Opal Creek Wilderness to remain closed

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 · ISSUE NO. 2

📜 THIS WEEK IN OREGON HISTORY

May 1, 1983 — Herman the Sturgeon was stolen from the Roaring River fish hatchery. The 10-foot-long, 500-pound, 100-year-old fish disappeared in the middle of the night and was never seen again. That begs the question - how in the heck do you steal a 100-pound fish???

Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club suffered extensive damage when a disgruntled ex-employee drove his explosives-filled car into the building over the weekend. The driver of the car was killed in the explosion, and authorities say that, although the damage was extensive, it could have been much worse if all the explosives had detonated. READ MORE →

The WNBA is having a moment with viewership continuing to climb, club valuations skyrocketing, and games selling out regularly. And now, Portland is officially back in the club. The Portland Fire took to the court at the Moda Center on Sunday for their first home preseason game in front of over 13,000 fans (they didn’t win but it was only a preseason game). The regular season kicks off on Saturday as the Fire host the Chicago Sky at the Moda Center. READ MORE →

It’s been six years since the Beachie Creek fire ripped through the central Cascades and destroyed the Opal Creek wilderness area. And the Forest Service just announced that its going to be another year before the area’s campgrounds, swimming holes, and trails are open to the public. They had hoped to open a portion of the 33,000+ acre wilderness area this summer, but unfortunately, those plans have changed as the anticipated date has been pushed to the spring of 2027. READ MORE →

Thought those summer weekend crowds in Astoria were bad enough already, with traffic inching through town? You can add another 28,000 Goonies fans to the count, as that is the number of cruise ship passengers expected to disembark in town during the 2026 cruise season. While that number may pale in comparison to popular ports in Alaska (Juneau is expected to welcome 1.69 million(!!!) this summer), it ain’t nothing when you’re waiting in line for ice cream at Custard King! READ MORE →

Portland restaurants have received plenty of accolades over the years, but did you know that not a single one has ever received a starred review from the NYT? That changed recently as Northern Vietnamese restaurant Paper Tiger received a two-star review from critic Tejal Rao. Under the New York Times rating system, a two-star review means Very Good: A memorable, skilled, and impressive dining experience. Three cheers to Paper Tiger, and we can’t wait to check it out (hopefully the lines aren’t too long now 😬 ) READ MORE →

Oregonians aren’t the only ones getting out and enjoying the warmer weather. Millions of birds are taking flight for their annual migration north in search of food and breeding grounds. Oregon is at the center of these flight paths, and excessive light from cities can cause confusion and exhaustion for our avian friends. Want to help? Install outdoor lights that limit light pollution and turn off your lights during peak migration season. READ MORE →

Brush off those old scantron bubble filling skills (do kids today still have to do those?) as the ballots for Oregon’s primary election are arriving in mailboxes across the state. Remember that your political affiliation (the registered one, not just who your Facebook algorithm thinks you like) will determine what you see on your ballot. Ballots will need to be dropped in the ballot box by 8 PM on May 19th or postmarked (once again) by May 19th. READ MORE →

Outside Magazine released their list of the top 10 biking towns in the country, and only one city in the PNW made the list. Ashland was ranked #5 for its scenic bikeways and impressive network of mountain bike trails. READ MORE →

In what Oregon city was National Lampoon’s Animal House filmed?

Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter

Mother Days at Timberline Lodge

Enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch at one of the state’s most iconic locations. Timberline Lodge will be serving up a brunch buffet from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM and is offering $75 off any room type for either Saturday or Sunday evening. Bring your skis, as Timberline is the only ski area still open in the state.

High Desert High School Rodeo

Hop in the car and make the drive east to Burns for the High Desert High School Rodeo. Here you can take in the action as some of the state’s best young rodeo competitors show off their skills in the arena. Want to make a weekend of it? Hop down to Crystal Crane Hot Springs for a soak after the events are over for the day.

Lincoln City Biosphere Beach Ambassador

Want to explore the coast’s tidepools but can’t tell a limpet from an anemone? The beach ambassador program in Lincoln City is back for another year starting Saturday. They’ll be stationed at the NW 15th St beach access point near the tidepools and can tell you all about the creatures that call this intertidal zone home.

Portland Timbers host Sporting KC

It’s gearing up to be a busy sports weekend in Portland with the WNBA Fire hosting their first regular-season game in over two decades and the Timbers welcoming Sporting KC to Providence Park. Grab your scarves (our regularly scheduled spring weather is making a return), brush up on your Timbers Army chants, and here’s hoping they can start climbing their way up the standings.

Mother’s Day Brunch at a Lighthouse

It doesn’t get much more Oregon than this. Ditched the boxed pancake mix and take mom out for a brunch she’ll never forget. Heceta Head Lighthouse is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch at the Heceta Lighthouse B&B in the old Keepers House. Tickets are very limited, so grab one and be the hero of the day.

National Train Day Steam Train Excursion

Celebrate National Train Day for two days with a steam train ride with the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland. These 45-minute rides are pulled by a historic Polson #2 locomotive.

Catch the Best Bands of Central Oregon

There is no shortage of incredible local musicians in Central Oregon, and for one weekend, they’ll all be playing together at the Homegrown Music Fest. The fest features 5 stages, and they’re all at the Century Center, so you’re never more than a few steps away from the next show.

Oregon is home to no shortage of incredible pizza restaurants (we’ve heard Ken’s has shown up on a few lists), but this spot is probably one that you’ve overlooked…until now. As residents of Central Oregon, this is our go-to spot when we’re heading back from a hike (or searching the forest for mushrooms).

Boone Dog Pizza is located at The Barn in Sisters. This community gathering spot features local art, fire pits, and a timber-framed barn with wood stoves to keep everything cozy in the winter months.

The pizza itself is cooked in a wood-fired oven and is, in my humble opinion, one of the best pizzas in all of Central Oregon.

Want to add some greens to your meal? Check out the salads at their neighboring cart - Rootbound.