Best Hikes Close to Portland, OR: Top Trails & Scenic Routes

Portland, Oregon, is a great place to go hiking because there are trails with waterfalls, views of mountains, and thick forests. In just an hour's drive, you can find beautiful hikes for all skill levels, from easy loops to tough climbs. 

If you're going to Mount Hood or exploring Multnomah Falls, Portland's trails offer a wide range of landscapes and can be used all year. This guide lists the best places to hike near Portland, as well as nearby mountains and important hiking tips.

Is Portland, Oregon Good for Hiking?

Portland is known for having a lot of different landscapes and easy access to hiking trails. It's a great place for hikers who want to get outside without having to go too far because it's surrounded by rivers, forests, and mountains.

Portland’s Proximity to Diverse Landscapes

Because the city is between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, it is easy to get to many natural areas. There are trails in Portland that show off the city's unique landscape, with views of rivers, forests, ridges, and waterfalls.

Natural Highlights:

• Columbia River Gorge: Known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and waterfall hikes.

• Forest Park: An expansive urban forest with trails like the Wildwood Trail, connecting hikers to nature within the city.

• Washington Park: Offers scenic, easy trails with access to Portland’s popular attractions, like the International Rose Test Garden.

Year-Round Hiking Opportunities

Because of Portland's mild weather, you can go hiking all year, and each season brings something new to the trails. Portland's trails offer a wide range of hikes, from winter hikes through forests to summer hikes to waterfalls.

Seasonal Tips:

• Spring and Summer: Ideal for exploring waterfalls and scenic views, as weather is warmer and trails are drier.

• Fall and Winter: Cooler temperatures make longer hikes more comfortable, and many trails are less crowded.

Top 10 Hiking Locations Near Portland

The following trails are within an hour’s drive of Portland, offering beautiful scenery, unique features, and options for all skill levels.

1. Multnomah Falls

• Highlights: A classic waterfall hike in the Columbia River Gorge, featuring a 2.4-mile round-trip paved path to the top.

• Details: Moderate, 900 feet elevation gain; Northwest Forest Pass required during peak season.

2. Beacon Rock

• Highlights: An out-and-back hike up a basaltic rock formation with panoramic views of the Columbia River.

• Details: Moderate, 1.8 miles round-trip, requires a Discover Pass.

3. Wahclella Falls

• Highlights: A scenic 2-mile loop hike leading to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by cliffs and greenery.

• Details: Easy, 300 feet elevation gain, requires a Northwest Forest Pass or $5 fee.

4. Latourell Falls

• Highlights: This 2.4-mile loop offers views of both the lower and upper waterfalls, framed by basalt formations.

• Details: Easy, 600 feet elevation gain, no pass required.

5. Washington Park Loop

• Highlights: Located in the heart of Portland, this 3.9-mile loop trail links the Rose Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and forested trails.

• Details: Easy, 600 feet elevation gain, metered parking at access points.

6. Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls

• Highlights: A 4.2-mile hike along cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge, ending at the scenic Punchbowl Falls.

• Details: Moderate, 500 feet elevation gain, Northwest Forest Pass required.

7. Angel’s Rest

• Highlights: An uphill hike with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge from a plateau summit.

• Details: Moderate, 4.8 miles round-trip, 1,500 feet elevation gain.

8. Cape Horn Overlook

• Highlights: A moderate hike through fields and forested paths, offering views of the Columbia River Gorge.

• Details: Moderate, 5.2 miles round-trip, 1,200 feet elevation gain.

9. Dry Creek Falls

• Highlights: A hike along the Pacific Crest Trail leading to a secluded waterfall framed by basalt columns.

• Details: Easy, 4.4 miles round-trip, 700 feet elevation gain, Northwest Forest Pass required.

10. Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion

• Highlights: An urban trail through Forest Park that leads to Pittock Mansion, offering city and mountain views.

• Details: Moderate, 5.7 miles round-trip, 950 feet elevation gain, accessible by public transit.

Is Seattle or Portland Better for Hiking?

Both cities are great for hiking, but Portland is better because it's close to a lot of different landscapes that are only a short drive away, making it easy to get to many hiking trails.

Comparing Trail Variety

Trails in Portland, especially in the Columbia River Gorge, have a mix of forest paths, river views, and hikes to waterfalls. Seattle, on the other hand, has more mountain trails because it is close to the Cascade Range.

Portland Highlights:

• Waterfall Hikes: Columbia River Gorge has multiple waterfalls accessible within an hour.

• Forest Trails: Forest Park and Washington Park offer urban escapes close to the city.

Seattle Highlights:

• Mountain Views: Access to alpine trails with rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks.

• Lakeside Hikes: Scenic trails around Lake Washington and beyond.

Accessibility from City Centers

Trails in Portland, like those in Tryon Creek State Park and Washington Park, are right in the city, so people can get to nature without having to take long trips. Some of Seattle's best hikes are farther away, like those in the Cascades or on the Olympic Peninsula, but many trails are only 15 minutes from downtown.

• Portland: Shorter drive times to trails like Wildwood Trail and Silver Falls State Park.

• Seattle: Longer drive times to reach notable trails, often requiring more planning.

Both cities are great for hiking, but Portland is the better choice for people who want a wider range of options close to the city.

What Mountain is Near Portland, Oregon?

There are many mountains close to Portland that are great for hiking. Mount Hood is the most famous of these, and it has trails for people of all skill levels. Its tall peak and trails all around it make it a great place to hike in Portland.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood is about an hour and a half's drive from downtown Portland. It is famous for its lovely hiking trails, steep slopes, and wonderful views.

Hiking Trails:

• Timberline Trail: A challenging loop around Mount Hood with varied terrain and high elevation gain.

• Tunnel Falls: Located along the Pacific Crest Trail, this hike offers a unique “tunnel” behind a waterfall, close to Sandy River.

Nearby Trails and Peaks

Several other accessible trails near Portland feature stunning views and diverse landscapes.

• Larch Mountain: Trails like Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Trail connect to Larch Mountain, providing hikers with extensive views over the Columbia Gorge.

• Dog Mountain: Located in the Columbia Gorge, Dog Mountain is known for its wildflowers and steep slopes, ideal for seasoned hikers.

What is the Hardest Hike in Oregon?

There are some tough trails in Oregon, and some of them are close to Portland. Even the most experienced hikers will find these trails challenging because they go up a lot of elevation and go through rough terrain.

Challenging Trails in the Columbia Gorge

Some of Oregon's hardest hikes are in the Columbia Gorge, which has steep slopes and a lot of different terrain.

• Dog Mountain: Known for its elevation gain and steep ascent, this trail offers panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge and the Willamette River.

• Multnomah-Wahkeena Trail: This loop hike combines several waterfalls, including Wahkeena and Latourell Falls, and features challenging elevation changes.

Other Difficult Hikes in Oregon

For hikers willing to venture farther, trails like Silver Falls State Park and the West Hills near Forest Park in Portland provide challenging paths with rewarding views.

• Silver Falls State Park: Known for its waterfall hike, this state park offers trails with steep inclines and scenic waterfalls.

• Forest Park Wildwood Trail: Although not as steep, the Wildwood Trail’s length and terrain provide a challenge for hikers looking to explore Portland’s West Hills.

These hikes are some of the best in Oregon for nature lovers who want to take on a challenge.

Final Thoughts

In and around Portland, Oregon, there are many easy-to-reach trails, beautiful waterfall hikes, and a wide range of landscapes. You can hike in Portland and see everything from the lower falls at Multnomah Falls to the rough views of the Oregon Coast. 

You can get to popular places like Forest Park's Lower Macleay Trail or trails along the Clackamas River and Tualatin River by taking the bus or light rail. If you like to hike or ride a mountain bike, Portland's trails are a fun way to get away from it all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Where does the Lower Macleay Trail begin?

  Lower Macleay Trail begins in Forest Park, close to downtown Portland and accessible by public transportation.

• Are there accessible trail options in Portland?

  Yes, Washington Park and parts of Forest Park offer accessible trails, including quarter-mile paths suitable for all.

• Are mountain bikers allowed on hiking trails in Portland?

  Some trails within city limits allow mountain bikers, but it’s best to check specific trails, as others are strictly for hikers.

• Is there a trail along the Tualatin River?

  Yes, there are scenic trails along the Tualatin River, offering forested views and accessible paths near southeast Portland.

• Can I reach hiking trails by public transportation?

  Many Portland hikes, like Lower Macleay and trails in Washington Park, are accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for city residents.