Fall Hikes Near Portland
Admire autumn leaves and migratory wildlife on these popular local treks.
Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program. 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.
Hiking Around Portland
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.
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.
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 the 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 Lighthouse, Oregon’s smallest lighthouse.
Explore Local Wildlife
Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon)
The Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) is a great starting place for hiking Forest Park and (of course) bird-watching.
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.
Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes
Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.
Outdoor Events
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,, October and November, every Saturday 9 AM…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Starting in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration on the first Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors and dealers, the celebration has grown to a monthly event of over ten thousand people, including art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be seen. Art galleries in…
Kodomo no Hi, Children's Day
Kodomo no Hi, also called Children’s Day, is commemorated each year in Japan in early May to celebrate children's growth and good fortune. The festival will feature a range of family-friendly activities. Listen to taiko performances, learn how to make origami koi or frogs, participate in a treasure hunt, and enjoy koinobori or cloth carp streamers displays. Koi symbolize…
Hippie Chick Half Marathon
The Hippie Chick half marathon, quarter marathon, 5k and kid's half-mile race return for Mother's Day weekend. This female-focused event is designed to celebrate how amazing women are. Grab your mom, sister, friend, or co-worker and register to run through Oregon's scenic countryside. The run is returning to the birthplace of this great event at Champoeg…
St. Johns Bizarre and Parade
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off Portland's summer street fair season. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts, and food to the crowds who traditionally attended the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, a portion of the business district in St. Johns is…
Reigning Roses Walk
Rose Haven supporters and guests will unite to stride a beautiful route through NW Portland on Mother's Day at the annual Reigning Roses Walk. Walk with, or in honor of, a special woman in your life – a mother, grandmother, daughter, partner or friend. All proceeds benefit the women and children of Rose Haven. There…
Mt. Tabor Art Walk
The Mt. Tabor Art Walk is a Portland tradition. This juried show and sale is a great opportunity to see quality visual art and meet artists in their studios and homes. Diverse media are represented, including photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, prints, metal arts, photography, glass, jewelry, book arts and mosaics. The Mt. Tabor Art Walk…
Rose Festival CityFair
Considered the "hub" of the annual Portland Rose Festival, CityFair fills Waterfront Park with carnival rides, concerts, food and fireworks for multiple weekends during the festival.
Pedalpalooza
Portland's cycling culture peaks during summer's multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Starlight Run
Portland’s most popular fun run, the Starlight Run, is the wacky warm-up act for the CareOregon Starlight Parade is starting and finishing on Naito Parkway at Rose Festival CityFair. The 47th Annual Starlight Run will start at 6:30 p.m. The traditional costume contest will be held at 5:30 p.m. The route will follow the path…
Rocky Butte Farmers Market
Rocky Butte Farmers Market, an iconic urban neighborhood market featuring affordable locally grown foods and artisan products, weekly children's activities, live entertainment, and a dog-friendly, energetic block party vibe, is back for the 2024 Season. The market's goal is to lower barriers to market participation for beginning and under-represented vendors and to strengthen connections within…
Bike Summer Kickoff Ride
This is the official ride that kicks off the festivities every year. Volunteers will be selling Bike Summer merch from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. There will be a limited amount of pennants and stickers for sale at the park, as well as shirts for you to try on before you buy online. There will also…
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Phoebe Bridgers to Stevie Wonder, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and a hot ticket for cool nights.
Festival of Balloons
The mesmerizing Festival of Balloons in Tigard brings more than a dozen brightly colored, colossal hot-air balloons to the sky every June.
Zoo Nights
Enjoy the magic of Portland summer nights with live music, food and festivities at the Oregon Zoo while relaxing among the lush gardens and wildlife at Zoo Nights.
Foster Summer Soiree
The 2024 Foster Summer Soiree will bring live entertainment and vendors to Laurelwood Park, special activations at several Foster businesses, sidewalk sales, and other festivities. This exciting event is back for its second year.
Rose Festival Royal Rosarians Milk Carton Boat Race
A classic Rose Festival event and family-friendly community tradition dating back to 1973, the Milk Carton Boat Race is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Children and adults race and show off their handmade, human-powered boats that float only employing recycled milk cartons and jugs. Creatively constructed watercraft will compete in nine categories, with…
Bigfoot Adventure Cruise
Explore the history and lore of Bigfoot while traveling 80 miles (129 km) roundtrip on a high-speed jetboat from Portland to Multnomah Falls. See the landmarks along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers that make the Northwest famous while listening to exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman (star of Animal Planet‘s “Finding Bigfoot”) and a live tour…
Mississippi Street Fair
Bustling North Mississippi Avenue closes down for a day of food, vendors, music and fun at Portland's largest street fair, Mississippi Street Fair. This year the fair will have the following: Three Music Stages, Kids Zone, Grandfathers Rib-Off Competition, Hundreds Of Vendors, Shopping and Dining,
Montavilla Street Fair
Montavilla Street Fair will bring 120+ local arts, crafts, food and retail vendors, community organizations, live music and family activities to Historic Downtown Montavilla. Stroll down Stark Street and enjoy district businesses, a farmer’s market and family-friendly entertainment and activities. Vendors will be present at the event selling food and drink, art, handicrafts, and clothing…
Dahlia Festival
Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pick out and order your favorite dahlias for Spring delivery and planting. Purchase a beautiful bunch…
Bridge Pedal
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 (including the upper decks of both the Marquam and Fremont bridges). Portland’s Bridge Pedal is one of the largest…
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby
The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.
Multnomah Days
This beloved annual event incorporates a one-day open-air, family-friendly street festival with scheduled musical acts, a community parade, an art fair and over 125 vendor booths, and food and beverage services available via outdoor street dining and food carts — plus outdoor street dining.
Hawthorne Street Fair
Visit one of Portland’s original “shop local” districts every August for the Hawthorne Street Fair. You can explore over 200 businesses while enjoying Vendors, Food, Music and Entertainment in a car-free zone from SE Cesar Chavez to SE 30th Avenue on Hawthorne. 2024 is the 41st Anniversary of the Hawthorne Street Fair. Enjoy great food, music and…
Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Portland’s Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Craft Festival celebrates 27 years of bringing art to the community. The distinctly artist-run event has long been a favorite in Portland, and it’s the perfect Labor Day destination to gather and celebrate the end of summer. Art In The Pearl is Portland’s largest outdoor art fair,…
Belmont Street Fair
The Belmont Street Fair is one of the largest-attended street fairs in Portland. With food and retail vendors of all kinds, show-stopping performances and live music on 3 different stages, and the first-ever Kids Zone, there are activities for all ages, the Belmont Street Fair is fun for everyone.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.
Multnomah Falls, Train Ride, & Wine Tour
Get ready to be swept off your feet by your guides as they take you on a journey of a lifetime through the stunning Columbia River Gorge and the Hood River Valley. Brace yourself for a riveting tale of this breathtaking terrain and its awe-inspiring past. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any…
In Concert on Downtown’s Transit Mall
Picture this: A serene mid-day in Portland, the sun gently casting its warmth over Pioneer Square. As you sit down for lunch, the air is filled with the melodic strains of live music. It's Concerts on Downtown’s Transit Mall, an oasis of sound amidst the bustling city. Let the music serenade you as you savor…
Picnic in the Park
Come enjoy lunch in Director Park with music and fun games such as corn hole, giant chess, and jump rope. Special appearance from Shoehorn Conley on Thursdays.
Prepare for the Night with DJ George the Mixologist
Come enjoy music from DJ, George the Mixologist, who will bring vibes to the park every Friday evening before people enjoy all the nighttime entertainment downtown has to offer.
New Year in the Park
New Year in the Park will showcase cultural dance and music performances, traditional games, cultural crafts and activities, and vendor booths with food and merchandise. This cultural event aims to highlight vibrant Southeast Asian communities in the greater Portland area. Attendance is free, and you are invited to join.
Baby Goat Tours at Triskelee Farm
On Weekends, Triskelee Farm will have baby goat farm tours. Come get up close and personal with the mama goats and their little kids. Everyone but carried babies need a tour ticket. You'll also see other awesome farm animals like ostrich, sheep, alpacas, and more. Book online. The farm-to-table food truck will be open. There…
Tree Time Preschool Walks
Come for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. Use your senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty. Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. Tree Time walks are…
The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer
Join PurpleStride Portland – The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer. Walk alongside survivors, caregivers, and community members affected by pancreatic cancer. Registration is FREE and available on www.purplestride.org/portland. All proceeds from the event support research and patient services. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, hosts this event.
Play in the Park
Join every Saturday in the partnership with Whimsy Care and IDEALPDX to provide family friendly entertainment and activities in Director Park. Fairy house building? Seed planting? Bubbles? Magicians? All to be expected throughout the Play in the Park series.
Multicultural Celebration Event
Join the first multicultural event that will include food, art, music, dance performances, and much more… This will be a family-friendly event where you will enjoy the variety of cultures represented in the vendors' products. Admission is free and open to all.
Indigenous Culture Day
Indigenous Culture Day is a celebration of the reclamation of traditional lands for Indigenous Peoples that provides an accurate cultural experience for the whole community. This free, all-ages event offers the chance to listen and learn from Indigenous educators in the culturally rich land now known as Tryon Creek State Natural Area. In its 6th…
Spring Garden Fair
40 Years and Still Growing. Don't miss the anniversary celebration: enjoy a weekend of discovery, inspiration, and fun. DISCOVER • Plants, Tools and Treasures, and new finds at the Silent Auction, Garden Fair Raffle and Potting Station. GROW • Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions. Always popular – informative "10-Minute…
St. Johns Farmers Market
The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the…
Haiku in Nature
Haiku, a short form of Japanese poetry, lets the writer convey a direct and personal connection with nature. Writing haiku can deepen our experience of the natural world. Using a simple written formula, anyone can write haiku. This class introduces participants to classical haiku poetry, and guides them to write their own haikus while spending…
Grief-focused Forest Bathing
This special session of Forest Bathing is specifically for people who are grieving. No matter what you’re grieving for, you are welcome. There will be opportunities to speak your grief out loud or not — in the forest, you decide what your heart, body, and spirit need. Experience a two-hour guided forest bathing walk through…
Forest Bathing
Experience a two-hour guided forest bathing walk through Hoyt Arboretum’s unique tree collection and forested areas. Forest Bathing (also known as Forest Therapy) offers many health benefits from stress relief to immune system and mood support.
Oregon Humane Society's Doggie Dash
Welcome to Doggie Dash, a walk-in support of animals at the Oregon Humane Society. Oregon Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year, Doggie Dash, brings together thousands of animal lovers to help OHS provide lifesaving programs and services to needy animals. Your registration fee and any additional funds you raise as a Dasher make this possible. Each…
Flowering Trees Walk
Flowering plants took the world by storm when they came on the scene some 275 million years ago. Since then, they have diversified to almost every conceivable form and have made an art out of partnership. Completely Arbortrary's Casey Clapp will lead a stroll through Hoyt Arboretum’s flowering tree collections and discuss what flowers are…
Bridge Tour
This downtown Portland walking tour will take participants around, across, under, and inside the unique and storied spans that shape the experience of those living and visiting Portland. The route will include several bridges (with specific spans TBA), and on one of those, the tour will plan to meet a Multnomah County bridge operator to…
Reach the Beach | Cycle for Air
Reach the Beach, Oregon, will celebrate its 34th anniversary in 2024. Their mission, to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, is still in hyper-drive. The dollars riders are raising are making a difference at this critical time. The route starts on Sauvie Island and ends in the heart of Astoria at…
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