Portland, Oregon is surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the country. Whether you love dense forests, high mountains, or waterfalls, Portland has hiking trails that let you explore it all. The city itself is known for its outdoor lifestyle, with plenty of trails nearby, so it’s easy to see why.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best hikes in Portland, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. Get ready to discover some of the most exciting outdoor adventures the area has to offer!
Beginner Level Trails
If you are new to hiking or just want an easy hike, this starter hike is perfect for you. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and still offer a nice view.
Forest Park – Wildwood Trails
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, and its Wildwood Trail is popular with locals. This is a great place to start the hike as the trail is mostly flat and surrounded by tall trees, evergreens, shrubs, moss and moss cover.
The Wildwood Trail is long, but you don’t have to hike the whole thing—just pick a section and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Watch out for birds, dogs and geese! Close to town, this hike was easy and a perfect escape into nature.
Powell Butte Nature Park
Powell Butte is a massive extinct volcano right in Portland. The hike here is gentle, with wide trails taking you to Butte Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Mount Hood, Cascade, and other nearby peaks The hike isn’t too steep, and there’s plenty of room to spare relax about it the way. It is a great place to walk in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming on the trails.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
If you love animals, especially birds, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is the hike for you. The trail winds through the wetlands and you can see ducks, geese and bald eagles. The hike is flat and perfect for beginners. The wetlands here are peaceful and interesting to learn about the birds and plants that live in the area.
Mid-level Trails
Ready to take on a little extra challenge? This hike down is a little longer and steeper but offers amazing views and a unique experience.
Mount Tabor Park
Mount Tabor is another extinct volcano in downtown Portland. The trail here takes you to the top of the volcano, where you can see the city and surrounding area. The walk isn’t too hard, but there are some stairs and hills to climb. As you climb, you’ll pass through old reservoirs and forested areas. Once at the top, there are panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, Mount Hood in the distance. It’s fun to hike, especially for families.
Tryon Creek Regional Natural Area
This wooded park is a hidden gem just outside of Portland. Here the trails pass through thick woods, streams and wooden bridges. It’s a little longer than the hike they started, but not too easy, so it’s still a great option for people looking to try something a little more challenging Tryon Creek is also home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, elk, and all kinds of birds home. The quiet, shady paths make for a perfect walk on a hot summer day.
Latourell River (Columbia River Gorge) .
Latourelle Falls is one of the many spectacular waterfalls in the Columbia River Basin. The walk takes you through dense forest, past gushing streams, and finally to a waterfall that leads down a high cliff to a cool pool This is a downhill walk with some steep sections, but the spectacular waterfalls make it worth the effort. You can feel the mist from the falls as you approach, and it’s a great spot for photos. This tour is a perfect introduction to the waterfalls of the lagoon.
Advanced Level Trails
For true adventure enthusiasts, this challenging trek will test your stamina and endurance. It may be more challenging, but the rewards are amazing sights and unforgettable experiences.
Squirrel Mountain
Dog Mountain, a very popular hike, is located about an hour from downtown Portland on the Columbia River. It is famous for its beautiful wildflowers, especially in spring when the entire mountain is covered in bright yellow flowers. The trail is steep and challenging, up the hill with switchbacks, but when you reach the top you get a beautiful view of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains It is a tough hike, but wildflowers and things are possible to discover it makes it one of the most popular tours nearby Portland is located.
Angel’s Vacation Trail
This hike takes you to a rocky area high above the Columbia River gorge. It is a steep climb, where the wind blows through the forest and eventually opens up to spectacular views of the river, mountains and forests below The road is rocky and steep, but the view from the top it makes you feel in the world. It’s a popular spot for sunset walks and has one of the best views of the lake if you’re up for the challenge.
Pittock Mansion along Wildwood Trail
This walk begins in Forest Gardens and continues to the historic Pittock Mansion, a grand old house with beautiful views of downtown Portland. The trail is long and partly steep, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city skyline and Mount Hood once you arrive at the cabin. The building itself is a delight to explore, with the surrounding gardens full of colorful flowers in summer. It’s a great mix of nature and history, and the views make it worth the effort.
Tips for Hiking in Portland
Before you hit the trails, here are some helpful tips to make sure you have a fun and safe hike:
Best times to hike: The best time to hike in Portland is in the spring, summer, and early fall. Summer is usually dry and sunny, but Portland can get a lot of rain in the winter, which makes some trails muddy.
What to pack: Always bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy, it’s easy to get dehydrated while hiking. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket, especially in the spring or fall when rain can pop up suddenly.
Stay safe: Always let someone know where you’re going, especially on longer or more challenging hikes. Stay on marked trails, watch your footing, and be aware of your surroundings.
Leave no trace: It’s important to protect the natural beauty of Portland’s trails. Make sure you take all of your trash with you and don’t disturb plants or animals.
