A coastal state in America’s Pacific Northwest, Oregon is famed for its pristine wildlife and gorgeous landscapes. Its rich natural beauty and diversity has led to dozens, if not hundreds, of trails and hikes being mapped out over the years, all of which are enjoyed the by thriving nature-loving community of the state. Because of how gorgeous the forests, mountains, farms, and beaches of Oregon are, travelers have come from near and far to get a taste of what the state has to offer. But with so many breathtaking places to see, where do you start? Here are some of the best hikes that Oregon has to offer.
Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls Trailhead
Majestic and breathtaking, Mount Hood is one of the most popular mountains to visit in Oregon, with most hikers stopping by during the winter months. In contrast, the east side of the mountain provides a welcome reprieve from the crowds and a remarkable tranquility.
The best place to start is the Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls Trailhead, which will take you through a path surrounded by mixed firs, black huckleberries, and hemlocks, then past the Clark and Newton Creeks. After exploring Elk Meadows, continue on to the Sahalie Falls Trailhead for a beautiful introduction to Oregon’s incredible rivers and waterfalls on an old-growth forest loop. The pinnacle of this trailhead is the 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls, one of the McKenzie River’s two grandest waterfalls. Visitors can expect a moderate hike through both trailheads with an elevation gain of 780 feet for Elk Meadows and 400 feet for Sahalie Falls. Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls Trailhead Map
Umbrella and Sahalie Falls Trailhead
Sitting on the southeast side of Mount Hood, the Umbrella and Sahalie Falls Trailhead offer you an eye-catching display of flowers and more while you explore this gentle flank of the volcano. Your hike will start on the Umbrella trail, which features an open forest junction that quickly shifts to a climb on a rocky bluff.
As the trail levels off, lovers of the outdoors will find themselves at a small meadow until you reach the graceful and Umbrella Falls. Once you have sufficiently enjoyed the peace by the falls, cross a footbridge to make your way towards the powerful Sahalie Falls. There’s a lovely place by the East Fork of the trail that is the perfect place to stop for lunch. Don’t forget to stop by the bridge viewpoint to take in the fantastic vistas that this side of Mount Hood has to offer. MaP
Neakahnie Mountain Trail
There’s nothing quite like standing at the peak of Neakahnie Mountain and staring out into the distance to see the glorious ocean waters meet the clouds.
To get to this magnificent spot, the only way is through the 6.4-mile loop of the Neakahnie Mountain Trail, a fantastic back trail that is home to gorgeous wild flowers and several activity options. Open from March until November, this mountain trail is officially rated as moderate and has a 2,401-foot elevation gain. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs with them on the trail to enjoy the nature trail, while outdoor activities like road biking and trail running are also encouraged. The best views are undoubtedly found at the coastal peak where hikers can soak up the magnificent views of the Pacific.
McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
Named the best trail in the United States by Bike Magazine in the past, the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the state of Oregon and perhaps one of the most beautiful in the country as well. It’s a popular place to visit for mountain biking in particular, though other visitors also come to hike or to enjoy some trail running. Most of the trail goes through old growth forest, with gorgeous waterfalls, pools, log bridges, and the crystal clear blue waters of the river to see along the way. While on this trail, hikers and bikers alike will come across old lava flows coming from Mount Washington, while the Clear Lake and the Great Spring are also marvelous sights to behold along the way. If you are inclined to do so, you can even take the trail down to the Sahalie and Koosah falls, passing incredible viewpoints along the way. Map
Klickitat Trail
A family friendly trail that’s open all year, the Klickitat Trail takes visitors around the Swale Canyon and along the gentle Swale Creek for a unique experience with nature. The trail starts by following the first 31 miles of an old unused railroad corridor that used to serve as a link between the towns of Goldendale and Lyle. The path then diverges into a unique trail that winds along the nationally designated Wild and Scenic River area of the Columbia River Gorge. From here, hikers can take their families of an exploration of the canyon rim rock or pass along the balsamroot and flower covered slopes of the area. You’ll come across eye catching geologic formations and spectacular sceneries dotted with colorful wildflowers, beautiful hills, and awe-inspiring wildlife like the bald eagle. Map
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Go on a quick getaway into the serenity that only nature can provide at the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. On this fantastic trail, visitors can explore the wildlife on the bike path or walk in silence through the hiking trails. Picnicking and stops to the viewpoint for a gaze at over 12 miles of great vistas are also great ideas while on this trail. Map
Salmon River Trail
Travel the old mossy paths of the Salmon River Trail to enjoy the unique, wild and scenic surroundings of the Salmon River. Enjoy a leisurely trek through the gentle terrain and enjoy some wild fishing at the river while you’re at it. Map
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Known as the first “rails-to-trails” state park in the state of Oregon, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail allows visitors to explore the abandoned railroad bed that threads through the 21-mile stretch connecting the cities of Banks and Vernonia. It features an 8-foot wide hiking and bicycle trail as well as a four-foot wide horse trails. Map
Opal Creek Trailhead
Traverse the Opal Creek Trailhead to enjoy the best of the creek’s wilderness and to spend some quality time alone or with friends and family at the recreation area. Apart from fantastic hiking, the area has great lake and pond fishing opportunities as well as horseback riding, camping, and nature viewing. Map
Fall Creek
A designated National Recreation Trail, the Fall Creek Trail is a hiker-only route that allows all visitors to bask in the cool air of the valley while reveling in gorgeous streamside vegetation. Camping is available in the Bedrock Campground and is easily accessible through a route of level ground, log bridges and gentle streams. Map
