Oregon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, and an abundance of hiking trails. From coastal trails with panoramic ocean views to lush forests with serene waterfalls, and rugged mountain trails with breathtaking vistas, Oregon offers something for every hiker. If you’re looking to lace up your hiking boots and explore the best of Oregon, here are the top 10 hikes that should be on your bucket list.
Multnomah Falls
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Oregon. The trail takes you through a lush forest with moss-covered trees and ferns, and ends at a bridge that offers a stunning view of the 620-foot tall waterfall.
- Route Type: Out and back
- Trail Length: 2.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Usage: Hiking, sightseeing
- Best Months to Hike: Year-round
- Nearby Cities: Portland, Hood River
Smith Rock State Park
Trail Description: Smith Rock State Park is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing, but it also offers scenic hiking trails. The Misery Ridge Loop takes you on a challenging hike with stunning views of the Crooked River and the surrounding rock formations.
- Route Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Trail Usage: Hiking, rock climbing
- Best Months to Hike: Spring, fall
- Nearby Cities: Bend, Redmond, Sisters
Crater Lake National Park – Garfield Peak
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue lake and stunning panoramas. The Garfield Peak trail takes you to a summit with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The trail can be steep and challenging, but the views are well worth it.
- Route Type: Out and back
- Trail Length: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Usage: Hiking
- Best Months to Hike: Summer, early fall
- Nearby Cities: Klamath Falls, Medford
Opal Creek Wilderness – Jawbone Flats
Opal Creek Wilderness is a pristine wilderness area with ancient forests, crystal-clear creeks, and historic mining ruins. The Jawbone Flats trail takes you through old-growth forest and along the turquoise waters of Opal Creek, leading to a historic mining town.
- Route Type: Out and back
- Trail Length: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Usage: Hiking, camping
- Best Months to Hike: Summer, early fall
- Nearby Cities: Salem, Detroit
Pacific Crest Trail – Oregon Section
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a legendary long-distance trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, and the Oregon section offers some of the most stunning scenery on the trail. Hiking a section of the PCT in Oregon will take you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes with breathtaking vistas.
- Route Type: Point to point
- Trail Length: Varies (around 455 miles in Oregon)
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Trail Usage: Hiking, backpacking
- Best Months to Hike: Summer, early fall
- Nearby Cities: Ashland, Bend, Sisters
Mount Hood – Timberline Trail
Mount Hood, the tallest peak in Oregon, offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience on the Timberline Trail. This loop trail circumnavigates the mountain and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
- Route Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 41.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 9,000 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Trail Usage: Hiking, backpacking
- Best Months to Hike: Summer, early fall
- Nearby Cities: Portland, Hood River, Government Camp
Cape Lookout State Park
Located along the scenic Oregon coast, Cape Lookout State Park offers a beautiful coastal hiking experience. The trail takes you through lush forests and windswept bluffs, offering panoramic ocean views and a chance to spot whales, seals, and other marine life.
- Route Type: Out and back
- Trail Length: 5.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Usage: Hiking, camping
- Best Months to Hike: Spring, summer, fall
- Nearby Cities: Tillamook, Pacific City
Tamolitch Blue Pool
Tamolitch Blue Pool, also known as the McKenzie River Blue Pool, is a unique and stunning hiking destination. The trail takes you through a lush forest and leads to a vibrant blue pool fed by an underground spring. The pool is a breathtaking sight and a perfect spot for a refreshing swim.
- Route Type: Out and back
- Trail Length: 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Usage: Hiking
- Best Months to Hike: Spring, summer, fall
- Nearby Cities: Eugene, Bend, Sisters
Silver Falls State Park – Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park is known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and the Trail of Ten Falls is its most famous hike. The trail takes you through a lush canyon with stunning waterfalls, including the iconic South Falls that you can walk behind.
- Route Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 7.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Usage: Hiking
- Best Months to Hike: Spring, summer, fall
- Nearby Cities: Salem, Portland
Wallowa Lake and Wallowa Mountains
The Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon offer a unique and remote hiking experience. The trails around Wallowa Lake take you through alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and pristine lakes, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for camping and backpacking.
- Route Type: Varies
- Trail Length: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Trail Usage: Hiking, backpacking
- Best Months to Hike: Summer, early fall
- Nearby Cities: Joseph, Enterprise
Oregon is a hiking paradise with a wide range of trails to suit every level of hiker. From scenic coastal hikes to challenging mountain trails, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Make sure to check the trail conditions, bring appropriate gear and supplies, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect and preserve Oregon’s beautiful wilderness. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure in the stunning landscapes of Oregon!