The Natural Wonders on Foot: Scenic Hikes Near Portland
Columbia River Gorge Trails
Just a short drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Pacific Northwest. Among the myriad trails, Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls is a notable one. This moderately challenging hike covers around 12 miles round trip and takes you past several cascading waterfalls, most notably Punchbowl Falls and the iconic Tunnel Falls, where the path actually passes behind the waterfall.
Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail
For those looking to escape the city without actually leaving it, Forest Park provides the perfect respite. As one of the country’s largest urban forest reserves, the park boasts the 30.2-mile Wildwood Trail, part of the region’s 40-Mile Loop system. This extensive trail winds through towering trees and tranquil streams, offering peaceful scenery and glimpses of local wildlife. For a shorter hike, you can take one of the many intersecting trails to create a loop that suits your time and fitness level.
Mt. Hood Area Trails
The iconic peak of Mt. Hood, visible from Portland on clear days, beckons hikers of all experience levels. One particularly scenic hike is the Mirror Lake Trail, which is about a 3-mile round trip that takes you to a serene mountain lake with stunning reflections of Mt. Hood. For an added challenge, hikers can continue to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain which extends the hike to about 6 miles and offers panoramic views of the Cascade Range.
Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor, an extinct volcanic cinder cone, offers an easy urban hike that includes paved and unpaved paths, stairways, and moderate inclines. This city park features several reservoirs, forested areas, and open parkland with expansive views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. The loop around the park is about 3 miles, making it a perfect spot for a short, but scenic workout.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Southwest of downtown Portland, Tryon Creek State Natural Area hosts a diverse array of trails that pass through lush forests. It’s a fantastic place for both leisurely strolls and more rigorous hikes on trails like the 3.5-mile Trillium Trail. As Oregon’s only urban state park, it’s a unique setting to enjoy the beauty of a Pacific Northwest rainforest.
Angel’s Rest
Located in the western end of the Columbia River Gorge, Angel’s Rest is a moderate to difficult hike that covers about 4.8 miles round trip. The trail takes you up to a high bluff with impressive views of the Gorge and the Cascade Mountains. The steep incline can be a workout, but the vista from the top provides a stunning reward for your efforts.
Oregon Coast Trails
While not immediately within Portland’s boundaries, the Oregon coastline is accessible within a couple hours and offers some of the most picturesque trails in the region. Short trails, such as the Clatsop Loop Trail in Ecola State Park, give hikers a look at old-growth forests and dramatic coastline views. The trail is about 3 miles long, but hikers can extend their journey to include the scenic viewpoint at Hug Point or the historic lighthouse at Tillamook Head.
All these trails are easily accessible from Portland and provide a range of scenic experiences that can fit any hiker’s preference. Whether you are looking for an urban hike, a waterfall escapade, a forest adventure, or a coastal trek, the areas around Portland will not disappoint.