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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
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
Corn Maze at Topaz Farm
Family-owned Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island has a stunning corn maze by graphic design icon Aaron Draplin. Spread over seven acres, the corn maze has two entrances. The first entrance is ideal for parents of younger kids or people looking for a shorter stroll. The second entrance provides a truly challenging puzzle. Inside the maze…
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.
Shamrock Run
Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third-largest running event in the western United States.
Hippie Chick Half Marathon
The Hippie Chick half marathon, quarter marathon, 5k and kid’s half-mile race returns for Mother’s Day weekend. This female-focused event is designed to celebrate how amazing women are. Grab your mom, your sister, your friend, or your co-worker and register to run through Oregon’s scenic countryside. The route finishes back at Ron Tonkin Field with…
Harefest
The annual Harefest music festival in Canby presents the Northwest’s best tribute bands performing on three stages over two days. The Harefest experience has been described by many attendees and performers as “adult summer camp” not only for the fun-loving, good-natured attendees but also because of its rustic location and tent camping around the festival…
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
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…
The Mythstory of the Golden Ass
Treasure Hunters Seek Hidden Gold A one-of-a-kind, solid gold pendant valued at $400 has been hidden in a major Oregon metropolis. Are you a treasure hunter brave, cunning, and erudite enough to decipher the clues and discover the hiding place of the Golden Ass? Mme. Obscura will make the necessary clues available for purchase on…
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…
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…
Haunted Corn Maze at Bella Organic
Get lost in acres of corn, in the dark, on Friday and Saturday nights in October. Terrifying creatures stalk you as you make your way through our Haunted Corn Maze. This year our Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze will be inspired by Halloween, the movie. Be prepared to be haunted by Michael Myers throughout the…
Bluebeard
Bluebeard a piece by Kailey Rhodes and Samson Syharath You are cordially invited to Bluebeard’s Country Estate, alongside his intended fiancée. A response is requested. Your presence is your present.* Bluebeard is an interactive outdoor experience, beginning seated in your car and leading to an invitation to explore an open-ended environment. Dress for the journey…
Howloween
Bring your costumed kids to Howloween for treats and safe fun. The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this Halloween tradition, where costumed kids learn about healthy habitats for wildlife in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo. Treat bags are available at the end of the scavenger hunt for an additional fee…
Triskelee Farm Fall Fest
Come for a tour and stay for fall fest activities. We’ll have hayrides, pumpkin painting, horse rides, kids’ activities, and snacks available to purchase when you arrive. Get up close and personal with our goats, alpacas, ostriches, bunnies, pigs, and many more animals. Costumes encouraged prizes for best costume kids and adult categories. The tour…
Run Like Hell Marathon
Weeeeeeeee’re baaaaaack! That’s right folks. This signature event is back to live-action after a hiatus last year from you know what. Join for this fun, family-friendly Halloween-themed event on Saturday, October 30th. Dress in costume and come along for a 10k or 5k run or walk. The event is in Milwaukie this year, starting and…
Drive-By Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or take a stroll past our campground on Duke Street to enjoy thousands of lights, a life-size nativity, and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
Silverton Christmas Market
Join us for our awe-inspiring, annual Christmas light display and market at the Oregon Garden Resort. Now named the Silverton Christmas Market, this annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in one million lights, while sipping a warm, spicy gluhwein during this beloved, annual event….
Holiday Half Marathon
One of Portland’s favorite winter races, the Holiday Half helps get you in the holiday spirit with gingerbread cookie aid stations and carolers serenading you along the course. Taking place on Swan Island in North Portland, the race offers runners scenic views of the Willamette River (along with photo opportunities with the race’s mascot, Freddi…
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…
Oregon Jamboree
The small town of Sweet Home, Oregon, plays host to the Northwest’s premier country music and camping festival, the Oregon Jamboree, held every August. In addition to great entertainment, this family style event hosts RV/tent camping, food booths, beer & wine gardens and kids activities. The mission of the Oregon Jamboree (a 501(c)-3 non-profit) is…
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon
Meet Oregon’s Wine Country. People around the world have fallen in love with its premier pinot noir, and once you’re here it’s hard not to fall in love with the place too. Here you’ll find that communities are tight-knit, talented, and creative. While the country roads are quiet, the sweeping vistas, pods of old-growth forest,…
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