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Portland’s pet parents love hitting the trails in Forest Park.

Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland

Take a hike through Portland's neighborhoods and trails or in the nearby gorge.

Updated May 21, 2020 2 min read

Urban Hiking

Portland is a walker’s paradise. From the wide sidewalks (and short blocks) of downtown, to the eclectic eastside neighborhoods of Belmont, Hawthorne, Alberta and Mississippi, to the stairways hidden among the West Hills, Portland is a great place to enjoy a good stroll.

Metro, the regional government, has put together a wonderful book called, Walk There! This guide does a great job of highlighting fun walks, whether you’re into exploring historic homes in Laurelhurst, walking to the top of Mt. Tabor or from Portland Heights to the Oregon Zoo. Put on some comfortable shoes and start walking — you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it.

Nature in the City

Portland offers hikers plenty of trails. At 5,100 acres, Forest Park boasts more than 80 miles of paths, including the Wildwood Trail, a National Recreation Trail which stretches for more than 30 miles, connecting historic Pittock Mansion, Hoyt Arboretum and the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary. Along Portland’s southwest border lies Tryon Creek State Park, a 670-acre forest with a fully staffed nature center and a network of trails winding past trickling streams.

The Intertwine — the name for the Portland region’s interconnected system of parks, trails and natural spaces — provides a dynamic (and positively encyclopedic) list of outdoor excursions, making it easier than ever to plan your visit. Use the interactive trip planner for favorites such as Council Crest Park, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Reed College Canyon — or click on “Find an Adventure” to walk, hike, bike, bird or paddle your way around the area.

Where to Hike

More Places to Walk

Forest Park

With 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike.

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.

Silver Falls State Park

Famous for its abundance of picturesque waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon at 9,200 acres (3723 hectares) and one of the most popular.

Columbia River Gorge

If you love hiking, it’s almost impossible to imagine a visit to Portland that doesn’t include a side trip to the Columbia River Gorge. From the iconic and accessible Multnomah Falls to its sisters Latourell, Wahclella, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Horsetail and Elowah, the gorge offers multiple trails to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, ranging from just yards, to six or more miles out from the various parking areas. If waterfalls aren’t your thing, then the breathtaking views from Angel’s Rest or Beacon Rock may sway you instead. Check out the Friends of Columbia Gorge website to help plan your trip.

More Hikes Near Portland

More outdoors

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

Sunrise Hikes Near Portland

The secret is out: Oregon’s delivers some of the nation’s best hiking. Beat the crowds by heading out extra early to embark on a breathtaking sunrise hike.

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible portions.

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Here are six Portland-area paths perfect for all-weather adventures.