The best hiking trails in Oregon will take you through waterfalls, calderas, hot springs, and historic houses, to name just a few spectacular views. Each year, millions of people flock to these top hiking locations, which range from the rocky coastline to glaciated peaks. And well-known tourist destinations around the nation include Eagle Creek and the McKenzie River. Keep reading for the 10 Best Hikes In Oregon.
The top walks in Oregon accommodate a wide spectrum of walkers in addition to offering a variety of picturesque locations to visit. Numerous trailheads can be found all around Oregon, offering anything from leisurely day hikes to challenging overnight excursions. Walks to waterfalls, hikes through cities, and state-spanning backpacking routes are all among the greatest things to do in Oregon.
1. Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park
The State Capitol in Salem is 30 minutes away by car from this waterfall-filled state park. It is one of Oregon’s most visited state parks, as well as the largest and one with the greatest campgrounds in the state. Silver Falls is referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the state park system for several of these factors.
The Trail of Ten Falls that runs through Silver Falls is what really sets it apart. This National Recreation Trail is a seven-mile loop that features a variety of water and family-friendly attractions.
The route includes side routes that enable shorter excursions for the entire hiking party.
2. Tillamook Head Traverse, Seaside & Cannon Beach
Following in Lewis and Clark’s footsteps, one crosses Tillamook Head and enters a magnificent coastal woodland setting. In order to find whale blubber and winter provisions, members of the Corps of Discovery traveled in a manner similar to this around the Oregon coast. Today’s path is considerably simpler to follow and a part of Ecola State Park.
Between Seaside in the north and Cannon Beach in the south, the Tillamook Head crossing is located. The hike starts either at Indian Beach, which is close to Cannon Beach, or by taking the Seaside Streetcar to the North Tillamook Head trailhead, which is the suggested route. In either case, the task is uphill, but the manageable climb is well worth the effort.
3. Wildwood Trail, Portland – Hikes In Oregon
The Wildwood Trail is a National Scenic Trail that links many of Portland’s top hiking paths. Over 30 miles of the trail provide a convenient route out of the city.
The Wildwood Trail enters Washington Park at the Vietnam Memorial, close to the Hoyt Arboretum, the Oregon Zoo, and other attractions. Within the first five miles of the trails, several well-known Portland locations such as the International Rose Test Garden and Pittock Mansion provide worthwhile detours.
The trail becomes less crowded as you continue along it after past these prominent sights, especially as you approach the vast Forest Park.
4. Discovery Point, Crater Lake National Park
The trails in Crater Lake National Park include about 175 km. The two-mile section of route that leads to Discovery Point is the one that is used the most in the park. One of the most stunning views in the nation may be seen from this famous path.
The trail heads straight for the crater’s edge as it departs from the Rim Visitor Center and Crater Lake Lodge. The ancient caldera, complete with glistening blue water, is quickly revealed by the trail, which offers nonstop breathtaking views of it. This track is one of the most well-liked out-and-back paths in the park, with a flat grade and mostly dirt path that follows a popular detour off the Pacific Crest Trail.
5. Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River Gorge – Hikes In Oregon
Eagle Creek is one of the best walks in the Columbia River Gorge, which connects Oregon and Washington. The path passes through lush Pacific Northwest vegetation and two gorgeous and distinctively diverse waterfalls.
The trail climbs steeply for two miles from the trailhead and popular parking area before reaching the spectacular Punch Bowl Falls – one of Oregon’s top waterfalls. This cliffside site provides a lovely swimming hole as well as a turnaround point for an easy family trip. If you want to walk the extra mile, the trail extends past Punch Bowl Falls to explore further along a steep canyon.
6. Misery Ridge, Smith Rock State Park – Hikes In Oregon
Smith Rock State Park, located thirty minutes north of Bend in the high desert of central Oregon, is one of America’s best sport climbing locations. Over 1,000 bolted routes adorn the volcanic welded tuff cliffs and basalt columns that define this awe-inspiring terrain, which is frequently littered by small climbers making their way up the wall.
Outside of climbing, Smith Rock is a popular weekend retreat from Portland and offers a variety of other adventure and recreation activities. The Misery Ridge climb at Smith Rock, one of the most popular hiking paths near Bend, takes in the entire environment with the help of a few switchbacks.
Before reaching the peak, the trail ascends sharply for approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Crooked River Bridge. The route here provides an excellent perspective of the elevated terrain and river valley below.
7. Bagby Hot Springs Trail – Hikes In Oregon
The 1.5-mile walk leading to Bagby Hot Springs welcomes guests to remain awhile and soak their muscles at the end of a hike. The trail follows a Clackamas River branch deep into Mount Hood National Woodland, gradually undulating through old-growth forest on its approach to the hot springs.
The forested surroundings contribute to the adventure’s charm, but the true reason to visit is the collection of soaking sites near the trail’s end.
8. Angel’s Rest Trail, Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is well renowned for its waterfalls, but it also has some fantastic hiking paths that offer scenic views because of its distinctively steep topography. On the rocky outcropping known as Angel’s Rest, which is located far above the river, is one of the most beautiful elevated landscapes.
A 2.5-mile track with a consistently moderately high incline leads to Angel’s Rest. Although this trip is relatively short, the almost 1,500 feet of elevation increase on the way up makes it difficult for both novice and expert hikers.
9. McKenzie River Trail, Willamette National Forest
This 26.4-mile National Recreation Trail connects Bend and Eugene and follows the waterway that bears its name. Along the journey, the trail reveals a diverse ecosystem. The trail is well-liked for day hikes and overnight backpacking excursions. The path travels largely in the downhill direction from north to south, with a few rocky and hard patches and lots of sights in between.
Koosah and Sahalie Falls, two waterfalls that compete for splash and scenic appeal, are significant trailside highlights.
10. Paulina Lake Trail, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Within Central Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. With more than 54,000 acres of rough terrain, it spectacularly highlights the Lava Lands of the area. Caldera lakes, mile-long lava tubes, and majestic Cascade Peaks, including the monument’s tallest peak, Paulina Peak, are just a few of the diverse landscapes you discover.
Both above and below ground, hiking routes may be found all across Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Although it’s not the most well-known path, the 7.8-mile loop around Paulina Lake leads to one of the monument’s most tranquil features. While the entire hike is pleasant and offers beautiful vistas, most hikers head for the lake’s picturesque coastline hot springs.
