Next Adventure Portland Oregon: Saying Goodbye To An Outdoor Icon
For decades, when folks in the Pacific Northwest thought about getting ready for time outside, one name often came to mind: Next Adventure Portland Oregon. This place, you know, has been a true cornerstone for anyone who loves the great outdoors, whether you are scaling mountains or just taking a peaceful paddle on the water. It’s a spot that, in a way, really helped shape how many of us got out there and enjoyed nature’s beauty.
Since its beginnings in 1997, this store has been a go-to for so many people seeking gear and advice. It was, in some respects, more than just a shop; it was a community hub where you could find both new items and, quite importantly, used gear at prices that made adventure more accessible. The founders, Deek and Bryan, poured their own love for outdoor activities into this business, and that passion, honestly, shone through in everything they did.
But as we look ahead, things are changing for this beloved establishment. There's been some news recently that has certainly caught the attention of many outdoor lovers here in Portland. This post will talk about the history of Next Adventure, what it meant to the community, and what this big change means for finding your gear in the future.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Next Adventure: A Portland Legacy
- A Bittersweet Announcement: The End of an Era
- What Next Adventure Brought to the Table
- The Retirement Sale and What It Means
- The Broader Picture of Retail in Portland
- Finding Your Next Adventure After Next Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions About Next Adventure Portland Oregon
The Story of Next Adventure: A Portland Legacy
Next Adventure, you know, really started as a dream for outdoor enthusiasts right here in Portland, Oregon. It first opened its doors in 1997, and from that moment on, it began to build a reputation as a truly special place. The store was brought to life by Deek and Bryan, two individuals with a very deep love for adventure and a strong desire to share that with others. Their vision, in a way, was quite clear: create a spot where people could find the right tools for their outdoor activities.
For nearly three decades, this establishment served as Portland's alternative outdoor store, which is quite a long time when you think about it. It was, arguably, a place where you could always count on finding some really good deals on both brand-new and pre-owned gear. This focus on offering value made it a favorite for many who wanted to explore the vast natural spaces of the Pacific Northwest without spending a fortune. The business, basically, grew into a very important part of the local outdoor scene.
The original Next Adventure location, you see, was on Southeast Grand Avenue in Portland, Oregon. This specific spot, which many people remember fondly, was a hub for all sorts of outdoor preparations. It became, in short, a mainstay in Portland's outdoor community, a place where stories were shared and plans for exciting trips were often made. This commitment to the community and to making outdoor fun available for everyone truly set it apart, and that's why it holds such a special place in many hearts.
A Bittersweet Announcement: The End of an Era
Then, in May 2025, some news came out that, frankly, surprised many people who knew and loved the store. The owners of Next Adventure in Portland, Oregon, made a public statement that they were planning to retire. This decision, you know, immediately brought up questions about what would happen next for one of the country's biggest places for paddling gear and, really, for outdoor retail in general. It was, in some respects, a moment that marked a significant shift.
The announcement meant that a long-standing Portland outdoor company, after almost three decades in business, would be closing all of its stores this year. The outdoor store, it was confirmed, would be stopping its operations later in 2025. According to news partners at Willamette Week, Next Adventure had plans to close all of its various locations by the fall. This meant that the iconic outdoor store, a true fixture in the community, was indeed announcing its closure in 2025.
The owners, in fact, planned a big retirement sale that started on May 28 and was set to continue into the summer. This sale, naturally, became a final chance for customers to grab some of those premium outdoor gear items at the epic deals Next Adventure was so well known for. After 28 years, this mainstay in Portland's outdoor community, the place so many relied on, would be closing its doors for good this fall, a rather sad piece of news for many outdoor lovers.
What Next Adventure Brought to the Table
At its core, Next Adventure always had a very clear mission, you know, and that was to provide premium outdoor gear while offering truly epic deals. The whole idea behind this was to make the outdoors something accessible to absolutely everyone. Whether you were just starting out or had years of experience, the store aimed to provide what you needed without, arguably, breaking the bank. This focus on value and quality was something that really resonated with its customer base.
Gear for Every Kind of Outdoor Pursuit
The range of activities that Next Adventure supported was, honestly, quite extensive. If you were thinking about kayaking, they had all your paddle sports needs in one place. You could find, too it's almost, all the paddling accessories you'd need to get yourself to the water and truly enjoy your time out there. But their offerings went far beyond just water sports, which was a huge part of their appeal.
For those who preferred solid ground or even the air, the store also offered top products for climbing, snowboarding, and hiking. If you were planning a camping trip, they had the right equipment. Skiing and mountaineering enthusiasts, as a matter of fact, could also find what they needed to stay safe and comfortable in challenging environments. And for those who enjoyed two wheels or a disc, cycling and disc golf gear was also readily available. It was, in short, a comprehensive collection designed for every kind of adventure, no matter your passion.
Making the Outdoors Accessible
One of the truly defining characteristics of Next Adventure, you know, was its dedication to making outdoor activities something that everyone could partake in. They weren't just selling gear; they were, in a way, selling the possibility of adventure to a wider audience. By offering unbeatable prices on a wide range of products, they removed some of the financial barriers that can sometimes keep people from exploring the natural world. This commitment to accessibility was, arguably, a huge part of their identity as Portland's alternative outdoor store since 1997.
Whether you identified as a kayaker, a climber, a snowboarder, a hiker, a camper, a skier, a cyclist, a disc golfer, or even a mountaineer, the promise was that you would find the right gear for the right price at all four of their store locations. This wide reach and consistent value proposition meant that many people could pursue their outdoor passions without feeling like they had to spend a fortune. It was, in essence, about equipping people for fun and exploration, and that was something they did very, very well for many years.
The Retirement Sale and What It Means
With the announcement of the owners' retirement, a significant event for the community began: Next Adventure’s closing sale. This sale, which started on a Wednesday, specifically May 28, was not just any sale; it was, in a way, the final opportunity for loyal customers and new shoppers alike to get their hands on some of the excellent outdoor gear the store was known for. It was, basically, a chance to find those premium products at the epic deals that had become synonymous with the Next Adventure name over the years.
This event, you know, was planned to last into the summer, giving people a good window of time to visit the stores. For many, it was a bittersweet experience, a moment to both grab some great equipment and also, perhaps, say a quiet goodbye to a place that had served them for so long. The sale, in some respects, marked the beginning of the end for this beloved outdoor outfitter. It truly highlighted the impending closure and the fact that, after nearly three decades of outfitting the Pacific Northwest for outdoor fun, Next Adventure was indeed going out of business.
The retirement sale wasn't just about clearing inventory; it was also, arguably, a reflection of the store's long-standing mission to make the outdoors accessible. Even in its final days, Next Adventure was offering those unbeatable prices, ensuring that more people could get the gear they needed for their adventures. It was, in a way, a final gesture of appreciation to the community that had supported them for so long, and a chance for everyone to get more information for Next Adventure in Portland, OR, including seeing reviews, maps, and getting the address to visit one last time.
The Broader Picture of Retail in Portland
The closure of Next Adventure, you know, isn't happening in a vacuum; it's part of a larger trend that has been affecting retail in Portland, Oregon. The city, in fact, is losing another four doors of outdoor specialty retail with this closure. This comes after other significant changes in the retail landscape, which has, in some respects, left many people wondering about the future of shopping in the area. It's a situation that, frankly, has many layers to it.
For instance, just last year, REI, another major outdoor retailer, pulled the plug on its lease renewal in the Pearl District. They cited, you know, high security costs and ongoing problems with shoplifting as reasons for their departure. This move by REI, which was quite a big deal at the time, set a precedent and, in a way, highlighted some of the challenges businesses face in the city. Now, with Next Adventure calling it quits, it adds to that evolving picture.
Portland, as a matter of fact, has also seen other well-known department stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s close their doors in the past. These closures, you see, represent a shift in how people shop and the challenges that brick-and-mortar stores encounter. The decision by Next Adventure's owners to retire, while personal, also fits into this broader narrative of businesses adapting or, in some cases, deciding to step away from the current retail environment. It's a complex situation, and the loss of Next Adventure is, arguably, another significant piece of that puzzle for the city.
Finding Your Next Adventure After Next Adventure
With the news that Next Adventure, the beloved outdoor store, is calling it quits, a very practical question comes up for many outdoor enthusiasts in Portland: where else can you gear up now? It’s a question that, frankly, many long-time customers are probably asking themselves. For nearly three decades, this store was a reliable source for everything from kayaks to climbing gear, and its absence will, in some respects, leave a noticeable gap in the community.
The store was known for its wide selection, covering activities like kayaking, climbing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, skiing, cycling, disc golf, and mountaineering. Finding a single spot that offers such a diverse range of new and used gear at competitive prices might be a bit of a challenge now. However, the spirit of adventure that Next Adventure fostered in Portland will, you know, undoubtedly continue. People will still want to get out there and explore, and they'll need the right equipment to do it.
So, as the community adjusts to this change, the search for "finding a next next adventure" begins, not just in terms of personal outdoor trips, but also in discovering new places to buy the gear needed for those trips. It means exploring other local shops, online options, and perhaps even supporting smaller, specialized retailers that focus on specific outdoor pursuits. The goal, ultimately, remains the same: to get out, enjoy the natural world, and continue the adventures that Next Adventure helped so many people prepare for. You can learn more about outdoor pursuits on our site, and perhaps find resources to help you gear up for your next trip at our Portland outdoor gear guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Next Adventure Portland Oregon
Here are some common questions people have about Next Adventure Portland Oregon:
Is Next Adventure Portland closing?
Yes, unfortunately, Next Adventure, Portland's iconic outdoor store, announced its closure in 2025. The owners plan to retire, and all locations will be stopping operations later in 2025, with plans to close by the fall. Their retirement sale began on May 28 and is set to continue into the summer, offering final chances for deals.
When did Next Adventure Portland open?
Next Adventure first opened its doors in 1997. It was founded by Deek and Bryan and quickly became Portland's premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It has been a longstanding Portland outdoor company, serving the community for nearly three decades, known for its deals on new and used gear.
Where can I buy outdoor gear in Portland now that Next Adventure is closing?
With Next Adventure closing its doors, outdoor enthusiasts in Portland will need to find new places to gear up. While Next Adventure was unique for its wide range of new and used gear at good prices, you can explore other specialty outdoor shops in the area, look into online retailers, or seek out smaller, local businesses that cater to specific outdoor activities. Finding a "next next adventure" for gear will involve exploring these alternative options in the community.
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