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Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is a multimedia creative living in Portland. Read More
Fall Hikes Near Portland
Admire autumn leaves and migratory wildlife on these popular local treks.
Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is a multimedia creative living in Portland. Read More
Portland earns praise for its perfect summers, but fall might be the best time to experience the Northwest’s natural beauty. Emerald-leaved trees seem to catch fire in slow motion as temperatures cool, and northern breezes tease out autumnal displays of gold and red. Meanwhile, wild critters in water and on land are easily spotted through the thinning flora as they prepare for winter. Hiking is one of the best ways to drink in the region’s beauty; read on for three great fall hikes near Portland.
Punchbowl Falls and Metlako Falls
Know Before You Go
Editor’s note: Due to wildfire damage to the Columbia River Gorge, Eagle Creek Trail and Punchbowl Falls are closed and access to several other destinations in the Columbia River Gorge are impacted. Please read our article for updated information on road and park closures.
A 45-minute drive east of downtown Portland delivers hikers to the popular Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Autumn is a prime time to visit — not only to avoid the crowds, but also to spot Chinook and coho salmon spawning near the mouth of the creek.
From the trail’s lower junction, follow the path about 2 miles (3.2 km) to one of Oregon’s most iconic sites, Punchbowl Falls, named for the deep bowl-shaped basin at the waterfall’s base. On the way back, keep an eye out for a sign pointing to lesser-known Metlako Falls. This showstopper’s 100-foot (30 m) plume seems to shoot straight out of a cliffside before plunging into the pool below.
On your way home, detour slightly to the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic drive that connects several family-owned farms offering apples, chestnuts and cider.
Where to Go
Columbia River Gorge
Starting just 30 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers amazing vistas, trails and more than 90 waterfalls.
Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.
Bicycling the Banks-Vernonia State Trail
The small logging town of Vernonia has become a central hub for bike routes through the surrounding state forest.
Warrior Point
Sauvie Island has so much to offer, including beaches, farms, wildlife areas and trails that seem to go on forever. Every autumn, folks flock to the island to harvest pumpkins, take hayrides and wander through corn mazes at several local patches.
Once you’ve had your fill of U-pick apples and fresh cider, visit Warrior Point Trailhead at the island’s northern tip. The mostly flat path winds its way along the Columbia River and through the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. In fall, you’ll see migrating sandhill cranes, snow geese, tundra swans and Canada geese. After 3 miles (5 km), trekkers will arrive at the 16-foot (5 m) Warrior Rock Light, Oregon’s smallest lighthouse.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
A century ago, a mighty railroad curved over the hills northwest of Portland, hugging ravines and cutting across creeks. Today, 21 miles (34 m) of the dismantled railroads have been transformed into the scenic, multi-use Banks-Vernonia Trail. Six trailheads give hikers (and cyclists, joggers and horseback riders) plenty of opportunities to customize their route. Each path is lined with deciduous trees (think cottonwood, Oregon ash, red alder, big-leaf maple and sour cherry) that display some of the most splendid fall hues in the region.
Hiking Around Portland
Explore Local Wildlife
Wildlife Preserves
Experience nature not far from the city's hustle and bustle at these wildlife preserves.
Bird-Watching in Portland
Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.
Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary
The Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary is a great starting place for hiking Forest Park and (of course) bird-watching.
Outdoor Events
Pedalpalooza
Portland’s cycling culture peaks during summer’s multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Bridge Pedal
The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on Portland’s car-free streets and bridges…
Hood to Coast
Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and walkers annually. The race fills up months in advance, but there’s no…
Portland Paseo
Portland Paseo is an afternoon/evening community gathering over two days, August 28 and 29. Inspired by the Spanish custom of the evening walk that reawakens the city, it is a linear celebration of artists, music, performances, visual art, street food, and artisan markets honoring and amplifying the amazing work of our BIPOC communities and the…
The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.
Chapman Swift Watch
Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.
Water Lantern Festival
Portland’s annual Water Lantern Festival is a beautiful experience where you’ll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water at Laurelhurst Park. This family-friendly event includes food trucks, pre-made floating lantern kits, markers, ascavenger hunt and more.
Portland Marathon
Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon is an excellent way to see a lot of Portland in one great run. The race starts and finishes at Waterfront Park, crossing four bridges and passing by some of the city’s most iconic…
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
Wildwood Adventures Full Day Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour
Follow the path of an ancient riverbed, carved by the last ice age, past the Bridge of the Gods, and explore the Windsurfing Capital of the World. In the afternoon, traverse Oregon’s fertile fruit valley on the way to the alpine top of a volcano, which boasts a title as the world’s 2nd most summited…
Wildwood Adventures Half Day Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed National Scenic Areas. Drive along…
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre: WALL-E
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre presents a series of films and music. Join us on Tuesday, August 3 for the 2008 heartfelt adventure, WALL-E, and a special performance by Night Heron, presented by Portland EcoFilm Festival and Crag Law Center. Doors | 7:00 PM Music | 7:45PM Movie to follow “In the distant future, a…
Steelheaders Rally for the River Pint Night
On August 4th, join us for a Pint Night at Hopworks Urban Brewery at 6pm. Meet other Steelheaders and learn about the dire need for a salmon recovery plan that restores a free-flowing lower Snake River. Salmon don’t have any more time to wait: beloved Chinook and B-run steelhead runs across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho…
A-WOL Dance Collective Art in the Dark
Portland-based A-WOL Dance Collective: Aerial without Limits is excited to announce the return of the annual performance, ART in the DARK. Showcasing influential collective of performers as they twist and twirl through tangles and treetops, navigating nature’s unpredictable yet always existing forces. Musician Chet Lyster brings his original soundtrack to life on the stage, blending…
Wildwood Adventures Full Day Oregon Coast Tour
With over 300 miles of public coastline, Oregon’s beaches are sure to amaze with their dramatic offshore rock formations and reborn beach towns. This tour will travel along one of the most picturesque driving routes in the country, US HWY 101. We will spend the day exploring breathtaking beaches, trekking along sandy shores, and viewing…
As You Like It Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
As You Like It in 50 words or less: Frederick exiled the rightful Duke to the Forest of Arden. Orlando’s brother won’t raise him right. Orlando and Rosalind fall in love. Frederick banishes Rosalind. The girls escape to Arden (Rosalind cross-dressed). Rosalind gets Orlando to pretend she/he is Rosalind and woo her. A god appears…
Rally for the River on the Willamette River near the PDX Waterfront
Make a splash about the urgent, dire need for meaningful salmon recovery before beloved Chinook and B-run steelhead runs across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho start to go extinct in the next five years. It’s been an exceptionally hot and dry summer, compounding the impacts of the lower Snake River dams and causing even more stress…
The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet in 50 words or less: The Capulets and Montagues hate one another. Romeo (Montague) sneaks into a Capulet party and meets Juliet (Capulet). They marry in secret. Juliet’s cousin challenges Romeo. Romeo kills them and is banished. Juliet fakes death. Romeo doesn’t realize, takes poison, and dies beside the…
Love’s Labour’s Lost Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Love’s Labor’s Lost in 50 words or less: Forgetting the French Princess is arriving soon, King Ferdinand and friends swear off women, The courtiers are smitten. Letters are sent and confused. Berowne reasons ways out of the oath. The French court departs, but will return in one year to marry the King and courtiers… if…
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre: Stand By Me
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre presents a series of films and music. Join us on Monday, August 9th for the 1986 classic Stand By Me and a special performance by The Shivas, presented by Oregon Film. Rated R, 1h 29m. “After the death of one of his friends, a writer recounts a childhood journey with…
The Comedie of Errors (Abridged) Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Comedie of Errors in 50 words or less: Two sets of identical twins, masters (Antipholus) and servants (Dromio), were separated by a shipwreck. Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus and Adriana mistakes him for her husband (E.Antipholus).. S.Antipholus gets a gold chain E.Antipholus ordered, but then E.Antipholus is arrested for not paying. Confusion reigns until…
Macbeth Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
The Tragedie of Macbeth in 50 words or less: Scottish lords Macbeth and Banquo meet witches who predict Macbeth will be King and Banquo father of kings. Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill King Duncan. Prince Malcolm escapes and Macbeth takes the throne. Macbeth orders Banquo killed. Lady Macbeth goes mad. Malcolm raises an English…
A Midsommer Night's Dreame Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
A Midsommer Nights Dreame in 50 words or less: Hermia loves Lysander (requitedly). Helena loves Demetrius (unrequitedly). Pucke (a fairy) accidentally makes Lysander and Demetrius love Helena. Chaos ensues. King Oberon bespells Queen Titania to love an actor transformed into an ass. The fairies reconcile. Pucke fixes the spells (except Demetrius). Everyone gets married and…
ARCO-PDX at Polka Dot Downtown
Contemporary orchestra ARCO-PDX will be performing on the dots at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Performances will be available virtually on Facebook, Instagram, and at PolkaDotDowntown.org.
Romeo and Juliet (the Gentlemen’s Show) by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet in 50 words or less: The Capulets and Montagues hate one another. Romeo (Montague) sneaks into a Capulet party and meets Juliet (Capulet). They marry in secret. Juliet’s cousin challenges Romeo. Romeo kills them and is banished. Juliet fakes death. Romeo doesn’t realize, takes poison, and dies beside the…
Run, Walk, & Roll With Me at the Oregon Zoo
Easterseals Oregon presents a unique event that combines zoo animals, a 5k fun run, a 1-mile walk, run, & roll loop, and live music. Join us at the Oregon Zoo on August 28th for family fun, music, food, and more – and it’s all for charity. Proceeds will fund our disability services, housing assistance, and…
Twelfe Night (Abridged) (the Gentlethem’s Show) by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Twelfe Night in 50 words or less: Orsino loves Olivia (unrequitedly). Twins, Viola and Sebastian, are shipwrecked. Viola cross-dresses, works for Orsino, and Olivia falls in love with her/him. Olivia’s dr-uncle and friends trick Malvolio into thinking Olivia loves him. Olivia (confused) marries Sebastian. Twins reunite, Malvolio’s gulling and Viola’s gender are revealed, Orsino proposes…
Love’s Labour’s Lost (the Gentlewoman’s Show) by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Love’s Labor’s Lost in 50 words or less: Forgetting the French Princess is arriving soon, King Ferdinand and friends swear off women, The courtiers are smitten. Letters are sent and confused. Berowne reasons ways out of the oath. The French court departs, but will return in one year to marry the King and courtiers… if…
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon
Here in Oregon, the sun is shining, we have been able to hug a friend for the first time in a long time, our (resilient and amazing) neighbors who lead local businesses are gearing up for a busy summer, and wine is pouring at many of our favorite tasting rooms. This summer you will be…
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
In the heart of Oregon’s hop-growing region, Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest brings 350,000 people to the Bavarian village every September. The Northwest’s oldest and best-loved folk festival celebrates the fruits of the harvest, with a nice focus on hops! German-style biers, Northwest craft brew favorites, lots of wine, and a bit of cider are served in…
Woodstock Gives Back
Woodstock Gives Back is a unique opportunity to help support the important work of many charities and non-profits from the Woodstock area in our city. On the second Sunday each year, Woodstock neighborhood businesses will be hosting events to help raise funds and generating awareness for the charity or non-profit of their choice. There will…
Twilight Run 5K
The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools presents their Ninth Annual Twilight Run, in partnership with RunSignUp and the Tigard Festival of Balloons. The 5K Twilight Run follows a flat and fast course along the beautiful bike trails. As you race towards the sunset, you will be surrounded by the wonders of the park and excitement…
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