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Find Your FirstNature

About Us

First Nature is the premier LGBTQ-owned tour operator and DMC for the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in fully guided custom tours, combining luxury travel with highly curated experiences that aim to enhance the economic, social, and environmental viability of the destinations visited. With four National Parks, exceptional scenic vibes, endless outdoor adventures, world-class wine country, and vibrant urban centers, you’re sure to find something spectacular!

Inclusivity in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has historically had a progressive stronghold in the U.S. with Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington ranking among the top U.S. cities with the largest percentage of gay, lesbian and bisexual residents. Both cities are known for their celebration of individuality, creativity, non-conformity and self-expression which is why they serve as major hubs for queer life on the West Coast. The LGBTQ+ community here is strong, cohesive and prevalent even outside of the urban centers, where visitors can easily access incredible natural beauty, an abundance of outdoor adventure, culinary delights and plenty of cultural appeal.

Upcoming Portland LGBTQ+ Events

  • MARCH 1-5, 2023 - Bend Winter PrideFest combines queer pride and snow-centric outdoor activities in the trendy mountain town of Bend, Oregon. First Nature is the exclusive tour operator partner for this event, offering trip packages which include luxury transport, lodging, activities and event access.
  • MAY 16, 2023 - Red Dress Party This annual soiree started in 2001 as a basement party and has grown into a large-scale event attended by more than 2,000 people and raising upwards of $30,000 for local LGBTQ+ organizations each year. As the name implies, a red dress is required for entry.
  • JUNE 17 - 18, 2023 - Portland Pride Waterfront Festival & Parade, includes three days of festivities and attracts visitors from up and down the West Coast as well as big-name performers.
  • JUNE 20 Portland Latinx Pride Festival to celebrate and honor the city’s Latinx community with performances, parties and the Mariposa Award.
  • JUNE 22 Portland Black Pride Typically running concurrently with the Portland Pride Festival, provides opportunities for African American members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect and celebrate their culture.
  • JUNE 24-25, 2023 - Seattle PrideFest, the largest free Pride Festival in the country held annually in June at Seattle Center.
  • JUNE 25 Gay Oregon Pageant The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, Oregon’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) organization hosts the annual. The pageant crowns Mr., Mx. & Miss Gay Oregon every year and is held at CC Slaughters, one of Portland’s oldest gay bars and energetic nightclubs

We are proud to call the Pacific Northwest and Cascadia our home and truly enjoy sharing the beauty and healing that comes from experiencing our nature. Though the PNW is considered a safe space for all to be themselves and find community, we strive to continue to create more opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to fully experience adventure and healing through nature. We do this through our fully customized tours to vetted destinations and activity partners.

Here are some of the events we have sponsored and/or hosted:

  • Central Oregon’s Winter Pridefest
  • Gay Ski Weekends on Mt. Hood & Mt. Bachelor 
  • LGBTQ+ Rafting Weekend Trips on The Deschutes River
  • LGBTQ+ Mountain Biking Weekend Trips along the McKenzie River 
  • LGBTQ+ Waterfall Treks in the Columbia Gorge 
  • LGBTQ+ Columbia River Boat Tours
  • LGBTQ+ Kayaking on The Willamette 
  • LGBTQ+ Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding in multiple locations
  • LGBTQ+ Beach Adventures on The Oregon Coast  
  • LGBTQ+ San Juan Islands Glamping Excursions  

 

Of course, we offer customized tours to experience the wonderful LGBTQ+ culture and communities of the PNW sharing business, events, artists, and restaurants that may not have made it on popular blogs! We’re local and will strive to share what the locals love!

First Nature aims to educate and entertain the intrepid traveler by exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through sustainable tourism. We encourage our guests to visit the naturally and culturally unique places that make the Pacific Northwest so special. Our foundation is built on increasing knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the world around us.