Author: Katie Boehnlein
Katie Boehnlein is a teacher and writer living in Ashland, OR where you can find her exploring beautiful natural areas by foot and by bike. She grew up traversing the parks and staircases of Southwest Portland, which fueled her passion for ecology and urban exploration early on. You can follow Katie's adventures on her blog "In the Midst" at kboehnlein.wordpress.com.

We all know what winter in Portland means: short days, gloomy skies and insistent rains. Looking for ways to explore the metro area with your family despite the weather? We’re lucky that Portland has a diversity of museums abound for discovery in the wettest and coldest months.

Katie Boehnlein

Pilot Rock is located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument off I-5 south of Ashland. Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management.

Katie Boehnlein

Midsummer is well on its way in Portland! Looking to get outside the Director Parks and Jamison Squares of the city to stay cool? Well, luckily there are many options for families to beat the heat as well as experience Oregon’s breathtaking natural beauty close to the city.

Katie Boehnlein

source: Prismatic Imagery Imagine this summer scene: a gentle breeze cooling sweat on your arms, while laughter of your hiking companions surrounds you.

Katie Boehnlein

Article and photographs by Katie Boehnlein Title photograph by Andrea Hungerford After a warm summer, it is hard to believe that fall is upon us.

Katie Boehnlein

Awakening Your Imagination: Building Fairy Houses with Your Child It’s a bright, spring day- a Northwest drizzle is falling softly while the sun peeks its head out from behind a nearby maple.

Katie Boehnlein

Exploring Portland’s Hidden Gems: A Guide to Portland’s Natural Areas Portland is a gem among cities, glowing emerald with trees and sapphire with two flowing rivers.

Katie Boehnlein

Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds

A Weekend Getaway to Ashland, OR: Fun for the whole family

Pebbles, Pools & Ponds: 8 swimming holes less than an hour from Portland

Wagons Ho! The 4-H Wagon Train Brings History Alive for Oregon Families

Rake In Fall’s Bounty: Art Projects to Celebrate the Season

Fun Things to Do with Kids: Build a Fairy House

Fun Things to do With Kids: Parks in Portland