Tyler James was born in Oregon and founded That Oregon Life in 2013 after finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose in the state’s forests, mountains, and coastline. What started as a personal connection to the outdoors became a way to help others discover new places, support local businesses, and appreciate Oregon’s quirks. He writes about local history, outdoor adventures, good food, and the occasional bit of satire, or whatever catches his attention before the coffee wears off.
A couple summers ago, we were already a few days into a laid-back stay in Astoria, soaking in the kind of slow coastal rhythm that makes you forget what day it is. That particular morning, we had a…
PORTLAND, OR — In a bold move city leaders are calling “immersive, reflective, and mildly concerning,” officials this week unveiled plans for a brand-new public art installation in downtown Portland: a towering, hyper-realistic sculpture made entirely of crumpled…
If you’re planning to be out and about in Springfield this Saturday, you may want to give yourself a little extra time. A “No Kings” march is scheduled to take place on March 28 starting at 11 a.m.,…
PORTLAND, OR — In what officials are calling a “creative and deeply innovative approach” to the housing crisis, the City of Portland this week unveiled its latest solution: building fully livable, completely affordable homes out of oversized LEGO…
SALEM, OR — In a bold escalation of political discourse, Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday she will be challenging former President Donald Trump to a full-on schoolyard fight at first recess, confirming the showdown will take place “by…
PORTLAND, OR — In an effort to keep traditions alive while also staying true to the city’s unique character, Portland officials announced this week that this year’s Easter egg hunt will include eggs hidden directly in sidewalk poop.…
There are a lot of waterfall hikes in Oregon that people love to talk about. And don’t get me wrong, we have some absolute legends. But every once in a while, you find a place that quietly outperforms…
There’s something about the Oregon coast that always feels alive. The crashing waves, the salty air, the steady rhythm of the tide. But every so often, that sense of life is met with a quiet, sobering reminder of…
Sometimes a story comes along that feels like it shouldn’t exist in real life. Too many layers, too many twists, and details that are each disturbing on their own somehow all tied together in one case. This is…
There’s something about driving through Eastern Oregon that resets your expectations a little. The towns get quieter. The roads stretch longer. And when you finally stop somewhere to eat, you’re not always sure what you’re going to get.…
Updated August 2026: Astoria’s Richard Fencsak Cathedral Tree Trail is 0.9 mile one way between the 2800 block of Irving Avenue and the Astoria Column, making the basic out-and-back about 1.8 miles. It is a pedestrian-only, soft-surface forest…