Hiking in Portland, OR

The view from the top of the Cascade Head hike is one of the most spectacular along the Oregon Coast. That, paired with the diversity of plant and animal life here, makes this hike an absolute must for Portland hikers.

Multnomah Falls is considered the tallest waterfall in Oregon with its two separate plunges combined, and it's truly a sight to behold. Just up the road is another very impressive set of falls in Wahkeena. Use the 5-mile loop trail connector and witness both of these stunning falls.

Dog Mountain, in spring, is one of the most stellar destinations in the Pacific Northwest. It's simply exploding with color.

The 2-mile family friendly trail to Wahclella Falls takes you to one of the less frequented set of falls in the area. This is a great option if you're wanting to witness a great set of Columbia River Gorge falls without having to deal with the crowds.

The hike to Dry Creek Falls is short, easy and gorgeous, especially when the leaves are changing color in the fall. It is a beautiful single-stream cascade that flows down 75 feet in front of large slabs of columnar basalt.

The Bagby Hot Springs are natural hot springs adjacent to a secluded tributary of the Clackamas River that is forty miles southeast of Estacada, Oregon. The warm water fills logs that were hewn by hand and natural wooden tubs.

This five mile hike takes you through some interesting and variable landscapes until you reach a rock-strewn summit with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.

These falls are simply something else, and they must be seen in person. The 3.5-mile approach trail (one way) takes you over the source waters of Sandy River, through lush, old forests, and past vistas of iconic Mt. Hood.

In a deep, forested canyon that gets seemingly better with every step, Fairy Falls makes for a perfect rest stop on your ascent. However, the delicate beauty of this 20-foot cascade regularly renders visitors breathless.

Neahkahnie Mountain is a very accessible peak, for intermediate and experienced hikers alike. It leads to an incredible view of the coastline to the south, while highlighting the plant and terrain diversity of the area.

The view of the gorge as you trek through the unique landscape to the Labyrinth is incredible. This hike is filled with oaks, beautiful waterfalls, basalt outcroppings that contrast the view, and the area is filled with wildflowers in the spring.

Oneonta Gorge is one of the most stunning gorges in the country, featuring canyon walls covered in lush green moss and clear, cold water plunging from picturesque falls.

Elowah Falls is an incredibly majestic and very large, 289-foot waterfall, which is impressive and not hard to get to. The falls originate from the McCord Creek and cascade in a curve over a distinct volcanic cliff.

From Mount Beachie, you will experience incredible views of both Opal Creek and the Bull of the Woods Wilderness areas. On a clear day, you may also spot many of the high Cascade Mountains from Mount Adams to Diamond Peak.

Tryon Creek State Park is the only state park within Portland city limits. Though the trails are pretty short, it's very easy to connect them to one another and get in a solid workout.

One of the more popular stops on the Oregon side of the Gorge, the Horsetail Falls parking lot fills up quickly during the warm summer months, with people coming to enjoy this really great 4.5 mile hiking trail.

Table Mountain may be one of the most difficult mountains to climb on the Washington side, but it is worth all of the work it takes to get to the top because of the outstanding 360 views from the summit.

Paradise Park is an alpine meadow around Mount Hood that is appropriately named for its beauty year round. The park is particularly beautiful when it is littered with wildflowers in July and August.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 141-acre park located in a floodplain of the Willamette River very close to downtown Portland. It's an easily accessible place to enjoy a hike or run in a pristine wilderness area.

The Opal Creek Wilderness is truly stunning. The ancient forests and pristine pools make this a true Northwest wonder. Enjoy a 7-mile roundtrip hike to Opal Pool, and have an unforgettable swim.

Powell Butte is a very easy place to enjoy a hike, run, or bike ride, and it's really beautiful. Views of Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helens accompany you the whole way.

Oxbow Regional Park is a very family friendly park located within the old-growth forests of Sandy River Gorge.

The Latourell Falls have the distinction of being the closest major Gorge falls to the city of Portland. The 2.4 mile, family friendly trail that leads to these very photogenic falls is one of the most accessible and worthwhile hikes in the Columbia River Gorge area.

The Wildwood Trail, in Forest Park, is a very popular 30-mile stretch of trail that sometimes gets pretty populated in its southern portion. When this time comes, head to the northern section for a tranquil and family friendly day of hiking.

When hiking in Jefferson Park, you are surrounded by wildflowers and colorful shrubbery with the beautiful and daunting Mount Jefferson looking down on you from above.