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

Top Hikes in and Near Portland

From city hikes to epic waterfalls, coastal views and so much more, these are the best hikes near Portland.

Updated Oct. 7, 2026 14 min read

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The Pacific Northwest draws visitors from all over, enticed by the scenic coastline, verdant valleys and breathtaking mountains. The beautiful Willamette River runs through Portland’s city center, and the mighty Columbia River serves as Oregon’s northwest border. We have parks on extinct volcanoes, Mt. Hood to the east and the Oregon Coast to the west.

All this easy access to the great outdoors makes Portland a perfect destination for hikers of all levels. Enjoy urban walks and hiking trails in forested parks and lush gardens scattered throughout the city, or take a short drive to explore alpine lake hikes near Mount Hood, and waterfall trails in the Columbia River Gorge. You can’t go wrong with any of the best hikes near Portland.

Things to Know About Hiking Around Portland

What can I check for trail closures?

Between the U.S. Forest Service, AllTrails and municipal websites, most trailheads will have a dedicated webpage with recent information. You can also check these helpful sites for more:

Where can I hike with my dog in Portland?

Portland is a pet-friendly town! Be sure to leash your furry friend, then head out to dog-friendly hikes at Powell Butte Nature Park, the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park or an urban walk with river views in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Surrounding trails in the Gorge and Mt. Hood Wilderness are also dog-friendly with very few exceptions.

Where do I need a parking pass or permit?

Within the city and state parks, parking requirements should be limited to free or fee-based parking. This extends into the Gorge at parking lots including Multnomah, Latourell and Horsetail Falls. A handful of Gorge trailheads, such as Eagle Creek and Wahclella Falls, require the Northwest Forest Pass, as do popular hikes in the Mt. Hood National Forest, including Ramona Falls, Mirror Lake and others. The Northwest Forest Pass is convenient to purchase online or at local mountain shops including REI, but a number of trailheads also have backup fee stations in case you forget before your arrival.

What are the best hikes within an hour of Portland?

Head east to the Columbia River Gorge to see Wahclella Falls, follow the Clackamas River to Mount Hood National Forest and find Tamanawas Falls, or drive south along the Cascade Mountains to Silver Falls State Park. For more ideas, check out the Outbound Collective’s “The Best 7 Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Portland.”

Where can I find information about accessible trails?

Check out Travel Portland’s guide to accessible trails or this Travel Oregon resource that covers more of the state.

What are some short and easy hikes in Portland?

Tryon Creek State Natural Area, a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland, has a fully staffed nature center and a network of trails winding past trickling streams, making it easy to choose your own route of any length. This park is a must-see any time of year, offering rewarding and accessible trails for all ages and abilities, including kids.

Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge southwest of Portland offers a short walk along the Tualatin River and close-up views of migratory birds that stop over in the surrounding wetlands.

North of downtown on Sauvie Island, you’ll find many short-but-sweet walks, like Oak Island Nature Trail or Wapato Access Greenway Trail.

What are some difficult hikes in Portland?

The Wildwood Traverse Hike is considered the most difficult hike in Portland. The wooded loop trails in Powell Butte Nature Park and Oxbow Regional Park or the hike up the West Hills to Council Crest offer elevation, more mileage and rugged yet well-maintained trails. The Oregon Hikers Forum maintains a comprehensive list of moderate to difficult hikes in Portland, complete with detailed trail notes.

What are some lesser-known or less popular hikes where I might see fewer people?

As you might expect, the best hikes near Portland have earned the kind of reputation that brings crowds. It is beautiful out there, after all. If the parking lot is packed at Multnomah Falls, head for the Elowah Falls parking lot, where you can access Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls. If Dog Mountain is overcrowded during wildflower season, check out Catherine Creek West Loop or McCall Point.

Where To Hike

With so many options from the city to the Gorge, the mountains or the coast, it can be intimidating to decide where to hike. The options are seemingly endless, and there are practically no wrong answers. If you’re visiting between November and June, you can likely eliminate Mt. Hood due to winter elements, including snow. If you only have a few hours, stick to hikes in Portland and save longer trips to Mt. Hood or the Oregon Coast for another day.

Hikes in and near Portland offer a good variety in terms of difficulty, distance and accessibility. As you venture into the Gorge and Mt. Hood, you’ll find more challenging hikes, with steeper climbs and expansive views.

Getting There & Parking

Portland and surrounding trailheads are generally accessible by car. As a very rough rule of thumb, hikes in Portland, the western Gorge and the Willamette Valley should be reachable in an hour or less, while the best coastal and Mt. Hood hikes will usually take two hours of drive time each way, making them a great full-day option with other attractions as well.

Within the city, parking requirements should be limited to free or fee-based parking. Some trailheads, particularly on federal lands around Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon Coast, require a Northwest Forest Pass or other recreation pass. Check the managing agency’s website before you go.

For the easiest parking and least crowded trails, arrive early (or late) and consider carpooling when possible. Peak season weekends between mid-morning and mid-afternoon will see the biggest crowds.

fallen red and yellow leaves surround an autumnal tree on a hillside — Find 2,300 species of trees (including stately redwoods), miles of hiking trails and striking fall colors at Hoyt Arboretum.

TriMet public transit system can get you to the best hikes in Portland on most days of the week, with some route planning. Getting out of the city does not necessarily mean you must have a car, either. Shuttle services such as Gray Line and Sasquatch Shuttle operate in the Columbia River Gorge and the Mt. Hood Express runs daily along Highway 26 from Sandy to Government Camp and Timberline Lodge. There’s even tours that combine the Gorge and Mt. Hood, though you’re less likely to have much time for hiking.

Great Hikes in Portland

While the wide sidewalks (and short blocks) of downtown make for pleasant strolling, Portland comes alive for hiking enthusiasts when you get into the “urban wilderness” and trails that make this city green from any angle.

Forest Park

At 5,100 acres (2,064 ha), Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. More than 80 miles (129 km) of trails cover Portland’s West Hills with forested hikes from 40 unique access points. Find a guide and maps to plot your course and explore Portland’s prized urban forest.

two people wearing jackets and hats walking along a path through dense trees — Bundled-up hikers walk a dirt trail in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. and a critical refuge for native wildlife and plants.

A National Recreation Trail, Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail stretches for more than 30 miles (48.3 km) from the Newberry Road Trailhead to the Wildwood Trailhead near the Oregon Zoo. The Wildwood Trail’s highest point is at the historic Pittock Mansion, and the southern part of the trail passes through Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum, which showcases 2,000 species of trees and shrubs and 2 miles (3.2 km) of wheelchair-accessible trails among its ample hiking terrain.

From the fields of Macleay Park in Northwest Portland, it’s less than a mile (1.6 km) to the Wildwood Trail. Once you pass the Stone House, known to Portlanders as the “Witch’s House,” you can ascend to Pittock Mansion or explore one of the seven loop trails of varying lengths that will take you into the forest and through neighborhood streets.

stone building covered in green moss and colorful fall leaves

If you start at Macleay Park, the nearly 6-mile (9.6 km) out-and-back hike up to the Pittock Mansion is rated “moderate” and has a 950-foot (290 m) elevation gain. This route follows the Wildwood Trail through the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon). For a shorter trek with no switchbacks, try a 4-mile (6.4 km) out-and-back from Washington Park that offers many undisturbed views of the city and Mount Hood.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Minutes from downtown Portland, between the Willamette River and Sellwood-Moreland, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birds and walkers. The park’s Bluff Trail connects to the Springwater Corridor on the Willamette for a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) loop that offers views of marshland favored by scores of great blue herons, as well as the vintage rides of Oaks Amusement Park.

birds on logs in water on a cloudy day — Waterfowl at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Powell Butte Nature Park

The views from Powell Butte, an extinct cinder cone volcano, will not disappoint. On a clear day, you can see five peaks in the Cascade Range, from Mount Rainier in the north to Mount Jefferson in the south. These 611 acres (247.3 ha) of meadowland and forest — home to birds of prey, gray foxes, skunks, bats and mule deer — offer over 9 miles (14.5 km) of trails for mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders as well as a 0.6-mile (1 km) paved accessible trail. This park is gated, so be sure to check the seasonal hours before you hit the trail.

Kelley Point Park

Kelley Point Park is at the very tip of North Portland, where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers converge. For a scenic sunrise, take the Kelley Point Loop trail. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood make cameo appearances at points along the 1.7-mile (2.7 km) loop through a cottonwood grove. Keep your eyes open for seabirds, and settle down by the water’s edge.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Along Portland’s southwest border lies Tryon Creek State Park, a 658-acre (266 ha) forest featuring 8 miles (12.9 km) of hiking trails, a 0.3-mile (0.5 km) accessible trail and a nature center. Tryon Creek wends through the park, with many wooden bridges offering views from above.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Located just a few minutes south of the city center by car (and still in Portland), Tryon Creek State Park offers one of the most beautiful hiking opportunities in the region. The many trails make it simple to plan a route suitable for your party, and whatever direction you take, you are sure to be surprised by the richness of the forest.
Hoyt Arboretum

Stop off at the Visitor Center for a map and plan your own route along the many trails around the park. Great signage makes it hard to get lost, and markers on the trees will help improve your ability to identify the many species of trees showcased here.
Macleay Park

The Lower Macleay Trail takes hikers up along Balch Creek into the southeastern corner of Forest Park. Little legs may favor turning around at the Stone House or else looping back along the Wildwood Trail. Those with with more stamina could head to the Audubon Society or even to the Pittock Mansion.
Mt. Tabor Park

This extinct volcano contains many trails running around and up and down its steep slopes. Great city views await you at the summit, and the park also boasts two playgrounds in case you need a rest but your children don’t!
Latourell Falls

The closest waterfall to the city is also one of the prettiest. The looping trail to the upper falls is under 2.5 miles in length; when you return, the bowl of the lower falls awaits with its truly spectacular torrent of water. The falls are one of the most beautiful anywhere, far less trafficked than the popular Multnomah Falls further into the Gorge and only 30 minutes from downtown by car.

City Hikes

The 4T Trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car. Instead, you’ll rely on the 4 T’s: trail, tram, trolley and train. The tour takes about four hours, five dollars and a bit of leg power. The route is well marked with signs and involves about 2.5 miles (4 km) of walking.

For more urban ambles, enjoy the sculptures, fountains and gardens along the riverside Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, South Waterfront Park, Willamette Park and Sellwood Riverfront Park. Many of these areas include crossings over the bridges of Portland.

pale pink and purple sky reflect on a river surface with a bridge off to the side and a view of downtown in the background — Scenic city views from the Eastbank Esplanade.

a couple with a dog and another person sit on a park bench

Laurelhurst Park

Just north of Portland's Belmont neighborhood sits Laurelhurst Park, one of the city's most scenic escapes with over 300 trees, a duck pond and an array of free public events.

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

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.

people enjoy a picnic at sunset looking out over a reservoir

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.

Portland Aerial Tram with Mt. Hood is visible in background horizon

4T Trail

The 4T trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car.

a path leads toward a large observation deck among ferns and towering trees

Hoyt Arboretum: Portland’s Museum of Trees

Hoyt Arboretum is Portland’s “living museum of trees” — and is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 12 miles (19.3 km) of hiking trails in Washington Park near downtown Portland.

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

View of the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum from the entrance courtyard.

Explore Washington Park and the World Forestry Center

Join your industry peers for an evening of exploration at Washington Park, hosted by Pacific NW Experience. Bring a colleague to learn about Portland’s treasured attraction, hear from local diverse hiking groups, and enjoy refreshments during this event designed for hospitality and tourism professionals and volunteers. The adventure starts at the World Forestry Center, where…

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.

Hiking the Columbia River Gorge

If you’re looking for the best hikes near Portland, it’s almost impossible to imagine a visit that skips over the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Heading a short drive east on Interstate 84 brings you to the city of Troutdale and the western gateway to the gorge. A few minutes further, and you will begin to grasp the scale and grandeur of your day ahead.

Across 80 miles (128 km) of length and 4,000 feet (1,219 m) of depth, the gorge offers dramatic ecological diversity from east to west, transitioning from forested waterfalls to an arid landscape and wind turbines. Countless waterfalls, windsurfers, kiteboarders, cyclists and charming towns like Cascade Locks and Hood River lie ahead, along with some of the best dayhikes you will find anywhere.

Waterfalls

The iconic and accessible Multnomah Falls is just the start. The gorge offers multiple trails to some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes near Portland, including Latourell, Wahclella, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Horsetail and Elowah. In some places, the falls can be viewed mere yards from the parking areas. In others, enjoy a hike first — some up to 6 miles (9.6 km) or more. Closer to Portland, the Eagle Creek Trailhead offers trails to more waterfalls, like Tunnel and Punchbowl Falls.

Two people stand at a fence looking toward a waterfall surrounded by wilderness. — Hikers gaze at the view of Bridal Veil Falls, a brief hike just off the Columbia River Highway about 30 minutes east of Portland.

a waterfall dropping from a rock cliff into a stream below — Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is notable for its columnar basalt formations.

The trails to the waterfalls can often be crowded, but there are plenty of breathtaking views to find. Choose the moderate, nearly 5-mile (8 km) round-trip trek to Angel’s Rest, the over 7 mile (11 km) loop trail at Cape Horn with stunning views of the river, or the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail exploring Beacon Rock. Use the Friends of the Columbia Gorge website to help plan your trip.

Sunrises and Wildflowers

Rowena Plateau has it all: flowers, wildlife and gorgeous Columbia River Gorge views, and a memorable sunrise for the early risers. Clocking in at a little over 2 miles (3.2 km) out and back, this plateau hike is ideal for those seeking minimal exertion while reaping maximum sunrise rewards. It’s a doable hike for families; unfortunately, your furry friends will have to stay home for this one.

Dog Mountain is an enduring favorite of Portlanders despite its Washington state locale. While the full length of the hike stretches 7 miles (11 km), for a hike this early, we recommend stopping off at the lower viewpoint 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in to watch the sunrise from an elevation of 1,600 feet (488 m). Marvel at the Columbia River glittering below and the blooms during wildflower season. In addition to the Northwest Forest parking pass required to leave your car near the trailhead, each hiker must purchase a $1.50 permit on the weekends between March 31 and July 1.

Mount Hood Hikes

The slopes of Mount Hood are famous for great wintertime sports, but Mt. Hood National Forest’s wooded splendor also offers a number of the best hikes near Portland for warmer seasonal enjoyment, from what is typically mid-July through October.

Roughly 70–90 minutes from Portland via Interstate 84 and Highway 26, the most direct route takes you through the villages of Welches, Zig Zag and Rhodedendron before arriving at Government Camp, a classic mountain town that serves as a recreation hub. A more meandering two-hour route follows Interstate 84 eastbound through the Columbia River Gorge and Highway 35 southbound through the Hood River Valley.

Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees. — The trails in Mt. Hood National Forest offer great summertime views of Mt. Hood's summit.

four people illuminated by campfire at a dimly lit campsite, backed by a serene lake and a large mountain obscured by mist — Campers enjoy a fire near the shore of Trillium Lake.

Mount Hood reflected in the water of Trillium lake — Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Hood while camping at Trillium Lake.

Try easy to moderate loop hikes at Trillium Lake, Mirror Lake or Timothy Lake for great views. Hike to the beautiful Tamanawas Falls on an easy and relatively kid-friendly 3.4-mile (5.5 km) round-trip or to the majestic Ramona Falls via a moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) loop. Marvel at the old-growth trees along the Salmon River Trail, with multiple access points allowing for hikes as short as 1 mile (1.6 km) or as long as 8 miles (12.9 km). From more great paths among old-growth forests, try the Wildwood Recreation Area, which is open from spring to fall and connects to several trailheads with hikes from 4 miles (6.4 km) to 10 miles (16 km) in length.

Lost Lake

If your family is looking for some crisp mountain air, try the loop trail around Lost Lake while taking in Mount Hood’s mesmerizing reflection. Avoid the usual summertime crowds by making the effort to get out early; you’ll be rewarded with front row seats to the rosy rays of dawn creeping over Mount Hood and reflecting on the 245-acre (99 hectare) lake below. This 3.2-mile (5 km) loop is easy enough that even sleepy kiddos will be impressed.

Timberline Trail

From the iconic Timberline Lodge, you can dayhike in either direction along the Timberline Trail. Advanced backpackers should definitely consider completing the full loop, which circumnavigates the mountain, offering vistas, waterfalls, alpine meadows and forests over 40 strenuous miles. Significant preparation is recommended as water can be scarce, navigation can be challenging, and trail conditions including river crossings and weather can change quickly.

Hiking Saddle Mountain and Silver Falls

Head 70 miles (113 km) toward the Oregon Coast for eye-popping 360º views from Saddle Mountain’s 3,290-foot (1,003 m) summit. Although steep at times, the 2.5-mile (4 km) hike to the top promises majestic views of the Pacific Ocean’s blue expanse, Washington’s Mount Rainer and everything in between. If your schedule allows, complete the short drive to Seaside or Cannon Beach in time to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

silver falls cascading down to a small lake below with fall colors on surround trees — Admire ten spectacular waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park.

Situated 54 miles (86.9 km) south of Portland in the Cascade foothills, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon. The park includes two day-use areas, a campground and a number of scenic waterfalls. To see them all, hike the Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate 8-mile (13 km) loop. This roughly three-hour hike is a designated National Recreation Trail and allows visitors to walk directly behind four different waterfalls. On your way back to Portland, find reason to take the scenic route via Silverton and The Oregon Garden.

Mentioned Elsewhere Online

Favorite local hikes in Portland and the surrounding region.

AllTrails

A hub for all things gorge, from conservation to trail info.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

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person walking among tall evergreen trees in a wooden trail

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a girl in a wheelchair on nature trail with a man and a dog

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colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

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a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

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Blue skies appear over snow-covered Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge.