Portland in the News: State Park Passes, Pink Light District, Swimming Holes & More | July 9, 2026

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While some Portlanders are tightlipped about their favorite swimming holes, Portland Monthly spills the beans about the best places to cool off within three hours of Portland.

Some rivers and lakes may require state park parking permits. Luckily, you can now check those out in Oregon using your library card.

And if you prefer to stay in the balmy city, things are heating up in downtown Portland’s fledgling Pink Light District.

Here’s a roundup of the goings-on in Portland this week:

• OregonLive: Bridge project will disrupt some Portland transit traffic
• OPB: Portland ballot measure for more public say in city budget clears hurdle
• OPB: Check out free Oregon State Park parking passes at your local library
• KPTV: 1-on-1 with Sarah Ashlee Barker
• WWeek: The Pink Light District and Portland’s Queer Geography
• KATU: Portland launches global design contest to reimagine Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• PDX Monthly: Swimming holes within three hours of Portland
• OregonLive: Why do some of the trees at Portland’s airport look sick?