Looking for the best hikes near Portland? We’ve categorized this post to showcase the best trails in around around the city. Enjoy!
Calling all hikers!
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced adventurer, city-dweller or always hitting the trails, we’ve compiled a complete list of the best hikes near Portland.
Berty and I have spent our fair share around the area, exploring everything from neighborhood trails to epic hikes with waterfall!
Pack your bags, get in the car, and let’s go hiking!
How to Prepare For Hiking In Oregon
Okay, before we begin, let’s quickly chat about what you need to do to prepare for hiking in Portland.
In Portland, (and the Pacific Northwest in general) you can expect the weather to be cloudy and rainy more than sunny and dry.
That being said, we’re going to suggest some gear for the worse weather situations, so you can be prepared for anything!
Choose the Right Shoes
Hiking boots are the most important gear you’ll need for your hike in Oregon, and choosing the right shoes can be daunting!
Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of the best boots for hiking in the PNW and how to choose the best hiking boots for you.
Things to consider when picking your hiking shoe:
Do I need waterproof hiking boots or something more breathable?
What kind of ankle support do I like?
What’s the best traction suitable for my hike?
Bring Rain Gear – Essential for hikes near Portland!
Considering the PNW can be quite rainy, it’s important to be prepared by bringing rain gear like a reliable rain jacket, rain pants, and a pack cover.
There are plenty of things to consider when hiking in the rain, so we’ve compiled all our best tips in this post!
…And Sunscreen!
I know I know. No matter the weather, wear sunscreen!
Don’t forget your ears, hairline and part, and back of your hands — they’re most commonly forgotten, and thus at risk for sun damage!
For more sun protection, wear a hat, sunglasses, and a UV protection long sleeve.
Pack the 10 Hiking Essentials
Make the most of your trip and hike safely by packing the 10 hiking essentials for the PNW!
This includes sun protection, a headlamp, a first aid kit, and more.
Download Offline Maps
Not only are offline maps helpful for planning adventures, they’re great to have while hiking and can show you more trails in the area.
Some of the best hiking apps include AllTrails, Cairn, and Maps 3D Pro for their GPS navigation and safety features.
20 Best Hikes Near Portland, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge Hikes Near Portland
1. Multnomah Falls Loop to Wahkeena Falls
- 5.1 mile loop
- 1,640’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
Multnomah Falls Loop to Wahkeena Falls is the most popular hike near Portland, Oregon — and for good reason!
This hike features the whopping 620-foot Multnomah Falls and 242-foot Wahkeena Falls and is best done April through October.
What makes this trail even better is that you can run and rock climb on this trail!
Plan to hike this trail early or during weekdays to avoid traffic and to get a parking spot!
Read More: 12 Incredible Columbia River Gorge Hikes
2. Eagle Creek Falls Trail
- 25.8 miles, out and back
- 4,829’ elevation gain
- Challenging
Just under 2 hours from Portland is the Eagle Creek Falls Trail and is known for its numerous waterfalls, including Tunnel Falls, which is a walk-behind waterfall!
Be sure to wear sun protection and reapply sunscreen as much of the trail is exposed to the sun.
Extend your stay and camp at Wahtum Lake, the end point of the trail, or stay at Eagle Creek Campground and hike the trail as a day trip.
3. Latourell Falls Loop
- 2 mile loop
- 643’ elevation gain
- Moderately Challenging
If you’re looking for an easy hike near Portland, Oregon, the hike to Latourell Falls is for you!
Better yet, this is the best hike within one hour of Portland (47 min drive)!
On this hike, you will see the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge (249 feet) and hike across some slippery sections, so be sure to wear proper footwear!
The best time of year to hike to Latourell Falls is March through October and takes an average of 1 hr 14 min to complete.
4. Beacon Rock Trail
- 1.5 miles, out and back
- 574’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Beacon Rock Trail is 2 hours from Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge and totally worth the drive!
This trail is known for its high-elevation views of the gorge, wooden slat bridges, and lush scenery.
You can expect the trail to be busy (unless hiking early or during weekdays), there are bathrooms at the trailhead, and most of the trail is paved or made of wood, with metal railing throughout.
A Discover Pass is required to visit Beacon Rock Trail.
5. Falls Creek Falls
- 5 miles, roundtrip
- 1,100’ elevation gain
- Easy/moderately challenging
Falls Creek Falls is one of the coolest hikes near Portland, as it boasts views of a stunning Washington waterfall.
The three-tiered waterfall drops 335 feet and the last tier drops 135 into Falls Creek. It’s a magical sight!
The best time to visit this hike is spring and early summer when the waterfall is the most full.
Hiking Trails Near Portland (Southbound)
6. Silver Falls State Park
- 7.4 mile loop
- 1,210’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
Silver Falls State Park has some of the most iconic waterfall hikes near Portland and is just 1.5 hours away from the city!
The Trail of Ten Falls is one of our favorites in the area for its lush forests, views of 10 iconic waterfalls (including walk behind waterfalls!), and history of the park.
If you want to know which waterfalls you’ll see along the way and how to prepare for your adventure, check out our complete guide to visiting the Trail of Ten Falls!
7. Spencer Butte Trail in Eugene
- 1.6 mile loop
- 731’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Spencer Butte Trail in Eugene, Oregon is 118 miles from Portland (2.5 hours) and is popular for its various route options.
This is definitely a choose your own adventure kind of hike, meaning you can hike it any way you want!
Hiking the traditional way has you starting on the west side to the summit. On this route, you can expect a steep ascent to a beautiful view at the summit and a more moderate descent on the way back down.
Some hikers prefer to travel the loop the opposite way, and others go down the way they came up. You pick!
Read More: 12 Cozy Things To Do In Eugene, Oregon in the Winter
8. Marion Falls and Gatch Falls Trail
- 5 miles, out and back
- 1,100’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Marion Falls and Gatch Falls Trail is one of our favorite waterfall hikes near Portland, Oregon for its unmatched views of two iconic Oregon waterfalls.
The best time to hike this trail is during the summer and early fall when the trail will be dry and the wildflowers are blooming!
This trail is great to hike in the fall, though chances are it’ll be a bit rainy as you hike (and misty from the falls!), making it a magical experience in its own way.
9. Abiqua Falls Trail
- 0.7 miles, out and back
- 249’ elevation gain
- Challenging
If you love waterfalls and a unique challenge, the Abiqua Falls Trail is for you!
Abiqua Falls is one of the coolest waterfalls in Oregon as it features columnar basalt surrounding the falls (reminiscent of Svartifoss in Iceland!).
This trail is best suited for experienced hikers, as this is a challenging, but rewarding hike with varied terrain and ropes on steep sections!
The road to the trailhead is pretty rough as well, and requires an AWD truck, jeep, or SUV with high ground clearance (unless you’re willing to hike to the trailhead from the parking lot).
NOTE: The trail is located on private property that’s open for public use, so stay on trail and respect the signs along the way.
10. Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail
- 2.4 mile loop
- 364’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
For more hikes to Oregon waterfalls, hike the serene Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail.
On this hike, you will see the McKenzie River, the 100-foot Sahalie Falls just past the parking lot, and the 70-foot Koosah Falls that flows into a deep pool below.
This is a great place to take photos and is an awesome day trip from Eugene, if you’re going on a getaway from Portland!
Best Hikes Around Portland (Mount Hood National Forest)
11. Ramona Falls Trail
- 7.1 mile loop
- 1,035’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
Found near Mount Hood lies stunning the Ramona Falls Trail – a popular summer Oregon hike near Portland!
The Ramona Falls Trail is known for its 120-foot waterfall, views of Mount Hood through the trees, and footbridge at the base of the falls!
There’s a pretty tricky river crossing on this trail that changes seasonally, so be prepared with the correct hiking gear and be extremely cautious as you cross!
Heads Up: A Northwest Forest Pass ($30) is required to visit the Ramona Falls Trail.
12. Tamanawas Falls Trail
- 3.4 miles, out and back trail
- 580’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Tamanawas Falls Trail is stunning!
On your hike, you will follow a creek through diverse terrain to reach the dramatic Tamanawas Falls.
The falls features crumbling columnar basalt (reminiscent of Svartifoss in Iceland!) and is the perfect place to stop for a picnic.
This trail is very popular, so plan to hike early in the day or on a weekday!
NOTE: There’s a parking fee for the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, as it’s found in Mount Hood National Forest ($5, cash only).
13. Trillium Lake Loop Trail
- 1.9 mile loop
- 26’ elevation gain
- Easy
Named after the wildflower, the Trillium Lake Loop Trail is an epic and easy PNW hike that goes around Trillium Lake and has excellent views of Mount Hood!
This hike is a great option for seniors, beginner hikers, and families with kids, because the trail is generally flat and smooth.
It’s also the perfect hike for those seeking access to the lake, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, and is wheelchair accessible.
NOTE: There’s a $10 parking fee (cash only) at the parking lot.
14. Mirror Lake Loop Trail
- 4.2 mile loop
- 672’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
Hiking the Mirror Lake Trail is one of the best things to do in Mount Hood, because of its epic views of Mount Hood!
What makes this hike particularly rewarding is that you can swim in the clear waters of Mirror Lake at the end of your hike while enjoying the view.
You should plan to hike this early or during weekdays, as this is a popular hike in the area!
Also, wear waterproof hiking boots on this trail, as there are some muddy spots along the way.
Hiking Trails IN Portland
Now, you don’t actually need to leave the city to experience nature! Some of the best hikes in Portland are just a quick 10 minute drive from your doorstep.
Here are some trails to check out before heading out of the city:
15. Forest Park Ridge Trail
- 4.25 miles, roundtrip
- 982’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Forest Park Ridge Trail is a great hike in Portland that is just a short drive across the St. John’s Bridge into Forest Park.
The trail is well maintained, generally low traffic, and has a bit of elevation gain, making it a great hike to stretch your legs and get your heart rate up!
Just starting out? Make sure to read our tips for beginner hikers to prepare yourself! Be sure to check the weather, pack the right snacks, and bring enough water.
16. Powell Butte Loop Trail
- 6 mile loop
- 925’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
Located in Powell Butte Nature Park, the Powell Butte Loop Trail offers visitors lush greenery and well maintained trails.
What makes this trail unique is that it leads you all throughout the nature park and the largest natural area on Portland’s east side.
You’ll also get views of the surrounding mountains!
The Powell Butte Loop Trail is open year round and is also suitable for mountain biking and running!
17. The Wildwood Trail
- 29.5 miles, point to point
- 3,113’ elevation gain
- Challenging
The Wildwood Trail is one of the longest hikes in Portland that takes hikers along the Willamette River.
This is a point to point trail, meaning you will start and end at different locations, therefore needing transportation from either end.
Considering its difficulty, elevation gain, and mileage, the Wildwood Trail is best done by experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge!
NOTE: Part of the trail is closed, though you can still enjoy a large portion of it! More information here.
18. Mount Tabor Blue Loop Trail
- 1.9 mile loop
- 213’ elevation gain
- Easy
The Mount Tabor Blue Loop Trail is found in Mount Tabor Park and is one of the best hikes in Portland!
The trail is found in east Portland, making it very accessible for those in the city and those planning a weekend trip from Portland.
This trail is popular for beginners and is open year-round.
19. Tyron Creek Triple Bridge Loop
- 3.4 mile loop
- 534’ elevation gain
- Moderately challenging
The Tyron Creek Triple Bridge Loop is found in southern Portland in Tyron Creek State Natural Area.
While on this quiet trail, you’re likely to see lots of birds, lush greenery, and get lots of shade!
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful in all seasons. However, beware going in the fall…it’s considered one of the most haunted hikes in the Pacific Northwest!
20. Pittock Mansion via Upper Macleay and Wildwood Trail
- 2.6 mile loop
- 492’ elevation gain
- Easy
The Pittock Mansion via Upper Macleay and Wildwood Trail is one of the best hikes near Portland that boast lush scenery and views of the surrounding mountains.
What makes this trail unique is that you’ll pass by the historic, 23-room Pittock Mansion that was built in 1914.
The house is now a museum, so you can extend your adventure by visiting the mansion and learn all about the mansion, the community’s effort to save the mansion, and the surrounding area!
21. Hoyt Arboretum Trail
- 1.4 mile loop
- 216’ elevation gain
- Easy
The Hoyt Arboretum Trail is an excellent easy hike in Portland with beautiful views of wildflowers and tree groves. It’s a favorite among locals!
This is a great option for birders, beginner hikers, and families with kids.
Make your visit a natural scavenger hunt to keep the kids busy and learning the entire hike!
Other Iconic Hikes Near Portland, Oregon
Looking for more hiking trails around Oregon? There are SO MANY good ones to choose from! To explore other parts of the state, here are some blog posts we’ve written about hiking in Oregon:
- 26 Oregon Coast Hikes
- 16 Hikes in Bend, Oregon
- Hikes Near Seattle, Washington
- Best Hikes in Washington State
- 19 Incredible Washington Winter Hikes
- The 21 Most Haunted Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
- 20 Energizing Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
Map of Best Portland Hikes
Coming soon!