Get out of town

Portland boasts a number of attractive qualities. Natives love to tout the fact that in the morning one can wake up in the midst of an urban haven of beer, music and culture, and by the end of the day rest their head in the easily accessible wilderness, or perhaps Pacific beach, just within reach of the city. As the summer sun has recently signaled, it is the season to act on such claims.

But where to go? Where to find supplies? I’m not going to tell you how to survive in the wild or what to bring with you, but the Vanguard is here to help you get started.

Gear up
While Portland can boast an ideal locale for engaging the great outdoors, it’s not often one hears of the resources right here in town. For most, of your outdoor antics, one only needs to take a walk down a small stretch of Southeast Grand Avenue. One trip to these three blocks, and you’re covered.

Starting with The Next Adventure (426 SE Grand Ave.), everyone seeking thrills ranging from long boarding to Frisbee golf can find what they need. They have gear for camping, hiking and skiing, as well as clothing, literature and even supplies for a tailgate party—they will have it. The store expanded recently to include a new site dedicated to paddle sports such as kayaking—That store is located a couple blocks east.

Just one block north is Andy and Bax (324 SE Grand Ave.), a favorite spot for those seeking a Halloween or rave costume, or for gutter punks living on the streets and off of daddy’s debit card.

Every visit to Andy and Bax is worth it, if not just for the fun of browsing through the store’s unique product. Primarily a military surplus store, the business has grown to offer much more. Camping needs are covered, especially when it comes to warm clothes, backpacks, cooking and tools—and at prices that are very hard to argue with.

They also have a boating department in the basement. This is all in addition to throwing stars, gas masks and canes that turn into swords—you will leave prepared for anything.

Just one block further north is Ollie Damon’s (236 SE Grand Ave.), just in case you or a friend has a penchant for doing a little fishing over the summer. Since 1945, Ollie Damon’s has been serving anglers’ needs in the Portland area. From reels to waders to flies and more, they can hook you up. They have also become known as a pretty decent repair shop.

Where to go
There are two main types of campgrounds in Oregon—state campgrounds, which are on state land, and federal campgrounds, which are on…you guessed it, federal land.

State campgrounds are found throughout Oregon. Many sites are available for reservations to ensure that you have a spot waiting for you when you arrive. Though there are many that operate on a first come, first serve basis, which bears a thrilling sensation of gambling for a spot.
It is best to check online to see if the campsite you are interested in takes reservations. State campsites also differ in what they offer from bathrooms, water, and electrical outlets (for posers) to having firewood available, so it is best to check for these aspects as well.

If you are camping in national forest land, you are camping on federal sites. The most accessible federal camping areas from Portland are the Mount Hood National Forest and the Siuslaw National Forest, which has some sites near the beach on the Pacific coast.

While fees for campgrounds differ from site to site, you are more likely to find cheaper rates at state campgrounds. However, if you’re the kind of camper who tends to hike into the woods and not come back out for a few days, national forests have a number of trails for hiking with campgrounds throughout, providing more time spent in the wilderness without the trappings of modern life.