Portland’s Next Adventure co-owners Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen reported plans to keep operating the flagship at 426 SE Grand Avenue and its store in Sandy, Oregon, after initially announcing plans to shutter the business and retire, only for a planned sale to fall through.
In May 2025, Heykamp and Knudsen, who co-founded the retail chain in 1997, announced plans to retire and shutter operations. The business also included the Portland Paddle Sports Center, which has been closed permanently, and Scappoose Bay Paddle Center, which last October transitioned to new owners and rebranded as The Paddle Shack.
In October 2025, Next Adventure announced the business would transition to an unidentified new ownership team led by a “group of local investors and some former and current staff members.” The transition was expected to start on November 1, 2025, and occur gradually through April 30, 2026.
Both the flagship in the Central Eastside district of Portland, including its Bargain Basement section that offers close-outs and sales of used gear, and the Sandy store, initially closed amid liquidation efforts, were able to open in November under the promise of new ownership.
The deal fell through, but the owners last week announced they plan to continue operating the business under the same model.
Next Adventure wrote in a Facebook post:
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“BIG NEWS: Next Adventure is staying open.
“After hearing from our community and local leaders, Deek and Bryan have decided to retain ownership of Next Adventure and continue the journey they started back in 1997 at SE Stark & Grand.
“Last spring, Deek and Bryan announced they were ready to retire and entered into a process to sell the business. After several months under contract, the deal ultimately fell through. During that time, they realized how important Next Adventure is to the outdoor community, our incredible staff, and the city of Portland.
“For nearly 30 years, Next Adventure has been more than just a gear shop. It has been a place where people come to get outside, find great deals, learn, and connect with the outdoor community. From new gear and closeouts to trade-ins, consignment, and the legendary Bargain Basement, we’re staying true to the mission of making adventure more accessible.
“Now, we’re asking for Portland’s continued support as we rebuild and move into the next chapter. Shop local, bring in your used outdoor gear, spread the word, and help us continue providing the gear, knowledge, and community that have made Next Adventure a Portland institution.
Thank you, Portland, for believing in us. We’re back in the saddle.”
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Image courtesy Next Adventure
See below for additional SGB Executive coverage of the changing Next Adventure story:
EXEC: Portland’s Next Adventure Set to Shutter After Epic Summer Retirement Sale
