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Jim  Kettner

Jim Kettner

Jim Kettner is a coffee shop cartoonist, writer, illustrator and podcaster. Read More

Culture / Outdoors

Spring Hikes Near Portland

Shake off the rain! Portland hiking season is in full bloom.

Updated Apr. 30, 2020 3 min read
Jim  Kettner

Jim Kettner

Jim Kettner is a coffee shop cartoonist, writer, illustrator and podcaster. Read More

True Portland adventurers explore the great outdoors all year round, but there’s something extra-special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy gorgeous wildflowers, stellar bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

Dogwood Trail

To challenge your legs with steep elevation gain on big switchbacks, try the Dogwood Trail in Forest Park, Portland’s own urban wilderness. This popular hiking route is also a hit with trail runners. It’s a 2-mile (3.2 km) jaunt to the end and back, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, link up with the Leif Erikson and Wild Cherry Trails for the 8-mile (13 km) Wild Cherry Loop. Access the trailhead from NW 53rd Drive off Cornell Road. 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Portland.

Oak Island

Oak Island (really a peninsula, don’t be fooled) on Sauvie Island is the perfect place to get your ornithology on. The Oak Island Trail takes you on a 2.5-mile (4 km) loop through the heart of the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. Keen eyes can spot more than 250 species of birds waiting to be discovered, including raptors, woodpeckers and migrating songbirds. 19 miles (30 km) northwest of downtown Portland.

Wildwood Recreation Area

If you crave a hike on the wild side, then the Wildwood Recreation Area is the place to be. Located along the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, this 550-acre (223 hectare) site is a fantastic place to take in the majesty of Oregon’s tallest peak, as well as a starting point for a variety of beautiful hikes. Beginners can observe the scenic Salmon River along the 0.75-mile (1.2 km) Cascade Streamwatch Trail, while advanced hikers can take on the steep 4.7-mile (7.6 km) climb up the Boulder Ridge Trail into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. 43 miles (69 km) southeast of downtown Portland.

Explore the Outdoors

Discover more of Portland's top natural areas at these scenic spots.

Go To Outdoors
Pick your own wildflowers on Sauvie Island, located just northwest of Portland.

Sauvie Island

Families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures on this island just northwest of Portland.

Forest Park has 70 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

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.

The historic Vista House at Crown Point serves as both a museum, resting point for travelers and panoramic viewpoint of the incredible scenery.

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.

Catherine Creek

Catherine Creek in the Columbia Gorge offers a variety of hikes ideal for springtime. Visitors to the Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail will find breathtaking views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood, but the real treasures here are the wildflowers. Over 90 species of blossoms decorate the rich landscape of rock outcroppings, grasslands and oak forests. Choose between an easy 0.25-mile (0.4 km) stroll to a scenic overlook and a moderately difficult 1.25-mile (2 km) loop to take in more sights. 72 miles (115 km) east of downtown Portland.

Lacamas Park

If you haven’t had your fill of flowers at Catherine Creek, visit Lacamas Park to take in the fields of blooming camas. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced outdoor adventurer, Lacamas Lake Park has a hike that’s right for you. The park is home to a diverse network of multipurpose trails for hiking and cycling. The Washougal River Greenway Trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) boardwalk-lined trail that passes through 125 acres (51 hectares) of scenery and crosses the Washougal on a 37-foot-tall (11 m) footbridge. For a more challenging hike, try the Lacamas Heritage Trail, a 3.5-mile (5.6 m) gravel trail that showcases rock formations and seasonal waterfalls. The neighboring Heritage Park provides the perfect spot for a post-hike picnic. 23 miles (37 km) northeast of downtown Portland.

Outdoors, Parks & Gardens, Spring

Hiking Around Portland

Locals love hiking, especially at these trails in and around Portland.

More Outdoors
Hoyt Arboretum offers 12 miles of accessible hiking trails.

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.

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

Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland

Put on some comfortable shoes and start walking — you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it.

Take in a tranquil sunrise at one of these Oregon parks and forests.

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.

Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.

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.

Enjoy an autumnal walk along the Banks-Vernonia Trail.

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.

Oregon\'s famous Multnomah Falls is especially gorgeous when it\'s partially frozen.

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.

Upcoming Outdoor Events

Enjoy Portland's great outdoors at these upcoming events.

Full Calendar
Editor's Pick
Oregon Spring Cleanup
Apr. 10–25, 2021

Oregon Spring Cleanup

Various Locations

SOLVE is excited to launch a brand-new statewide event called the Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. For over fifty years, SOLVE has been supporting the efforts of awesome partners and amazing volunteers from around the state who are motivated to take care of their special place in Oregon. There are dozens of…

Editor's Pick
For Kids
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Mar. 19–May 2, 2021

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm $5-$60

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.

Editor's Pick
Attractions
Festivals
For Kids
Parks & Gardens
Spring
Editor's Pick
Earth Day Oregon in Forest Park
Saturday, Apr. 24, 2021

Earth Day Oregon in Forest Park

Forest Park Free

Forest Park Conservancy will be celebrating Earth Day Oregon this year on Saturday, April 24, and we’re inviting you to join! We will create small volunteer experiences for small groups spread throughout Forest Park. We will be planting native species and removing invasive species throughout Forest Park. Our goal is to provide fun, helpful ways…

Editor's Pick
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Hippie Chick Half Marathon
Saturday, May 8, 2021

Hippie Chick Half Marathon

Ron Tonkin Field $15-$89

The Hippie Chick half marathon, quarter marathon, 5k and kid’s half-mile race returns in 2021 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…

Editor's Pick
Outdoors
Sports
Editor's Pick
Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, June 12, 2021

Water Lantern Festival

Laurelhurst Park Varies

Portland’s annual Water Lantern Festival is a beautiful experience where you’ll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water at Laurelhurst Park. This family-friendly event includes food trucks, pre-made floating lantern kits, markers, ascavenger hunt and more.

Editor's Pick
For Kids
Outdoors
Canceled
Festival of Balloons
June 25–27, 2021

Festival of Balloons

Cook Park Prices Vary

Hot-air balloons take flight mere minutes from downtown Portland every summer.

Canceled
Events
Festivals
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Oregon Country Fair
July 9–11, 2021

Oregon Country Fair

Virtual Ticket Prices Vary

Oregon Country Fair will be hosting Fair in the Clouds: A Virtual Event from July 9-11, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Delight in the Oregon Coutnry Fair’s world class entertainment, handmade crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises at every turn of the path. The Oregon Country Fair is nestled…

Editor's Pick
Festival
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
The Big Float
Saturday, July 10, 2021

The Big Float

Tom McCall Waterfront Park $5-$175

Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.

Editor's Pick
For Kids
Outdoors
Summer
Canceled
Bridge Pedal
Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021

Bridge Pedal

Multiple locations $35-$70

The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. 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…

Canceled
For Kids
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Hood to Coast
Aug. 27–28, 2021

Hood to Coast

Timberline Lodge

Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and walkers annually. The race fills up months in advance, but there’s no…

Editor's Pick
Health & Wellness
Outdoors

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