Portland, Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Pacific Northwest and broader Portland area boast many evergreen coniferous trees, gorgeous mountains in the Cascade peaks, and stellar weather tempered by the nearby coast.
So it’s no surprise that there are lots of great hiking opportunities near Portland, Oregon, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner to outdoor activities. Today, let’s break down 10 of the best hikes you should try near Portland as soon as you can!
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Best Hikes Near Portland
There are many great places to hike near Portland without driving for too long. Here are 10 hiking experiences for folks who love scenery, challenge, and everything in between.
Forest Park
- Location: NW Springville Road
- Trail Length: 3.1 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Trail Summary
Forest Park encompasses 5100 acres, making it the largest city park in the entire Portland area (and the largest park in the lower 48 states overall). In total, you’ll find over 80 miles of trails in this forested Eden. But you should specifically check out the Ridge to Wildwood to Northwest Oil Line Loop.
This intense trail is a phenomenal loop hiking experience that doesn’t have tons of traffic but penetrates deep into the dense forest area. You’ll start at NW Springville Road, then continue down Ridge Trail. That will eventually take you to the aptly named Wildwood Trail, which offers stunning and spooky scenery perfect for a hot summer day or in the fall as the leaves change color.
Next, you’ll proceed to the Northwest Oil Line, completing a 3.1-mile route in total with only about 300 feet of elevation difference. Because the forest is so dense, odds are you’ll see lots of beautiful wildlife on your trip, especially if you walk quietly and don’t bring a dog or child with you.
Blue Loop Trail
- Location: SE Salmon Way
- Trail Length: 3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Trail Summary
The eastern side of the Portland metro area hides an extinct volcanic cinder cone called Mount Tabor. A popular recreational hub, here you can find cyclists, hikers, picnic fans, and even folks setting up LARPing sessions. This hiking area extends for over 3 miles and encircles a park with 200 acres and a pair of water reservoirs. Many of the trails reconnect down their lengths, allowing you to meander with your thoughts if you like.
However, the primary trail is a loop, making it perfect for a brisk hike or walk in the morning with you, your canine, and a cup of coffee. Nearby are the Red and Green Loop trails, both of which are a little easier and less steep (so they’re perfect for beginners).
Blue Loop Trail can be pretty packed given the hike’s ease and proximity to Portland’s living areas, especially when the weather is nice enough for outdoor activity.
Serious hikers will want to upgrade for a more challenging or isolated trail experience.
Trail of Ten Falls
- Location: South Falls Lodge Trailhead
- Trail Length: 7.9 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Trail Summary
The Trail of Ten Falls is nestled in the heart of Silver Falls State Park. This trail offers a quiet atmosphere and a perfect place to practice yoga or bring a picnic to enjoy with your significant other (or just your dog!). By the time you complete the hike, you’ll rise about 1100 feet in elevation, so be prepared to do some significant cardio and breathe a bit harder by the end.
It’s all worth it, though, since it takes you through 10 different waterfalls (as the name suggests).
This majestic hike is broken up into several smaller trails perfect for hiking with a child or a dog who doesn’t have the same endurance as you.
If you’re a fan of post-hike beers, you can check out craft breweries at Crosby Hop Farm, which is home to a small IPA-specialized brewery complete with trail snacks and light meals.
Angel’s Rest
- Location: Angel’s Rest Trailhead
- Trail Length: 8 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Trail Summary
If you’re new to hiking in Portland, Angel’s Rest could be a great place to start. It’s only about thirty minutes away from the downtown area, making this hiking spot perfect for excellent views while visiting the city.
The hike takes its name from the titular Angel’s Rest peak, which offers phenomenal views of the surrounding Columbia River Gorge and forested areas. It takes less than two hours from start to finish if hiking at a reasonable pace. It’s also important to note that the trail does get crowded on the weekends, so come during the week for maximum quiet and atmospheric ambiance.
Note that Angel’s Rest rewards the ascent up the peak, but this hike doesn’t have a through trail – instead, you go back down the way you came. Therefore, more crowded days can be a bit hazardous for folks with tired legs or unsteady hiking gaits.
Marquam Trail
- Location: Marquam Nature Park Shelter
- Trail Length: 5.8 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
Trail Summary
Marquam Trail to Council Crest is the ideal hike for mountain fans, as you’ll gradually rise over 1000 feet in elevation to see the rich scenery of the Cascade peaks. This hike takes you to one of the highest points in Portland (ironically, the site of an old amusement park). You should hike rather than take your car to the top of this trail for the ultimate experience.
The trail usually begins at the Marquam Nature Park Shelter, serving as a stop-over point for other popular Portland hikes. Though this hike is also consistently uphill, the trail is dominated by scenic views of dense Pacific forests and only requires a handful of road crossings. But if upward incline is not your thing, this may not be the hike for you.
Try to tackle Marquam Trail in the evening or near sunset for the best view. That way, you’ll be able to take pictures at the top during the golden hour for photography. Just make sure you leave yourself enough time to descend before it gets too dark!
Wildwood Trail
- Location: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park
- Trail Length: Up to 30 miles
- Trail Type: Point to Point
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 10-15 hours
Trail Summary
Above, we mentioned Forest Park as a great place to find hiking trails, plus the Wildwood Trail. This extensive trail can actually extend up to 30 miles in total but includes several stopping points so you can control your entire hiking experience. Take this trail to the end, and you’ll feel far removed from Portland and the hustle and bustle of modern metropolitan life.
The trail starts 10 minutes away from downtown then begins in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park. Once you start the trail, you’ll proceed through a tightly packed forest that turns absolutely gorgeous in the fall but is still beautiful in the spring and summer months.
The entire 30-mile circuit ends in Forest Park, so you can alternatively start your hiking journey from this end and go the reverse route. Suppose you’re a fan of long hikes with plenty of time to get fresh air. In that case, you may wish to walk this trail twice: once by yourself and once with a friend or significant other to soak up the natural atmosphere and energy. However, note that you’ll gain 2700 feet in elevation or lose that much elevation depending on which direction you go.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
Alternatively, check out these favorite hikes, including waterfalls that aren’t too far away from Portland.
Multnomah Falls
- Location: Twentynine Palms
- Trail Length: 2.4 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Trail Summary
This popular trail is one of the best in the entire Portland area since it brings you right to the feet of Oregon’s most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls. The trailhead starts only thirty minutes from downtown Portland, making this a pretty crowded trail due to its easy access.
The trail itself is straightforward to hike, as it’s paved all the way through. There are about 11 switchbacks to check off your list as you walk, but these are relatively easy to follow. The good news is you don’t need to worry about elevation changes (as you’ll get about 800 feet of elevation gain, but very gradually at that).
This family-friendly and kid-friendly hike terminate at Multnomah Falls, where you can cross a bridge that looks directly at the falls, sprinkling mist over the landscape. Constant greenery and the opportunity to spot some wildlife make this a well-rounded hiking experience for Oregon natives and visitors alike.
Latourell Falls
- Location: Latourell Falls Trailhead
- Trail Length: 2.4 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.2 hours
Trail Summary
Latourell Falls is actually the closest waterfall in Columbia Gorge relative to Portland, so it’s also a popular hiking destination. Although the trail is crowded, it’s definitely a trip you should take at least once.
This 2.4-mile trail sends you directly to a scenic viewpoint, then turns into a dirt path that gradually ascends about 220 feet or so. Because of this, it’s not particularly challenging and is excellent for family hiking days for dates with a significant other. At the end, you’ll see Latourell Falls in all its glory, with the option to extend the hike by another half mile or so to reach Upper Latourell Falls. However, the top can feel scary for folks with a fear of heights!
On the downside, the dirt trail can be slippery on wet or rainy days. So take care when returning to your car if you try this trail, especially if you don’t have good hiking shoes.
Tamanawas Falls
- Location: Tamanawas Fall Trailhead
- Trail Length: 3.3 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back or Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Trail Summary
Tamanawas Falls lies at the Eastern base of Mount Hood and offers a speedy yet enjoyable hiking experience. It’s not usually as packed as some of the other trails on this list. Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Tamanawas Falls offers beautiful fall scenery with leaves that actually change color, unlike many of the other coniferous trees in the Pacific Northwest.
At just 3.3 miles long, this trail is accomplishable in a little over two hours at a brisk hiking pace. If you enjoy snacking while you walk, don’t go back the way you came – complete the 3-mile loop, then visit the “Fruit Loop” for a quick detour. This stretch of trail and road is between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River and is usually blessed with wineries or fruit stands every mile or so.
Alternatively, you can take the Tamanawas Falls trail to Hood River, with plenty of local breweries, including Ferment, Double Mountain, and more.
Dry Creek Falls
- Location: Tamanawas Fall Trailhead
- Trail Length: 4.4 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
Trail Summary
Last but not least is Dry Creek Falls, which cascades water 74 feet down over a basalt wall. Located near Cascade Locks, this trail is accessible via the Pacific Crest Trail. It offers a short yet enjoyable hike with plenty of wooded areas, mossy rocks and logs, and other iconic Pacific Northwest scenery.
The hike begins at the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead then requires you to follow the Pacific Crest Trail. Although the trail usually heads uphill, it never becomes too steep, so it should be accomplishable for hikers of most experience levels. You do have to cross a few roads from time to time, but the roughest track is only about 2/10 of a mile to the Falls’ base.
The amphitheater where Dry Creek Falls terminates is quiet, secluded, and perfect for private ceremonies, enjoying a picnic with your significant other, or meditating in peace. The trail goes back the exact same way, so it’s easy not to get lost.
Things to Know Before Going on a Hike Near Portland
No matter which trail you decide to try, there are a few things you need to know and keep in mind before going on a hike near Portland.
What to Pack for Hiking in the Pacific Northwest
For starters, you need to make sure you pack enough supplies. Even if you choose an easy hike, you’ll want this gear at a minimum:
- A reusable water bottle so you stay hydrated and do your part for the environment
- Good hiking boots with solid traction, so you don’t slip – many Portland trails can be slippery in wet weather
- A backpack with snacks like Trail Mix in case you get hungry
- An emergency kit with gauze, painkillers, and more just in case
Many of the most amazing hikes near Portland aren’t too far from civilization, but it never hurts to be prepared!
Hiking with Dogs
Lots of folks like to undertake hiking challenges with their canine companions. That’s a great idea! Still, you should bring a few pieces of gear to make sure you and your dog treat the trail environments right:
- Dog poop bags and a carrier
- A collapsible water bowl so you can hydrate your pup
- A good leash and harness – dogs are not allowed off-leash on any popular Portland trails
Wear Layers!
The fall and winter seasons in Portland can be pretty chilly and rainy, so you’ll want to wear several layers if you go hiking during these months. It’s smarter to wear layers than to wear a single thick jacket – with layers, you can strip away as many as you need to when you get hot and sweaty, then replace the layers if you get cold once again.
Leave No Trace
The natural beauty of many trails near Portland, Oregon, should be preserved at all costs. When you go hiking, leave no trace that you were there by doing the following:
- Picking up all garbage and never littering
- Not altering the environment, such as by carving your initials into a tree
- Being quiet and respectful of the natural world, especially if other people are on the trail with you
What’s the Best Time of Year to Hike?
Generally, most people in Portland, Oregon, find the best time a year hike to be spring and fall. If you hike during these seasons, you’ll avoid the hot and sticky summers (which can get quite humid) and the chilly winter months. In addition, some trails are lovely in the fall since they have certain trees with leaves that change colors!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of densely wooded trails, uphill and challenging hikes, or short walks that take you to gorgeous waterfalls, Portland, Oregon, has it all. Try one or all of the above-day hikes, and remember to soak up the environment and appreciate the natural beauty of this fantastic city!
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