Buzz List

1. DIVISION WINEMAKING COMPANY’S WINE YARD

2005 SE 8th Ave., 503-208-2061, divisionwineco.com. 11 am-5 pm daily.

After producing wine for nine years on Southeast Division Street, Division Winemaking has left its namesake stretch of pavement for larger digs. The newly dubbed Wine Yard not only gives the team more square footage for fermentation and packaging; customers also benefit thanks to a more spacious tasting room, 2,500-square-foot courtyard, and multiple event spaces. Now that we’re officially in the dog days of summer, cool off with the 2022 Polka Dots Pétillant Naturel, a sparkling rosé that could be enjoyed any time of day (Division claims it could take the place of a morning mimosa).

2. BREAKSIDE BREWERY BEAVERTON

12675 SW 1st St., Beaverton, breakside.com. 11 am-10 pm daily.

Just when patient beer fans in Beaverton were beginning to give up hope that Breakside would ever actually open a long-planned taproom in Old Town, the company suddenly announced June 11 that the facility was ready for eager drinkers. The outpost isn’t complete, but you can now enjoy a roughly 150-seat beer garden and suds poured from Breakside’s retro Winnebeergo, which will serve as the temporary outdoor bar until a permanent one is finished. The 80-seat interior also recently opened. Order a classic like Wanderlust or the refreshing Mexican Lager (especially when temps top 90 degrees) and raise a glass to this powerhouse brand’s latest expansion.

3. SMITH TEAMAKER

500 NW 23rd Ave., 503-206-7451; 110 SE Washington St., 971-254-3935; smithtea.com. 10 am-6 pm daily.

All we can say is THANK GOD that stubborn heat dome has clamped down over the South and not the Pacific Northwest. Nobody wants to relive the misery brought on by 2021’s record-breaking heat wave. There doesn’t seem to be any sign of oppressive temperatures in the forecast; however, we’re entering the hottest part of the season, which means you’ll need to find ways to cool off. Smith Teamaker has an idea: a new Summer Chill Down menu. The lineup includes five iced teas along with three seasonal flavors (blackberry, coconut swizzle and agave sunshine), an iced matcha latte, mocktails, and even two different varieties of ice cream floats. Get ’em through Aug. 31.

4. JOHN’S MARKETPLACE – HALL

3700 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton, 503-747-2739, johnsmarketplace.com. 11 am-8 pm Sunday-Wednesday, 11 am-9 pm Thursday-Saturday. Formerly parched downtown Beaverton has been swimming in beer for the past few years. The area has outlets for two breweries as well as a handful of beer bars. Joining the perennial beerfest is John’s Marketplace, which opened its third location on the edge of Old Town in April. Most everyone is here for a pint paired with the well-charred, quarter-pound smash burgers, including beer nerds sporting branded swag and moms clad in Lululemon with children in tow. Join them under the beer banners in the taproom before perusing the bottle shop for something special to take home.

5. TOCAYO AT PALOMAR once-seasonal pop-up to become a year-round side operation. Just be sure to check the business’s Instagram account for possible catering service interruptions before making the trip.

959 SE Division St., #100, 971-357-8020, barpalomar.com. 2 pm-sunset Saturday-Sunday. 21+. Palomar is the latest spot to get in on the “restaurant within a restaurant” trend by turning its rooftop bar into a pop-up taqueria. Tocayo, which is the Spanish term for two people who have the same name, is a nod to owner Ricky Gomez and chef Ricky Bella, who combine their love of Cuban cocktail and Mexican drink cultures in this project. Expect plenty of fruit flavors in everything from a mule with roasted coconut water to a frozen guava margarita to a pineapple-infused gin and tonic, so if a southof-the-border vacation isn’t in the budget this summer—escape with a drink instead.

BY ADAM SAWYER

At 1.5 miles, the hike around Whalen Island isn’t long. There’s not much elevation gain to speak of either, barely 80 feet. But with regard to varied scenery, the patch of land in Tillamook County approximately 6 miles north of Pacific City is much like its larger and more-renowned neighbor, the Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. Even though Whalen Island has been there for hiking long before Sitka Sedge opened to the public, it’s still just hanging out in relative obscurity.

Situated in the same Sand Lake estuary, the route offers something new around every corner when it comes to scenery. During the course of this little loop, you’ll pass through grasslands, forests, dunes, beaches and mudflats—and probably be sad when it’s over. Very Sedge-like, just tighter in presentation.

The trail begins just beyond a gate at the north end of the parking area. It briefly passes through grassland before entering an open forest with occasionally tight corridors of salal and rhododendron. The trail dips and weaves its way along the east side of the island, providing occasional views of the estuary. Near the northern end of Whalen, you’ll gain more of a canopy. A spur on the right leads to the island’s edge and a proper viewpoint before the trail bends left toward Sand Lake.

The scenery changes again as you enter a grove of mature trees something akin to a shore pine Serengeti. You’ll soon encounter more spur trails leading to the water—some better than others with regard to viewpoints and beach entry. But bide your time; better access lies just ahead. The trail briefly rides a ridgeline and then descends across a pleasantly unexpected sand dune before arriving at a set of boot paths. Each leads to perhaps the best beach area on the west side of the island. During low tide, you can walk a fair distance out onto the mudflats if you’re into that sort of thing.

The trail then enters an enchanting forest of shore pine and beach grass. The combination makes for a remarkably pleasant stretch along a soft path of pine needles and sand. Through this section, you’ll encounter more trails providing beach access and viewpoints if you need them. Leaving the pines, the trail rises once more before diving into a shady, vegetated tunnel and emerging at a viewpoint at the Whalen Island County Campground. Continue to the left, and you’ll soon arrive at a threeway junction. Go right if you’d like to explore another fine but potentially more popular beach along the island’s south side. Going straight would get you to the campground. Or stay to the left and return to the parking area in about 100 yards.

DISTANCE: 1.5-mile loop

DIFFICULTY:  out of 

DRIVE TIME FROM PORTLAND: 1 hour, 45 minutes

DIRECTIONS: From Portland, take Highway 26 for 20 miles to Highway 6. Drive the length of Highway 6, 51 miles, to Highway 101 in Tillamook. Take Highway 101 south for 11 miles and make a right onto Sandlake Road. Drive 4.3 miles and take a left at a stop sign to stay on Sandlake Road. Go 3.6 more miles and make an easy-to-miss right onto Whalen Island Road. Carefully drive across a onelane bridge and bear right into the Clay Myers State Natural Area to reach the parking lot and trailhead.

RESTROOM AVAILABILITY: Vault toilets at the trailhead