Best Hiking Near Portland, Oregon: Trails, Waterfalls & Spectacular Views
The Portland area is basically paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. Between the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Coast, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the entire Pacific Northwest. Even within the city limits, Portland boasts one of the largest urban forests in the country. Whether you want an easy trail, a moderate hike, or something with feet of elevation gain, this list of the best hikes around Portland will help you find the perfect place to lace up your boots.
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Hiking Inside the City of Portland
You don’t even need to leave the city of Portland to experience some of the best views and most popular hikes.
- Forest Park & Wildwood Trail
With over 80 miles of trails, Forest Park is a great spot for beginners and locals alike. Start at the Lower Macleay Trailhead near downtown Portland and wander past creeks, through dense forest, and up toward Pittock Mansion. On a clear day, the mansion’s overlook gives you a beautiful view of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and even Mount Rainier. - Washington Park Loop & Hoyt Arboretum
This loop combines the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, and the Portland Aerial Tram for a unique urban hiking experience. The arboretum itself is a great place to spot rare trees from around the world. - Marquam Nature Park & Council Crest Park
Take the Marquam Trail up to Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland at over 1,000 feet. The main trail winds through old-growth forests, making it a great hike close to the city. - Mount Tabor
An extinct volcano in southeast Portland, Mount Tabor is one of the best places for local trails with easy access and sweeping views of the Willamette River. - Powell Butte Nature Park
The Powell Butte Loop Trail offers a mix of meadow and forest hiking with spectacular views of the Cascade Range, including Mount Adams and Mount Hood. - Tryon Creek State Natural Area
This is the only state park within Portland’s city limits. With its nature center, old-growth forests, and well-marked paths, it’s perfect for first hikes, families, and easier hikes.
Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls & Epic Trails
Just 30 minutes from the city, the Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the most popular hikes in Oregon.
- Multnomah Falls Trail
The Multnomah Falls trail is one of the most popular hikes in the state. From the base of the falls, climb a short distance (but with plenty of feet of elevation gain) to the top for a spectacular view. Expect crowds and a small parking lot, but it’s worth it. - Latourell Falls
A great time for photographers, this moderate hike loops around both the lower and upper falls. - Angel’s Rest
A popular trail with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, this climb rewards hikers with great views up and down the gorge. - Dog Mountain
Across the river in Washington, this day trip is one of the toughest but most rewarding hikes. During the summer months, wildflowers cover the slopes, and you might even see bald eagles or peregrine falcons soaring overhead. - Eagle Creek
Known for cliffside paths and waterfalls, Eagle Creek remains a great hike for adventurous hikers who want to get close to the Gorge’s wild beauty.
Mount Hood & Cascade Range Trails
About an hour from Portland, Mount Hood offers alpine scenery and plenty of great hikes.
- Pacific Crest Trail
Passing right through the Mount Hood area, the Pacific Crest Trail is a bucket-list option. Even a short distance on this trail will give you great views of the Cascade peaks. - Timberline Trail
This main trail circles the mountain, offering spectacular views and varying skill level options depending on how far you go. - Kings Mountain
West of Portland in the Coast Range, Kings Mountain offers a challenging moderate hike with almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain—and the payoff of sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Day Trips from Portland
If you have a little more time, these day trip destinations are among the best ways to explore Oregon.
- Silver Falls State Park
Known for the Trail of Ten Falls, this park is about an hour south of Portland. It’s a perfect place for waterfall lovers, where you can even walk behind the falls. - Oregon Coast
Just 90 minutes west, the Pacific Ocean coastline offers great hikes along cliffs, beaches, and headlands. - Wildlife Refuges
Places like Sauvie Island offer local trails and chances to see bald eagles and other wildlife near the Willamette River. - Lake trips
Head east to Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, or even Crater Lake (a longer trip) for more spectacular views and great hikes in the Cascade Range.
Tips for Hiking in Portland
- Trail map & parking area – Many hikes have a small parking lot, so arrive early.
- Skill level – Portland hikes range from easy trails in Tryon Creek to steep climbs like Dog Mountain.
- Best views – Go during the summer months for clear day panoramas, but fall colors are also stunning.
- Visitor centers – Places like Silver Falls State Park or Tryon Creek have visitor centers and nature centers to help plan your route.
- Wildlife – Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, deer, and other wildlife along the trails.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re strolling a short distance on an easy trail at Powell Butte Nature Park, tackling a moderate hike in the Columbia River Gorge, or making a day trip to Silver Falls State Park, hiking in the Portland area offers something for everyone. From downtown Portland to the Cascade Range, the variety of landscapes is incredible—dense forests, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and even views of the Pacific Ocean.
For anyone looking for the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a great place to start your adventure.
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