Portland, Oregon, is a city known for its lush landscapes, towering mountains, and stunning riverside views. The city offers a remarkable variety of day hikes that cater to all levels of experience, from scenic riverside walks to challenging mountain trails that offer panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including iconic peaks like Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. In this detailed guide, I will share my personal experiences of three of my favorite hikes, along with four additional recommended trails that I believe every nature enthusiast visiting Portland should explore.
1. Angel’s Rest Hike: A Perfect Introduction to the Columbia River Gorge
The first hike I want to talk about is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the Columbia River Gorge: Angel’s Rest. Located just 30 minutes east of Portland, this hike provides stunning views of the gorge and the Columbia River, all while offering a moderate challenge for both beginners and seasoned hikers. This was one of the first trails I explored when I visited Portland, and it immediately became one of my favorites due to its balance of difficulty and breathtaking scenery.
Trail Details
- Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet (427 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hike Highlights
As I embarked on the Angel’s Rest trail, I was immediately greeted by a lush forest with tall trees and an easy-to-follow path. The hike starts with a moderate incline, but as I progressed, the terrain became steeper. This made the summit even more rewarding. After about 2 miles of steady climbing, I reached the viewpoint at the top of the trail. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular: a sweeping panorama of the Columbia River Gorge, with the river snaking through the landscape and the towering mountains in the distance. The moment I reached the summit, I felt like I was on top of the world, surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s the kind of view that makes all the effort worth it.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to hike Angel’s Rest is from late spring to early fall. In the summer, the weather is typically clear, and the views are unobstructed. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, I recommend hiking on a weekday morning or in the early spring when the wildflowers are blooming but the crowds are fewer.
Services & Facilities
There’s a parking lot at the trailhead with free parking, but it can fill up quickly on weekends, especially during peak hiking season. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot. There are no restrooms or water stations at the trailhead, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail is well-maintained, with clear signage and a well-marked path, making it easy to navigate.
How to Get There
From Portland, take I-84 East to exit 28 for the Historic Columbia River Highway. Drive about 7 miles to the Angel’s Rest trailhead parking area, which is located right off the highway.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Stunning views, well-maintained trail, accessible from Portland.
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak seasons, especially on weekends.
2. Mount Hood’s Timberline Trail: A Challenge Worth the Effort
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Timberline Trail around Mount Hood is one of the most iconic hikes in Oregon. The Timberline Trail is a 40-mile loop that circles Mount Hood, but for a day hike, I focused on a section of the trail that allowed me to experience the mountain’s majesty without committing to the full trek. I hiked the section from Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Trail Details
- Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) round-trip (for the Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park section)
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet (610 meters)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Hike Highlights
The Timberline Trail is known for its rugged beauty, and this section was no exception. From the Timberline Lodge, the path climbs steadily through alpine meadows and old-growth forests, offering some of the best views of Mount Hood and the surrounding area. I found myself stopping frequently to take in the expansive views of glaciers, rugged cliffs, and wildflower-filled meadows. The further I climbed, the more I was in awe of the surrounding beauty.
The highlight of this hike was reaching Paradise Park, a stunning meadow area that is perfect for photography. The views of Mount Hood’s icy slopes, surrounded by colorful wildflowers, made for some unforgettable photos. At this elevation, you are high enough to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers below. The wildflower fields in summer are an explosion of colors, making this section of the trail one of the most picturesque hikes in the area.
Best Time to Visit
The Timberline Trail is best hiked from late summer to early fall when the snow has melted, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Spring and early summer can still have significant snow, making certain parts of the trail inaccessible. Be prepared for varying weather conditions at high altitudes, as temperatures can change rapidly.
Services & Facilities
Timberline Lodge is a great place to start your hike, as it offers amenities such as restrooms, food, and even lodging if you want to extend your stay. There are no water stations on the trail, so bring enough water for the entire hike. You can also refill your water bottles at Timberline Lodge before setting out.
How to Get There
From Portland, head southeast on US-26 to the Timberline Lodge, which is located about 60 miles from the city. The trailhead begins just behind the lodge.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Stunning mountain views, diverse terrain, beautiful wildflowers.
- Cons: Challenging elevation gain, can be difficult to navigate in snow, long and strenuous.
3. The Wildwood Trail: A Forest Escape in Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, and it offers a network of trails for hikers looking for an escape into nature without leaving the city. I spent an entire day exploring the Wildwood Trail, which runs for 30 miles through the forested hills of Portland, providing a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle.
Trail Details
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) (one way)
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hike Highlights
What I loved most about the Wildwood Trail was the feeling of being immersed in nature, despite being just a short distance from downtown Portland. The trail meanders through lush forests, across babbling brooks, and alongside ferns and moss-covered trees. The shaded canopy provides a cool respite, even on hot days, making this a fantastic option for a summer hike.
Along the way, I passed several stunning viewpoints, including panoramic views of the city and the Willamette River. The trail is relatively easy but offers enough elevation change to provide a good workout. The Wildwood Trail is well-maintained and the signage is clear, making it easy to navigate. It also intersects with other trails, allowing you to customize your hike depending on how much time you have.
Best Time to Visit
I recommend hiking the Wildwood Trail in spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the forest is full of vibrant colors. Spring brings new life to the area, with blooming flowers and baby animals, while fall offers golden foliage and cooler temperatures.
Services & Facilities
There are no restrooms or water stations on the trail itself, so be sure to bring your own water. Forest Park is accessible via several trailheads, with the most popular starting points being the Leif Erikson Drive or The Lower Macleay Trail.
How to Get There
You can access the Wildwood Trail from multiple points in Forest Park, with parking available at various trailheads. From downtown Portland, take the US-30 West to NW Thurman St, which will lead you to the park.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Close to downtown Portland, quiet, beautiful forested areas.
- Cons: Can be muddy during the rainy season, some sections can be crowded on weekends.
4. Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls Loop: A Waterfall Lover’s Dream
For those who appreciate the beauty of waterfalls, the Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls Loop offers one of the most scenic hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. This loop combines two of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls, and the trail offers impressive views, lush forest settings, and the refreshing sound of water.
Trail Details
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet (457 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Hike Highlights
The hike starts at the iconic Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon. The first portion of the hike is relatively easy, as you get up close to the falls. From there, the trail takes you uphill, where you’ll encounter several other waterfalls, including the beautiful Wahkeena Falls. The waterfall views combined with the forest surroundings make this hike unforgettable. Be sure to bring your camera, as the cascading waterfalls make for excellent photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is spring or early summer when the falls are at their most powerful after the snowmelt.
Services & Facilities
The trailhead is easily accessible, and there are restrooms and a visitor center at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. The area is also very popular, so expect some crowds, especially on weekends.
How to Get There
From Portland, drive east on I-84 for about 30 minutes to reach the Multnomah Falls parking area.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Iconic waterfalls, well-maintained trail, easily accessible.
- Cons: Crowded, especially in summer, limited parking.
Portland is a paradise for hikers, offering a diverse range of trails that are suitable for everyone, from novice walkers to seasoned mountaineers. Whether you’re looking to explore lush forests, majestic waterfalls, or stunning mountain views, there’s a hike for you in and around this city. With a variety of landscapes, well-marked trails, and easily accessible routes, Portland’s hiking scene is truly something to experience. Be sure to plan your visit during the best seasons to make the most of the weather and the scenery, and remember to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and respect the environment as you explore.
