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a couple on a walk with their dog on a wooded, shady trail in Forest Park a couple walks their dog in Forest Park
i
Portland’s pet parents love hitting the trails in Forest Park.
Culture / Outdoors

Hikes in and Near Portland

Hike Portland's neighborhoods and parks, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

Updated Oct. 19, 2022 6 min read

The Pacific Northwest draws visitors from all over, enticed by the scenic coastline, verdant valleys and breathtaking mountains. With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers. 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.

Things to Know About Hiking Around Portland

Is Portland good for hiking?

Portland has plentiful urban walking and hiking with over 279 parks and natural areas. Check out OregonLive’s “7 most iconic hikes in Portland.”

What are some 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. This park is a must-see any time of year — it’s also accessible for all ages and abilities.

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 the best hikes in Forest Park?

Forest Park covers most of the West Hills in Portland and provides miles of trails, including forested hikes through the Hoyt Arboretum and trails leading to scenic views from Pittock Mansion. Find maps to plot your course and explore Portland’s prized urban forest.

What are the best hikes with a dog in Portland?

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.

What are the best short hikes near Portland?

Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge southwest of Portland offers a 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 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.”

What hikes are open?

Before you hit the trails, check these helpful sites to see if there are trail closures (due to inclement weather or improvements):
  • Portland Parks Trail Closures and Delays
  • Columbia River Gorge Trail Status Map

Where to Hike in Portland

Portland is a walker’s paradise. The wide sidewalks (and short blocks) of downtown make for pleasant strolling. The many trails and natural spaces throughout the city provide a quick escape from the attractions that fill Portland’s neighborhoods. From the stairways hidden in the Alameda neighborhood, to historic homes near Laurelhurst Park, to the walk to the top of Mt. Tabor Park or Council Crest, you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it to walk, hike or bird your way around the area.

Forest Park

At 5,100 acres (2,064 ha), Forest Park boasts more than 80 miles (129 km) of paths and is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. On any given day, you’ll find trail runners, dog walkers, families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying every inch of Forest Park. With clearly marked trails and paths in every direction, you can explore this urban oasis from any of its 40 access points.

Wildwood Trail

A National Recreation Trail, Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail stretches for more than 30 miles (48.3 km) through the Tualatin Hills (also known as the West Hills) from the Newberry Road Trailhead to the north and 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.

On any given day you’ll find trail runners, dog walkers, families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying every inch of Forest Park.

Macleay Park

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
Credit: Nick Mendez

Pittock Mansion

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 Portland Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary. 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.

Hoyt Arboretum

Hoyt Arboretum showcases 2,000 species of trees and shrubs on 189 acres (76.5 ha) of hilly terrain within Washington Park. An interpretive center at this “living museum” offers restrooms and a gift shop, plus maps and brochures. The arboretum’s 21 trails cover 12 miles (19.3 km); of these, 2 miles (3.2 km) of trail are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and visitors who appreciate firm footing.

Washington Park

Beyond picnics and verdant strolls, Washington Park offers up a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, an arboretum, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all lined by one of the largest urban forests, Forest Park.

Explore

Mt. Tabor Park

Located east of the shops and restaurants of Southeast Hawthorne, Mt. Tabor Park offers paved and natural-surface trails that wind through evergreen forest and to the top of a 636-foot (194 m) extinct cinder cone volcano, where you’ll enjoy great views of the city skyline. Pack a picnic, challenge yourself with some reps up the stairs near Southeast 69th Avenue or circle the picturesque reservoirs on the park’s west side.

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.

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. 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.

More to Explore

You don't have to go far to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

More Outdoors
birds on logs in water on a cloudy day

Wildlife Preserves

Experience nature not far from the city's hustle and bustle at these wildlife preserves.

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 person sits on a bench overlooking Portland at Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park

This century-old public space is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics and epic city views.

Powell Butte Nature Park

The views from Powell Butte, another 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.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Along Portland’s southwest border lies Tryon Creek State Park, a 670-acre (271.1 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.

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
Credit: Diego Diaz

Willamette River Walks

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.

Portland’s Best Rooftop and Patio Bars

Hiking can work up an appetite. Find a patio where you can grab a bite (or a brew) while continuing to enjoy the fresh Northwest air.

Refuel and Recharge

Columbia River Gorge

If you love hiking, it’s almost impossible to imagine a visit to Portland without a jaunt to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 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.

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.

Explore

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 or the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail exploring Beacon Rock. Favorite trailheads offering river views and wildflower hikes near Portland include Cape Horn and Dog Mountain. Use the Friends of the Columbia Gorge website to help plan your trip.

Mount Hood Hikes

The slopes of Mount Hood are famous for great wintertime sports. Mt. Hood National Forest’s wooded splendor makes the mountain a top-notch spot for all-season hikes as well. If your family is looking for some crisp mountain air, try the 3.2-mile (5 km) loop around Lost Lake while taking in Mount Hood’s mesmerizing reflection. See some remaining 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.

Get Out of Town

Find fresh air, flowing water, magnificent mountains and breathtaking views.

In the Region
Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.

A large waterfall spills into a pool

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.

a person kayaking on glassy water with puffy clouds reflected in it

Outdoor Adventure in Columbia County

With an emerald backdrop and riverside paths, outdoor adventure awaits.

More Hikes Near Portland

Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon, located 54 miles (86.9 km) south of Portland. The park includes two day-use areas, a campground and 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.

Outdoors

Mentioned Elsewhere Online

A regional coalition for parks, trails and nature

The Intertwine

A hub for gorge conservation and hiking info

Friends of Columbia Gorge

Trails for All Seasons and Hikers

Find the perfect trail for any time of year, for everyone in your group.

More Outdoors
A family with two small children a hike along a tree-shaded stream.

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.

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

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

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

Sunrise behind a tree at Soda Mountain

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.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background

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.

a pathway with railings in nature

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.

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

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

A boy stands in a field of tulips with oak trees and people in the background

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

a flock of Canadian geese take flight at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

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.

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.

floating homes and house boats on the water

St. Helens

St. Helens pairs outdoor experiences with antique shops and Twilight souvenirs.

three cyclists ride on a muddy gravel path in Forest Park

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.

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