13 of the Most Mind-Blowing Hikes Around Portland

Rooster rock

A casual, mostly flat stroll alongside the Columbia River is sometimes all you need. Named after an impressive rock formation that hangs over the river, this trailhead is perfect for getting a quick summer dip after a short meditative walk and a picnic.

Puff Falls

This short hike is quickly becoming the most popular in the Gorge area as it offers visitors the rare chance to get your feet wet hiking upstream. Although there are few trail markers and it can get a little tricky walking through the water, this is the kind of family hike that kids will go nuts over. Wear a swimsuit and hiking sandals!

Tamanawas Falls

Even in a state known for spectacular waterfalls, this stands out for its size and setting (a bowl-shaped canyon that provides a hypnotic echo for the falls, which you can climb behind). The hike itself begins at the Sherwood Trailhead and is short and sweet, following the babbling creek filled with mini-falls all the way to the source.

Tillamook Head

Sandwiched between Cannon Beach and Seaside, the Head offers three of the best coastal hikes in Oregon (the Indian Beach Trailhead, Tillamook Head Trailhead and Ecola State Park Trailhead). The short, easy-to-get-to hikes feature vistas of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, a WW2 bunker, log cabins and access to Indian Beach.

Indian Point Loop

One of the most sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge can be found at the end of one of its most challenging hikes. Open year round but especially popular in the summer with Oregonians looking for a tan, this steep incline runs along exposed cliffs and is not to be messed with. Its accessibility from Highway 30 makes it the perfect place for newcomers to begin testing their Oregon hiking grit.

Hoyt Arboretum

The best thing about the arboretum is the limitless freedom its dozens of paths offer to visitors. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Portland, the arboretum is a beloved local spot filled with benches, open lawns and tags labelling the broad variety of species along the trail. To get the most out of the arboretum, try the Wildwood Trail loop.

Saddle Mountain

Located off Highway 26 between Portland and Seaside, Saddle Mountain is a dramatic rocky butte in the middle of timber country. A not-too-steep hike with panoramic views, this hike is the perfect way to introduce kids to a lifetime of outdoor adventure.

Timberline Lodge Trailhead

The most iconic mountain in Oregon comes with one of the most challenging multi-day hikes in the state. Starting and finishing at Timberline Lodge, this trek offers a 360-degree panorama of all of northwestern Oregon and southern Washington and offers a variety of geological formations, creeks and alpine meadowlands. An excellent coming-of-age experience for Oregonians, this is the perfect long-weekend summer escape from the city life.

Ramona Falls

This cascading waterfall is one of Mount Hood’s best. The hike to it offers a gentle climb through alpine woods along the Sandy River. There are plenty of slapdash campsites folks use for picnics, so pack a lunch.

Lost Lake

A perfect place to catch the sunset on Mount Hood in the summertime and also a stellar spot for your first camping trip. The loop around the lake is easy, and the whole area is ripe for exploring on foot or by rowboat. Fishing ain’t bad either.

Dog Mountain

Probably the most popular spring hike on The Gorge, this ferociously steep trail (with an altitude gain of 2800 feet) is famous for the fields of wildflowers it passes through. For the full magnificent effect, visit in late May. There are two trailheads that create a loop, although they start and end at the same place. If you have the energy for it, follow the signs to Puppy Dog Lookout, an old fire lookout that is perfect for a summer picnic.

Tryon Creek

Slightly smaller than NW Portland’s Forest Park, but no slouch when it comes to activities. Walking paths, bike trails and horse trails are all available within the sprawling forest, which is centered on a web of scenic creeks. Perfect for getting out of Portland for an afternoon walk that ends with an early dinner and ice cream in Lake Oswego.

Balch Creek

A popular field-trip destination for elementary schools across the city, Balch Creek exemplifies that city-meets-forest visage Portland is so famous for. Kicking off under a funky industrial-looking bridge just a few blocks from the NW 23rd shopping district, Balch Creek leads you deep into the woods where civilization fades almost completely. Popular features include the ruin of Witches Castle and the Audubon Society, which makes for a good afternoon field trip for folks of all ages.