When hiking in Oregon, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we’ve got the perfect hike listed here just for you. From the most epic views to the most unique hikes, this article has all the best hikes in Oregon to make any outdoor-lover happy!
Oregon boasts some of the most scenic and dramatic hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest, so we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Oregon to help you plan your adventures around this diverse state.
From the deserts of East Oregon to the dramatic views on the Oregon Coast, use this list of the best Oregon hikes to make the most out of your Oregon itinerary.
Most Scenic Oregon Hikes
1. Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls Loop
- Location: Columbia River Gorge, 30 miles east of Portland.
- Distance: 9 miles, loop
- Elevation: 2,864 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Multnomah Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, making it rank easily as one of the best hikes in Oregon. On this loop trail, enjoy six different falls and cascades among rich green tones of forest. This is a popular spot for day hikers, photographers, trail runners, and families.
2. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail
- Location: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, 213 miles south of Eugene
- Distance: 0.7 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 62 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
The Natural Bridges viewpoint is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon for its stunning rock formations right on the Oregon Coast. To get to the most beautiful viewpoint, go right at the parking lot, rather than left since that will take you along the coastal trail.
3. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail via Pacific Crest Trail
- Location: Oregon Coast, 90 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 2.8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 866 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Witness one of the most dramatic and panoramic views of the Oregon Coast on the Neahkahnie Mountain Trail. This trail is best hiked during the spring months, when the trail is dotted with coastal fawn lilies, salals, and other colorful wildflowers.
This trail is one of our favorite hikes near Cannon Beach.
4. Gold Butte Fire Lookout Trail
(Temporarily CLOSED as of April 2022)
- Location: Willamette National Forest, 111 miles east of Salem
- Distance: 2.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 734 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
This short and sweet trail takes you to a historic fire lookout looking out at the Oregon Cascades. This trail is best hiked in the spring and summer months, but can be enjoyed year round. The Gold Butte Fire Lookout can be rented online, so be mindful if there are others staying here when you pay it a visit. Check for an updated trail status here.
5. Trail of Ten Falls
- Location: Silver Falls State Park, 24 miles east of Salem
- Distance: 7.4 miles, out-and-back or loop
- Elevation: 1,151 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
The Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most popular trails in Silver Falls State Park and the best trail in Oregon for waterfalls. You won’t be disappointed on this Oregon trail since every waterfall is jaw-dropping and picturesque, ranging from 27 feet to 178 feet high.
Use our guide to Silver Falls State Park to help plan your trip!
Psst! Is chasing waterfalls kinda your thing? Are you also an avid hiker? Check out these incredible Oregon waterfall hikes and see which ones you need to add to your bucket list.
6. Oneonta Gorge Trail
(Temporarily CLOSED as of April 2022)
- Location: Columbia River Gorge Natural Scenic Area, 35.7 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 5.6 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,633 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Walk through a gorge bursting at the seams with vibrant green hues and through waist to chest deep water to discover the prize at the end of this jaw-dropping trail, Lower Oneonta Falls. This trail is best hiked in the summer months on a week day to avoid crowds and for favorable water temperature in the gorge. Check for an updated trail status here.
Psst! Looking for even more adventure? Check out our list of the best hot springs in Oregon and where to find them.
Best Oregon Hikes Near Portland
7. Angel’s Rest Trail
- Location: Columbia River Gorge, 27.8 east of Portland
- Distance: 4.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,476 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Explore the west end of the Columbia River Gorge on the Angel’s Rest Trail. Hike over million year old lava flows from Larch Mountain and witness it open up to views of the gorge, Beacon Rock, and Silver Star Mountain.
Psst! This is also one of the best hikes near Portland!
8. Munra Point Trail via George Trail
- Location: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, 38 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 4.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 2,076 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
This is one of the best Oregon hikes since it is one of the most scenic views of the entire Columbia River Gorge. Hike over a shark fin ridge to the exposed basalt knob and take in the views of the gorge. This hike is best experienced in dry weather, from April to November.
9. Bald Mountain via Lolo Pass Trail
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 55.9 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 6.7 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,489 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
This is a quiet section of the Pacific Crest Trail that links onto the Timberline Trail and to a lookout trail to the summit of Bald Mountain. Enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Hood and keep an eye out for the remains of an old fire lookout that last stood in the 1940s.
10. Table Mountain Trail via Pacific Crest Trail
- Location: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, 52 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 16.4 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 4,311 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
While the Bonneville Trailhead for this hike is located in Washington, this is still one of the best hikes in Oregon. This trail is sweat-inducing and will challenge even experienced hikers. Those that take on the challenge and arrive at the Table Mountain Summit enjoy staggering views of Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge Wilderness.
Easy Hikes In Oregon
11. Abiqua Falls Trail
- Location: Santiam National Forest, 53.1 miles south of Portland
- Distance: 0.7 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 249 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Abiqua Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by chiseled basalt columns. It’s formed the same as the waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park, but this boasts a little bit more solitude.
12. Proxy Falls Loop Trail
- Location: Willamette National Forest, 71 miles east of Bend
- Distance: 1.6 miles, loop
- Elevation: 147 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Hike through lava fields and dense forests to see two beautiful waterfalls near Bend. This Oregon day hike is perfect for day hikers and families and is best hiked from March through November.
13. Lookout Mountain Trail
- Location: Badger Creek Wilderness, 99.4 miles east of Bend
- Distance: 2.6 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 551 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Lookout Mountain is the perfect trail for those that want to see incredible views but with little effort. This is one of the best hikes in Oregon for its view of Mount Hood and the Cascade Mountain Range.
Moderate Hikes In Oregon
14 .The Watchman Peak Trail
- Location: Crater Lake National Park, 148 miles south of Bend
- Distance: 1.7 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 400 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Anyone up to cross a National Park off your bucket list? The Watchman Peak Trail is one of the best hikes in Crater Lake National Park and boasts stunning views of Wizard Island, and wildflowers in the summer months. Arrive here early to enjoy the most unobstructed views over Crater Lake.
Psst! If you’re planning to head to this National Park, check out the America the Beautiful Annual Pass to save money on entrance fees!
15. Broken Top Mountain to No Name Lake
- Location: Deschutes National Forest, 25 miles west of Bend
- Distance: 5.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,420 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Take the challenge to hike up Broken Top Mountain, a stratovolcano whose last activity was over 100,000 years ago. At the top, see No Name Lake sitting in the crater that was formed from glaciers carving the volcano over thousands of years.
We put together a detailed guide to hiking Broken Top so you’ll know exactly how to get there and what to expect.
16. Tumalo Falls Trail
- Location: Deschutes National Forest, 15.7 miles west of Bend
- Distance: 6.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 583 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Start the Tumalo Falls Trail early to beat the crowds and enjoy this 90-foot falls pouring over a basalt ledge. Depending on how far you go, you’ll be able to spot over seven different waterfalls on this route. This trail is popular for day hikers and mountain bikers.
We put together a detailed guide to the Tumalo Falls hike so you’ll know exactly how to get there and what to expect.
17. Tamolitch Blue Pool via the McKenzie River Trail
- Location: Willamette National Forest; 63 miles from Bend
- Distance: 3.7 miles, out and back
- Elevation: 305 ft
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
This short section of the McKenzie River Trail brings you to the stunning turquoise Tamolitch Pool (also known simply as the Blue Pool). There are no filters used on this photo – the water really is that blue!
You’ll begin your hike walking through an old growth Douglass fir forest. The hike is relatively flat, but be careful for tree roots and slippery rocks. We have all the directions and information you need in our guide to visiting the Tamolitch Blue Pool.
18. Green Lakes Trail
- Location: Deschutes National Forest, 25.8 miles west of Bend
- Distance: 9.1 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,187 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Follow Fall Creek on the Green Lakes Trail up to picturesque lakes at the base of the South Sister. This trail is best hiked June through September and is perfect for day hikers, backpackers, and fisherman.
It’s known as one of the best hikes near Bend!
19. Ramona Falls Trail
- Location: Mount Hood Wilderness, 52.1 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 7.1 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,066 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Ramona Falls could be considered the centerpiece of the Mount Hood Wilderness. This cascading waterfall is one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon and is a junction for the Pacific Crest Trail and Timberline Trail, so you can expect to see day hikers and backpackers taking in its beauty.
20. Mirror Lake Loop Trail
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 55.3 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 4.2 miles, loop
- Elevation: 672 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Mirror Lake in the Mount Hood National Forest is the perfect place for a picnic or lake day for avid hikers and families. Cross bridged streams and pockets of wildflowers in the spring months or consider snowshoeing this loop in the winter months.
21. Silver Falls Canyon Trail
- Location: Silver Falls State Park, 23.8 miles east of Salem
- Distance: 5.6 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Silver Falls is the second highest waterfall in the state making it one of the best Oregon waterfall hikes. Along this route you’ll find a variety of different waterfalls along this historic trail that was transformed from a pack trail to a wagon road 1901, and eventually changed to a hiking only trail.
22. Tamanawas Falls Trail
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 87.4 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 3.4 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 580 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Tamanawas Falls is where Cold Spring Creek pours over a 110-foot cliff at the base of Mount Hood. It can be accessed any time of year with the right gear and is perfect for fall foliage or a snowshoe.
23. Strawberry Lake and Little Strawberry Lake Trail
- Location: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, 107 miles southwest of Baker City
- Distance: 6.9 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,368 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Pristine meadows, fields of wildflowers, and two stunning lakes make the Strawberry Lake and Little Strawberry Lake Trail one of the best hikes in Oregon. While you enjoy the lakes and Strawberry Falls, look around for wildlife like mountain goats and deer. Mosquito repellant is essential for this hike since they can get brutal in the summer.
24. Eagle Creek Trail
- Location: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, 40.9 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 25.8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 4,927 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
The Eagle Creek Trail is popular for day hikers, backpackers, and trail runners. This Oregon hike near Portland is best experienced in the spring or early summer since that is when the waterfalls are at their peak. It’s most popular for its array of waterfalls, including one you can walk behind!
25. Battle Ax Mountain Loop Trail
- Location: Bull of the Woods Wilderness, 117 miles east of Salem
- Distance: 5.8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,751 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Battle Ax Mountain is one of the most scenic hikes in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. Endure the slow, rocky, and potholed drive up to Elk Lake to get to the trailhead and begin your loop to see incredible views of the Three Sisters and Mount Rainier. Battle Ax is best hiked in the summer and fall months.
26. Marion Falls and Gatch Falls Trail
- Location: Mount Jefferson Wilderness, 72.8 miles east of Salem
- Distance: 4.3 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 921 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Marion Falls and Gatch Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon. Best hiked April through September, walk along Marion Creek and through vibrant pines to these beautiful cascades in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. Don’t forget your day pass!
Challenging Hikes in Oregon
27. Misery Ridge Trail
- Location: Smith Rock State Park, 27.1 miles north of Bend
- Distance: 3.5 miles, loop
- Elevation: 948 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Explore the Misery Ridge Trail in the spring or fall to enjoy views of the Crooked River winding through Smith Rock State Park. At the viewpoint, look for remnants of Oregon’s largest volcanic eruption, almost 29.5 million years ago within a collapsed caldera.
Psst! Check out our guide to visiting Smith Rock State Park on our sister site for all the information you need to plan your visit.
28. Paradise Park Trail via the Timberline Trail
- Location: Mount Hood Wilderness, 52 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 15.7 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 3,428 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Paradise Park is one of the most beautiful alpine areas on Mount Hood. Tackle this as a day hike, or a multi-day hike and snag a campsite at the North Fork of Lost Creek that boasts the best views. This is a perfect hike to see fields of colorful wildflower meadows!
29. Maxwell Lake Trail
- Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness, 114 miles northeast of Baker City
- Distance: 8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 2,450 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Challenging
- View the trail notes
From June to August, pick fresh huckleberries as you climb past high peaks and pristine views to the glittering Maxwell Lake. Be mindful of the water levels at Maxwell Creek in the early spring or after it rains, since you’ll be crossing this river on your way up.
30. Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Trail
- Location: Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, 54.2 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 9 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,709 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail is one of the best hikes in Oregon since the trail is well-kept and has amazing views of Mount Hood and Mirror Lake as you hike through the vibrant forests of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. This is an excellent hike for the summer or fall hiking season.
We put together a detailed guide to hiking Tom Dick and Harry Mountain so you’ll know exactly how to prepare and what to expect.
31. South Sister Summit
- Location: Three Sisters Wilderness, 27.7 miles east of Bend
- Distance: 11.6 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 4,986 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The South Sister summit is a bucket list hike of many Oregon natives. At the summit, experience one of best 360-degree views in central Oregon. The South Sister Summit doesn’t require any technical gear or climbing knowledge making it popular for its short summer hiking season.
We have all the directions and information you need in our trail guide for the South Sister Hike.
32. Painted Canyon Loop Trail
- Location: Northern Owyhee Canyonlands, 89 miles south of Vale
- Distance: 9 miles, loop
- Elevation: 1,200 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The Painted Canyon Loop Trail is one of the best day hikes in Owyhee Country. Best hiked during the springtime, watch out for the Owyhee Clovers and other wildflowers as you hike through Carlton Canyon, Honeycombed battlements, and the Painted Canyon.
33. Cooper Spur Trail
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 89.5 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 12.2 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 5,055 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The Cooper Spur Trail takes you to the highest point on Mount Hood via a formal trail. At the top, watch ice fall from Elliot Glacier in the North, see Oregon’s desert country in the East, and the Hood River Valley in the Northeast.
34. Paulina Peak Trail
- Location: Fremont National Forest, 57.5 miles south of Sisters
- Distance: 6.1 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,607 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The Paulina Peak Trail begins on the shores of Paulina Lake and goes through magical coniferous forest to one of the most expansive views in Oregon. On a clear day, spot Mount Adams in the Cascade Range all the way to Mount Shasta in California on top of the largest shielded volcano in North America.
35. Saddle Mountain Trail
(Temporarily CLOSED as of April 2022)
- Location: Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, 26.5 miles southeast of Astoria
- Distance: 4.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,791 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Hike to the highest point in Northwest Oregon to see views over the end of the Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood. Explore the Saddle Mountain Trail during wildflower season to walk through vibrant meadows of flowers. Check for an updated trail status here.
Oregon Coast Hikes
36. God’s Thumb via the Knoll
- Location: Oregon Coast, 87.4 miles southwest of Portland
- Distance: 4.3 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,131 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Hike through a vibrant forest that opens up to a large green rock formation with steep cliff sides. Take in the sweeping views of the Oregon Coast and Pacific Ocean at the top of the God’s Thumb Trail.
37. John Dellenback Dunes Trail
- Location: Oregon Coast, 101 miles southwest of Eugene
- Distance: 5.5 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 308 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Hike over expansive, 200 foot sand dunes to a quiet, secluded beach. The John Dellenback Dunes Trail features a variety of different landscapes in one small push: ocean, sand, and forest. Watch for a variety of birds, plants, and wildlife on this scenic trail.
38. Haystack Rock Trail
- Location: Ecola State Park, 25.5 miles south of Astoria
- Distance: 4.3 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 16 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
One of the best hikes in Oregon for a colorful sunset on the beach is the Haystack Rock Trail on Cannon Beach. Hike as far in as you’d like to see seabirds, massive rock formations, and picturesque scenery for photos. Consider hiking this Oregon trail during low tide to explore the tidepools near Haystack Rock.
39. Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach
- Location: Ecola State Park, 27.4 miles south of Astoria
- Distance: 2.8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation: 784 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
The Clatsop Loop Trail takes you to the scenic coast in Ecola State Park by walking under vibrant canopies of trees that open up to moody coastal views. Once you arrive at the beach, try and spot the lighthouse and surfers catching the first morning swells.
Multi-Day Hikes in Oregon
40. Timberline Trail
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 97.9 miles east of Portland
- Distance: 41.4 miles, loop
- Elevation: 10,341 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Enjoy views as you walk around the base of the tallest mountain in Oregon, Mount Hood. This is one of the best Oregon hikes for its spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Three Sisters, the Oregon Coast, and Portland. Truly the journey of a lifetime.
41. Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop Trail
- Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness, 120 miles northeast of Baker City
- Distance: 37.2 miles, loop
- Elevation: 8,264 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Circumnavigate Eagle Cap Mountain in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. Hike over challenging mountain passes, up and down glacial valleys, and take in the views at the glittering lakes.
42. Three Sisters Loop Trail
- Location: Three Sisters Wilderness, 28 miles from Bend
- Distance: 47.5 miles, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Hike the Three Sisters Loop Trail to witness three of the most well-known mountains in Oregon: South Sister, Middle Sister, and North Sister. Walk among lava fields, dense forests, open alpine meadows, and scenic lake views around these three famous peaks.
43. Steens Mountain Gorges Loop Trail
- Location: Steens Mountain Wilderness, 76.9 miles south of Burns
- Distance: 28 miles, loop
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Tour the scenic Steen Mountains that tower over a sagebrush desert in East Oregon. Hunt for 19th century graffiti on this rugged journey in one of Oregon’s greatest geological wonders.
44. Oregon Coast Trail
- Location: Oregon Coast
- Distance: 425 miles, one way
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Hike one of the most scenic Oregon hikes to witness the dramatic coastal headlands, moody beaches, and the colorful coastal towns. Witness the diversity of Oregon’s terrain on a long-distance thru hike or as a day hiker in any of the ten trail segments on the Oregon Coast Trail.
45. Pacific Crest Trail
- Location: Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington State, and Canada
- Distance: 2,653 miles, one way
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the best hikes in Oregon, and one of the most rigorous and scenic in the United States as it passes through many notable National Parks and mountain ranges up the entire West Coast. It takes hikers five months to complete this life-changing journey from Mexico to Canada.
What to pack for hiking in Oregon
Although the best hikes in Oregon vary in length and difficulty, you’ll still want to have some key items in your pack no matter which hike you choose to do.
- Hiking backpack
- Hydration pack and/or water bottles
- AllTrails Pro (or download Google Maps offline for the area in case you lose service)
- Bug spray (we prefer the natural stuff)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Camera
- Hiking shoes or Chacos if you prefer to hike in sandals
- Comfortable hiking clothes (lots of layers!)
- Swimwear (if you’re visiting in the summer and plan to tackle one of the lake hikes on this list!)
- Hiking snacks
You may also like…
- What to Wear Hiking in Every Season
- 15 Beautiful Oregon Waterfalls to Visit
- The 10 Best Hot Springs in Oregon
- Silver Falls State Park: What to Expect + Best Hikes
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We want to hear from you!
Have you done any of the Oregon hikes on this list? What was your experience like? Are you planning a trip to Oregon and want more advice? Comment below and let us know!