Hikes in Oregon

Oregon is a state with immense outdoor beauty ranging from ferny forests to volcanic buttes and gushing waterfalls. To see some of the state’s finest waterfalls, head to the Columbia River Gorge east of Portland.

Highlights of Oregon

  • This hike visits the tallest waterfall in Oregon, with viewpoints below, between, and above the 620-foot waterfall.
  • This off-trail adventure up Oneonta Gorge passes between tall, narrow cliffs to reach an enchanting 100-foot waterfall.
  • This hike in Southeast Portland tops an extinct cinder volcano with great views of Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens.
  • This loop goes beyond Multnomah Falls to visit several other waterfalls and cascades on a beautiful circuit, including the 242-foot Wahkeena Falls.
  • Travel underground to explore a lava tube near Bend.
  • This loop begins with one waterfall (Horsetail Falls), passes behind another (Ponytail Falls), and crosses a bridge next to a third (Middle Oneonta Falls), while also grabbing views across Columbia River Gorge.
  • Explore two trails in Cape Meares State Park to see a lighthouse, an unbelievable tree, and lots of ocean views.
  • See 10 great waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park on a picturesque and exciting hike that actually goes behind four of the waterfalls.
  • Get up close to a duo of waterfalls on this loop hike on the Portland side of Columbia River Gorge.
  • This hike near Eugene goes through a fern-packed forest and ascends to the crown of a butte with round-the-compass views.
  • This Forest Park hike ascends to a mansion with panoramic views over Portland.

Regions of Oregon

Hiking in Oregon

Oregon is commonly divided into 7 regions, each with their own personality, particularly for outdoor pursuits. The seven regions are:

Coastal Oregon – The Beaver State has 350 miles of pristine coastline. Explore rugged capes, pristine beaches, and quaint towns on the Oregon coast.

Greater Portland – Oregon’s biggest city is not without its natural appeal and has many parks to visit.

Columbia River Gorge – Along the Washington border east of Portland, uncover incredible hiking in a waterfall-packed area along the Columbia River. Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest mountain, rises to the south to offer more hiking opportunities.

Willamette Valley – Well know for its wineries, this region includes the cities of Salem and Eugene and has buttes and forests for hikers.

Central Oregon – The high desert meets even higher mountains in the middle of Oregon, the skyscraping Cascade Range. This region around Bend contains a wide variety of trails along rivers, peaks, desert canyons, and volcanic landscapes.

Southern Oregon – Ashland, Klamath Falls, and Grant’s Pass enjoy a temperate climate at the bottom of the state with plenty of outdoor fun including Crater Lake National Park.

Eastern Oregon – This side of Oregon looks a lot different than other parts of the state. Here evergreen forests are replaced by desert canyons.

Oregon Hiking

This collection of trails lists hikes roughly from west to east and north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Click on any trail to see a full write-up complete with photos, GPS maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. You can also view hikes around Oregon on the Hike Finder Map.

TrailDescriptionDistance Location
Ecola State Park Hike020Ecola Point to Indian Beach
This hike on Oregon Coast Trail explores wild beautiful scenery in Ecola State Park between Ecola Point and Indian Beach.
2.65 miles
350 feet
45.9195,
-123.9741
Cape Meares State Park Hike030Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree
This easy hike in Cape Meares State Park visits a beautiful lighthouse and an equally impressive tree, exploring a coastal cape with tall cliffs and big ocean views.
0.8 miles
180 feet
45.4856,
-123.97443
Oceanside Tunnel Beach033Oceanside Beach to Tunnel Beach
This sandy stroll comes with an adventurous twist, a man-made tunnel through a cliff that leads from one beautiful beach to a second, more secluded beach.
0.8 miles
20 feet
45.4605,
-123.9700
Munson Creek Falls Trail037Munson Creek Falls Trail
This short hike near Tillamook travels up a forest canyon to the tallest waterfall in Coastal Oregon.
0.5 miles
90 feet
45.36565,
-123.77355
Cape Lookout Trail040Cape Lookout Trail
This hike in Cape Lookout State Park ventures down a promontory on the Oregon Coast with beautiful ocean views.
5 miles
440 feet
45.3414,
-123.9745
Whalen Island Loop Trail Clay Myers State Natural Area045Whalen Island Loop Trail
This hike explores a lovely island-like park in Sand Lake Estuary with ocean and wetland views.
1.5 miles
40 feet
45.2732,
-123.9502
Cape Kiwanda050Cape Kiwanda
This short beach hike explores tide pools and sand dunes at a rugged headland in Cape Kiwanda Natural Area near Pacific City.
1 mile
75 feet
45.2157,
-123.9711
Alder Island Hike Lincoln City052Alder Island Nature Trail
This short, easy hike off the coast south of Lincoln City explores a small island at the mouth of the Siletz River.
0.85 miles
5 feet
44.8954,
-124.0085
Saddle Mountain Hike055Saddle Mountain Trail
This out and back hike rises through fir forests and wildflower-filled grassy slopes up to a summit with panoramic coastal views.
5 miles
1635 feet
45.9628,
-123.6899
Beaver Falls Hike060Beaver Falls
This short hike slips down through forest to a beautiful waterfall plunging over a basalt wall.
0.7 miles
100 feet
46.10394,
-123.1298
Tualatin Hills Nature Park170Tualatin Hills Nature Park
This hike on Vine Maple Trail, Old Wagon Trail, and Oak Trail loops through forests and wetlands in a pocket of wilderness on the west side of Beaverton.
2.1 miles
30 feet
45.49825,
-122.8392
Dogwood Trail - Alder Trail Loop175Dogwood Trail - Alder Trail Loop
This hike combines five trails (Keil Trail, Dogwood Trail, Leif Erikson Drive, Alder Trail, and Wildwood Trail) to form a lovely woodland loop in Forest Park.
2.8 miles
410
45.5403,
-122.7368
Wild Cherry Trail Loop Forest Park178Wild Cherry Trail – Dogwood Trail Loop
This Forest Park hike plots a nice, short, woodland escape by easing down Wild Cherry Trail to Leif Erikson Drive and rising back up Dogwood Trail.
2.5 miles
515 feet
45.53826,
-122.73406
Wild Cherry Trail Alder Trail Loop Forest Park180Wild Cherry Trail – Alder Trail Loop
This circuit (a combination of two shorter loops) explores more of woodland beauty in Forest Park.
3.5 miles
510 feet
45.53826,
-122.73406
Holman Lane Loop Hike180Holman Lane – Wildwood Trail – Birch Trail Loop
This hike combines three trails in Forest Park for a refreshing woodland walk.
2.7 miles
425 feet
45.5336,
-122.7332
Lower Macleay trail to Stone House190Lower Macleay Trail to Stone House
This hike starts by following Balch Creek to fern-covered ruins and can finish with a loop that exits Forest Park and passes through the Willamette Heights Neighborhood in Northwest Portland.
2 miles
400 feet
45.53585,
-122.7125
Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion200Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion
This Forest Park hike takes Lower Macleay Trail to the Stone House ruins and ascends Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion, bagging a big view over Portland.
5.4 miles
850 feet
45.53585,
-122.7125
Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion210Cornell Road to Pittock Mansion
This partial loop on Wildwood Trail and Upper Macleay Trail goes up a wooded hillside in Forest Park to Pittock Mansion, a landmark with panoramic views over Portland.
2.5 miles
435 feet
45.5269,
-122.7265
Marquam Nature Park220Marquam Nature Park
This hike goes through peaceful forest in a less visited pocket of Portland's West Hills.
1.3 - 4.25 miles
225 - 500 feet
45.50276,
-122.6916
George Himes Trail230George Himes Trail
This short lollipop loop ascends into Portland's West Hills for a woodland walk with a view of Mount Hood.
1.5 miles
400 feet
45.49825,
-122.8392
Powell Butte Hike235Powell Butte
This lollipop loop combines Mountain View Trail and Summit Lane to explore the top of Powell Butte and its big views from Southeast Portland.
2.15 miles
165 feet
45.49036,
-122.49726
Scouters Mountain Hike312Scouters Mountain Nature Park
This short loop explores a forested mountain east of Portland, rising to a shelter and a viewpoint facing Mount Hood.
1.2 miles
180 feet
45.4468,
-122.5078
Loop Hike in Tryon Creek State Natural Area240Old Main Trail - Red Fox Trail - Cedar Trail - Middle Creek Trail - Maple Ridge Trail Loop
This 5-trail circuit in the middle of Tryon Creek State Natural Area goes through rolling woodland and across 3 bridges.
2 miles
150 feet
45.4411,
-122.6759
Trillium Trail in Tryon Creek State Natural Area250Trillium Trail
This short nature trail in Tryon Creek State Natural Area is packed with plant-identifying panels as well as benches and viewing platforms.
0.37 miles
15 feet
45.4411,
-122.6759
Camassia Natural Area260Camassia Natural Area
This easy loop tours wildflower-packed meadows and surrounding forests in a blossoming West Linn preserve.
0.8 miles
70 feet
45.3592,
-122.6182
Canemah Bluff Hike270Canemah Bluff Nature Park
This hike explores wildflower fields and forests on a perch above the Willamette River near Oregon City.
1.7 miles
165 feet
45.3449,
-122.6256
Latourell Falls370Latourell Falls Trail
This loop explores a canyon with two beautiful waterfalls, attaining great views of both.
2.3 miles
475 feet
45.53865,
-122.218
Angels Rest380Angel's Rest
This hike ascends to a panoramic landing with spectacular views across Columbia River Gorge (particularly at sunrise).
4.8 miles
1500 feet
45.5605,
-122.17245
Multnomah Falls390Multnomah Falls
This out and back hike visits Oregon’s tallest (and probably most seen) waterfall, located in Columbia River Gorge east of Portland.
0.2 to 2.6 miles
25 feet to 725 feet
45.5777,
-122.1173
Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop400Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop
This loop uses Wahkeena Trail and Larch Mountain Trail to visit six glorious waterfalls (including Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls) as well as fine cascades along Wahkeena Creek and Multnomah Creek in beautiful canyons off Columbia River Gorge.
6.05 miles
1525 feet
45.5777,
-122.1173
Lower Oneonta Falls410Lower Oneonta Falls in Oneonta Gorge
This off-trail trek follows Oneonta Creek between the tall, mossy cliffs of a wild and beautiful gorge to the base of an enchanting 100-foot waterfall.
0.8 miles
25 feet
45.589485,
-122.07558
Ponytail Falls420Horsetail Falls Trail - Oneonta Trail Loop
This loop starts at Horsetail Falls, passes beneath an overhang behind Ponytail Falls, and crosses a bridge by Middle Oneonta Falls to hit three waterfalls and viewpoints looking out over the Columbia River Gorge.
2.85 miles
325 feet
45.5903,
-122.06833
Wahclella Falls430Wahclella Falls
This hike visits a sublime waterfall in a canyon within the Columbia River Gorge.
2 miles
250 feet
45.630463,
-121.953758
Eagle Creek Trail Punchbowl Falls440Eagle Creek Trail
This hike ventures up a beautiful and dramatic canyon to impressive waterfalls like Metlako Falls, Lower Punchbowl Falls, and Punchbowl Falls.
4.55 miles
400 feet
45.6368,
-121.9196
Hood River Pipeline Trail447Hood River Pipeline Trail
This easy and enticing river hike follows a catwalk atop a penstock flume pipeline.
2.8 miles
100 feet
45.70386,
-121.5061
Mosier Twin Tunnels Hike450Mosier Twin Tunnels via Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
This hike ventures up a paved trail on a century old roadway to a pair of tunnels carved into basalt cliffs on the side of Columbia River Gorge.
2 - 9.5 miles
320 feet
45.68,
-121.409
Deschutes River Trail480River Trail Loop
This hike in Deschutes River State Recreation Area explores views from the water's edge and a grassy terrace that borders the bottom of the Deschutes River before it meets the Columbia River.
3.1 miles
115 feet
45.6293,
-120.908
Old Salmon River Trail515Old Salmon River Trail
This hike explores a lush and lovely old-growth forest along the Salmon River in Mount Hood National Forest.
5.1 miles
175 feet
45.3085,
-121.9432
Mirror Lake Trail530Mirror Lake Trail
This lollipop loop hike crosses forest streams and ascends to Mirror Lake, which features reflective views of Mount Hood.
4.3 miles
550 feet
45.3026,
-121.7775
Trillium Lake Trail535Trillium Lake Trail
This easy loop hike circles the shores of a picturesque lake in the forest below Mount Hood.
2 miles
15 feet
45.2682,
-121.7387
Trail Of Ten Falls560Trail of Ten Falls
This loop passes ten acclaimed waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park on a picturesque and exciting hike that actually goes behind four of the waterfalls.
7.9 miles
600 feet
44.8776,
-122.6556
South Falls Silver Falls State Park570South Falls
This lollipop loop hike goes up to and behind a 177-foot waterfall that is the jewel of Silver Falls State Park.
1.1 miles
200 feet
44.8776,
-122.6556
Maple Ridge Loop572Maple Ridge Loop
This hike in Silver Falls State Park ventures behind both South Falls and Lower South Falls and also explores a ridge-top forest.
2.8 miles
375 feet
44.8776,
-122.6556
West Metolius River Trail580West Metolius River Trail
The hike follows the west bank of the Metolius River to impressive gushing springs and a fish hatchery.
5.4 miles
100 feet
44.5011,
-121.6409
Head of the Metolius River Trail590Head of the Metolius
This short hike visits the surprising source of the Metolius River, a gushing spring accompanied by views of Mount Jefferson.
0.5 miles
35 feet
44.4341,
-121.634
Black Butte Trail600Black Butte
The hike summits one of the most identifiable peaks in Central Oregon, which has fire lookout towers and panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains.
4 miles
1550 feet
44.3949,
-121.6476
Clear Lake Loop in Willamette National Forest605Clear Lake Loop
This charming curcuit crosses lava fields and old-growth forests along the shore of a strikingly clear Cascadian lake.
5 miles
75 feet
44.3735,
-121.9985
Spencer Butte Eugene615Spencer Butte
This out and back hike crosses a fern-covered forest and goes up to the crown of a butte with 360-degree views.
5.2 miles
1,100 feet
43.99593,
-123.0997
Terwilliger Hot Springs620Terwilliger Hot Springs
Venture into Willamette National Forest to a natural hot springs where bathers can soak in a series of terraced pools.
0.9 miles
85 feet
44.082,
-122.2319
Archie Briggs Canyon Trail710Archie Briggs Canyon Trail
This short hike descends a ravine to clifftop views over a dramatic canyon on the Deschutes River.
1.25 miles
325 feet
44.0855,
-121.3347
Shevlin Park Loop Trail720Shevlin Loop Trail
This tour of Shevlin Park just a few miles east of Bend explores pine forests on both sides of Tumalo Creek.
4.75 miles
240 feet
44.083,
-121.37785
Pilot Butte Bend730Pilot Butte
This hike spirals up the dominant landmark in Bend to offer sweeping views of majestic surroundings.
1.8 miles
475 feet
44.0579,
-121.2785
Tumalo Falls740Tumalo Falls
See Bend's best waterfall from a downstream viewpoint and take a short hike to an overlook by the top of the falls.
0.5 miles
105 feet
44.032,
-121.56635
Tumalo Falls Loop750Tumalo Falls Loop
This circuit ventures above Tumalo Falls and explores numerous other waterfalls and cascades on Tumalo Creek, combining North Fork Trail, Swampy Lakes Trail, and Bridge Creek Trail.
7.4 miles
1,100 feet
44.032,
-121.56635
Lava Butte Hike Bend760Lava Butte
This hike explores a cinder cone with a fire lookout tower and a crater-circling trail that offer panoramic views over Lava Butte Lava Flow and the Cascade Mountains.
0.35 - 3.85 miles
110 - 520 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Trail of the Molten Land Bend770Trail of the Molten Land
This paved partial loop cuts through Lava Butte Lave Flow and is packed with information and views.
1.25 miles
135 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Trail of the Whispering Pines Bend780Trail of the Whispering Pines
This interpretive botanical trail explores high desert plants on the edge of Lava Butte Lava Flow.
0.4 miles
5 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Benham Falls790Benham Falls
This leisurely hike on Deschutes River Trail gathers views of aggressive cascades on a churning and tumbling stretch of the Deschutes River.
1.9 miles
50 feet
43.93125,
-121.41335
Lava River Cave Hike Bend800Lava River Cave
This underground hike explores a lava tube south of Bend that is filled with fascinating volcanic features.
2 miles
150 feet
43.8954,
-121.3696

Oregon Camping

Oregon’s state parks and regional (county) parks, as well as the national forests and other federal lands, present many great camping options. These are just a few of the places to camp in Oregon.

Cape Lookout State Park CampgroundCape Lookout State Park Campground
This grand, oceanfront campground has over 200 sites right behind a big, beautiful beach.
Deschutes River CampgroundDeschutes River SRA Campground
Just east of Columbia River Gorge, this campground at the bottom of the Deschutes River has 34 sites with electrical hookups, 25 more primitive sites, and 4 group sites.
Lower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek Campground
This spacious 7-site campground is sparsely shaded by pines next to the confluence of Canyon Creek and Metolius River.
Trillium Lake CampgroundTrillium Lake Campground
Located just miles from Government Camp, this campground has 57 sites sitting in the evergreens by Trillium Lake below Mount Hood.
Whalen Island CampgroundWhalen Island County Campground
This 33-site campground is a nice camping option on Whalen Island with easy access to estuary beaches and a loop hike.

 

Oregon Attractions

While hiking is the best way to see Oregon (biased opinion), visitors can take in Oregon’s splendor without hitting the trails.

Vista HouseVista House
This iconic Oregon viewpoint is a National Natural Landmark with tremendous no-hiking-required views of Columbia River Gorge.

 

View Oregon trails and campground in a larger map
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Cape Lookout State Park Campground Tillamook Coast Campsites Oregon Beach Camping
Jutting out from the coast of Oregon west of Portland, Cape Lookout is a prominent promontory with tall cliffs towering hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean. The campground in Cape Lookout State Park is not as soaring. Luckily for beach-lovers, the campground is tucked right behind a big, beautiful beach on the north side of the cape. Cape Lookout State Park Campground is a major... Read more.
By: Published: Last updated: June 29, 2021
Whalen Island County Campground Tillamook Coast Camping Oregon Sand Lake Estuary
Camping by the ocean should be easy and relaxing – Fun in the sun and toes in the sand. That's what you can expect to find at Whalen Island County Campground in Tillamook County. This 33-site campground sits inside the Sand Lake Estuary, a special spot along the Three Capes Scenic Loop between Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout on the Oregon Coast. Right from the campground, it is easy to... Read more.
Tagged with · Ocean Views · Tent Camping · Tillamook
By: Published: Last updated: June 29, 2021
Maple Ridge Loop Silver Falls State Park Maple Ridge Trail Canyon Trail Lower South Falls Waterfall Hike Oregon
Maple Ridge Loop travels behind two breathtaking waterfalls and goes through miles of wonderful forest in Silver Falls State Park. This 2.8-mile loop (with 375 feet of elevation change) is a combination of two trails, Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail. Canyon Trail goes down the trough carved by South Fork Silver Creek, taking hikers amazingly close to South Falls and Lower South Falls. ... Read more.
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Tagged with · Oregon State Parks · Silver Falls State Park · Sublimity · Waterfalls
Distance: 2.8 miles · Elevation change: 375 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 14, 2021
Cape Lookout Trail Coastal Hike Cape Lookout State Park Oregon
What is Whalen Island? It's not quite an island. It's not quite on Oregon's ocean shore. What it is... is a place that is unique, soothing, and beautiful. Wrapped be beaches and shaded by shore pines, Whalen Island sits at the heart of Sand Lake Estuary. Whalen Island – which only becomes an island during seasonal high tides - is just inland from the ocean (close enough to see the waves)... Read more.
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Tagged with · Beaches · Free Trails · Ocean Views · Oregon State Parks · Sand Dunes · Tillamook
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 28, 2021
Munson Creek Falls Trail Tillamook Coast Range Waterfall Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site Oregon
Measuring 319 feet tall, Munson Creek Falls is no tiny trickler. In fact, this is Oregon's tallest waterfall west of the Willamette River. Munson Creek Falls has picturesque silky tiers framed by canyon greenery. The trek to the waterfall, Munson Creek Falls Trail, is just a quarter mile long (half a mile round trip) with 90 feet of elevation change. The trail explores a lush and lovely... Read more.
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Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Oregon State Parks · Tillamook · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.5 miles · Elevation change: 90 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 28, 2021