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Emma Mannheimer
Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More
Sunrise Hikes Near Portland
Get outside early for empty trails and spectacular sights
Emma Mannheimer
Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More
The secret is out: Oregon’s spectacularly beautiful scenery delivers some of the nation’s best hiking. Beat the onslaught of fellow trekkers by hitting the road extra early to embark on a breathtaking sunrise hike. (Safety tip: If you are hiking before daybreak, arrive prepared with headlamps and any other necessary equipment.)
Powell Butte Nature Park
Witnessing the sunrise from an extinct cinder cone volcano (that lies conveniently within Portland’s city limits) is definitely one for the memory books. The 611 acres (247 hectares)of Powell Butte Nature Park are crisscrossed by several different trails, allowing you to design your perfect hike. Climb 600 feet (183 m) to the butte’s highest point to see Mount Hood and other peaks; the mountain finder on Summit Lane will assist with any identification debates. The park opens at 5 a.m., just in time to catch those first golden rays.
Kelley Point Loop
If a beach towel sounds like your ideal sunrise vantage point, head to Kelley Point Park at the very tip of North Portland, where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers converge. 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 as you settle down by the water’s edge for a front row seat to nature’s morning show. Stay a while to take advantage of the cool water on a scorching summer day.
Saddle Mountain
Head 70 miles (113 km) northwest of Portland 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.
Where to Go
Oregon Coast
From the fishing city of Astoria to the tide pools of Yachats, the Oregon Coast is a rugged, unspoiled treasure that begins 90 minutes from Portland.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.
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.
Rowena Plateau
Only 90 minutes from Portland by car, Rowena Plateau has it all: flowers, wildlife and gorgeous Columbia River Gorge views. 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, so hustle the whole gang out the door and watch in awe as the sun illuminates the gorge below. Unfortunately, your furry friends will have to stay home for this one.
Dog Mountain
Also 90 minutes east of the city, 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.
Lost Lake Loop
It’s difficult to imagine a better place to watch the sun rise than along the perimeter of Lost Lake Loop. The drive from Portland is just under two hours, leading travelers through the Gorge before dipping into Mt. Hood National Forest’s wooded splendor. Avoid the usual summertime crowds by making the drive to Lost Lake extra 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.
Hiking Around Portland
Outdoor Events
The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.
Corn Maze at Topaz Farm
Family-owned Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island has a stunning corn maze by graphic design icon Aaron Draplin. Spread over seven acres, the corn maze has two entrances. The first entrance is ideal for parents of younger kids or people looking for a shorter stroll. The second entrance provides a truly challenging puzzle. Inside the maze…
Shamrock Run
Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third-largest running event in the western United States.
Hippie Chick Half Marathon
The Hippie Chick half marathon, quarter marathon, 5k and kid’s half-mile race returns 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 Field with…
Harefest
The annual Harefest music festival in Canby presents the Northwest’s best tribute bands performing on three stages over two days. The Harefest experience has been described by many attendees and performers as “adult summer camp” not only for the fun-loving, good-natured attendees but also because of its rustic location and tent camping around the festival…
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
Portland Marathon
Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon is an excellent way to see a lot of Portland in one great run. The race starts and finishes at Waterfront Park, crossing four bridges and passing by some of the city’s most iconic…
The Mythstory of the Golden Ass
Treasure Hunters Seek Hidden Gold A one-of-a-kind, solid gold pendant valued at $400 has been hidden in a major Oregon metropolis. Are you a treasure hunter brave, cunning, and erudite enough to decipher the clues and discover the hiding place of the Golden Ass? Mme. Obscura will make the necessary clues available for purchase on…
Wildwood Adventures Full Day Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour
Follow the path of an ancient riverbed, carved by the last ice age, past the Bridge of the Gods, and explore the Windsurfing Capital of the World. In the afternoon, traverse Oregon’s fertile fruit valley on the way to the alpine top of a volcano, which boasts a title as the world’s 2nd most summited…
Wildwood Adventures Half Day Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed National Scenic Areas. Drive along…
Wildwood Adventures Full Day Oregon Coast Tour
With over 300 miles of public coastline, Oregon’s beaches are sure to amaze with their dramatic offshore rock formations and reborn beach towns. This tour will travel along one of the most picturesque driving routes in the country, US HWY 101. We will spend the day exploring breathtaking beaches, trekking along sandy shores, and viewing…
Bluebeard
Bluebeard a piece by Kailey Rhodes and Samson Syharath You are cordially invited to Bluebeard’s Country Estate, alongside his intended fiancée. A response is requested. Your presence is your present.* Bluebeard is an interactive outdoor experience, beginning seated in your car and leading to an invitation to explore an open-ended environment. Dress for the journey…
Haunted Corn Maze at Bella Organic
Get lost in acres of corn, in the dark, on Friday and Saturday nights in October. Terrifying creatures stalk you as you make your way through our Haunted Corn Maze. This year our Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze will be inspired by Halloween, the movie. Be prepared to be haunted by Michael Myers throughout the…
Run Like Hell Marathon
Weeeeeeeee’re baaaaaack! That’s right folks. This signature event is back to live-action after a hiatus last year from you know what. Join for this fun, family-friendly Halloween-themed event on Saturday, October 30th. Dress in costume and come along for a 10k or 5k run or walk. The event is in Milwaukie this year, starting and…
Howloween
Bring your costumed kids to Howloween for treats and safe fun. The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this Halloween tradition, where costumed kids learn about healthy habitats for wildlife in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo. Treat bags are available at the end of the scavenger hunt for an additional fee…
Triskelee Farm Fall Fest
Come for a tour and stay for fall fest activities. We’ll have hayrides, pumpkin painting, horse rides, kids’ activities, and snacks available to purchase when you arrive. Get up close and personal with our goats, alpacas, ostriches, bunnies, pigs, and many more animals. Costumes encouraged prizes for best costume kids and adult categories. The tour…
Drive-By Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or take a stroll past our campground on Duke Street to enjoy thousands of lights, a life-size nativity, and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
Silverton Christmas Market
Join us for our awe-inspiring, annual Christmas light display and market at the Oregon Garden Resort. Now named the Silverton Christmas Market, this annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in one million lights, while sipping a warm, spicy gluhwein during this beloved, annual event….
Holiday Half Marathon
One of Portland’s favorite winter races, the Holiday Half helps get you in the holiday spirit with gingerbread cookie aid stations and carolers serenading you along the course. Taking place on Swan Island in North Portland, the race offers runners scenic views of the Willamette River (along with photo opportunities with the race’s mascot, Freddi…
Twilight Run 5K
The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools presents their Ninth Annual Twilight Run, in partnership with RunSignUp and the Tigard Festival of Balloons. The 5K Twilight Run follows a flat and fast course along the beautiful bike trails. As you race towards the sunset, you will be surrounded by the wonders of the park and excitement…
Oregon Jamboree
The small town of Sweet Home, Oregon, plays host to the Northwest’s premier country music and camping festival, the Oregon Jamboree, held every August. In addition to great entertainment, this family style event hosts RV/tent camping, food booths, beer & wine gardens and kids activities. The mission of the Oregon Jamboree (a 501(c)-3 non-profit) is…
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon
Meet Oregon’s Wine Country. People around the world have fallen in love with its premier pinot noir, and once you’re here it’s hard not to fall in love with the place too. Here you’ll find that communities are tight-knit, talented, and creative. While the country roads are quiet, the sweeping vistas, pods of old-growth forest,…
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