for winning the Ally of the Year award.
Saturday, June 14
Bird Songs of Opera | Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Leach Botanical Garden | $20+ | Maybe you’ll see some birds as you stroll the botanical gardens, or maybe you’ll discover operatic singers performing classic compositions reimagined as Oregon bird songs.
Oregon Renaissance Faire | Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Clackamas County Fairgrounds | $25+ | Hear ye, hear ye — your attendance has been formally requested in the enchanted pine forest for jousting tournaments, a bustling marketplace, live lute players, and other merriments.
Monday, June 16
20 Years of Bloc Party: Silent Alarm & Hits | 7 p.m. | Moda Center | $53+ | To celebrate 20 years of their first album, this indie-rock group is bringing it back around the US for another listen.
From Grammy Award-winning artists like The SteelDrivers to indie darlings like John Craigie and Blind Pilot, the lineup is packed with summer magic — plus farm-fresh food, local drinks, and sweeping views.
Don’t sleep on lesser-known gems like Josiah and the Bonnevilles, Fruition, and Hollow Coves. Weeknight shows make for the perfect midweek escape. Some dates are nearly sold out — grab your tickets below.
Plans to build a new Live Nation venue on Portland’s Central Eastside have progressed after the Oregon Land Use Board Appeals sided with the city to approve its construction. The appeal was originally filed over concern for pedestrian safety + inadequate infrastructure. (Portland Business Journal)
Community
The James Beard Public Market has been given $500,000 to support its nutrition programs for underserved communities by the Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Cambia Health Foundation. The funds will go towards establishing cooking classes, nutrition education classes, and expanding food access. (KGW)
Ranked
Cheers to Portland bar, Too Soon, for being listed as one of Esquire magazine’s 15 “Best Bars in America.” The article specifically called out the bar’s intimate vibe and unique closing ritual where guests are given a warm, chocolate chip cookie and a list of places they can go next. (Esquire)
Opening
Latino-owned outdoor excursion nonprofit Loco por la Adventura is expanding with a new equipment store in southeast Portland. Aimed at continuing to increase outdoor accessibility to Spanish-speaking communities, the shop will sell new + used equipment and use proceeds to subsidize its guided trips. Check out its grand opening tomorrow, June 13. (The Oregonian)
Coming Soon
Oh my cod — a new family-focused seafood restaurant is opening on Hayden Island this summer. Designed with a classic Dairy Queen-esque atmosphere, Pal’s will feature a wide ranging menu that changes throughout the day, from coffees and pastries in the morning to kettle chip-dusted fried fish sandwiches, cocktails, and soft serve in the evening. Look for a July opening date. (Eater Portland)
Sports
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart is not expected to play in 2025 due to an injury. Would he return in 2026? Hear from the experts on the Oregon Ducks with LockedOn’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Real Estate
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New sheets at a great discount. Get 70% off these cooling bamboo blend waffle hem sheets, with a queen set only costing $28.99. The 1800 thread count sheets are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and crafted from bamboo-derived fabric that keeps you cool in summer.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Just a reminder that if you don’t have an air conditioner at home and need one for those crazy heat waves, the city has its Cooling Portland program that passes out free air conditioners. You can apply to get one online.
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