Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Forest Park
One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., offering over 80 miles of hiking trails.
- Urban Oasis: A unique combination of city and wilderness, providing a serene escape within Portland.
- Diverse Trails: Caters to all levels of hikers, with easy, moderate, and difficult trails available.
- Local Wildlife: Home to various wildlife species, making each hike an opportunity for nature observation.
2. Washington Park
A city park featuring hiking trails, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden.
- City Culture Integration: Blends hiking with cultural experiences like the Japanese Garden.
- Seasonal Bloom: Features over 10,000 rose bushes blooming from May to October.
- Accessibility: Located in the heart of Portland, making it easily accessible for tourists.
3. Mount Hood Wilderness
Offers advanced hiking trails with breathtaking views of Mount Hood and its glaciers.
- Advanced Terrain: Ideal for experienced hikers seeking challenging landscapes.
- Glacier Views: Provides stunning views of Mount Hood's glaciers and surrounding wilderness.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight camping in the heart of nature.
4. Columbia River Gorge
A scenic hiking trail along the Columbia River with waterfalls and panoramic views.
- Waterfall Haven: Boasts over 60 waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
- Gorgeous Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River and surrounding landscapes.
- Accessible Destination: Easily accessible from Portland, making it a popular day trip destination.
5. Olympic Peninsula
A remote peninsula featuring rugged coastlines, rainforests, and mountain ranges.
- Remote Wilderness: Provides a remote hiking experience away from the city.
- Coastal Beauty: Features stunning coastal landscapes, including Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach.
- Rainforest Trails: Offers hiking trails through ancient Hoh Rainforest.
6. Three Sisters Wilderness
An extensive wilderness area featuring three volcanic peaks and numerous hiking trails.
- Volcanic Landscape: Features three volcanic peaks, creating a unique and dramatic landscape.
- Advanced Hiking: Offers challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight camping in the wilderness.
7. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
A coastal region featuring cliff tops, sea stacks, and Sitkus Falls.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline.
- Waterfalls: Features Sitkus Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into the ocean.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot various coastal wildlife species.
8. Eagle Cap Wilderness
An expansive wilderness area featuring alpine lakes and high-altitude peaks.
- Alpine Beauty: Features alpine landscapes, including glaciers and alpine lakes.
- Advanced Hiking: Offers challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight camping in the wilderness.
9. Breitenbush Hot Springs
A secluded hot springs location offering hiking trails and natural soaking pools.
- Relaxation Destination: Provides a unique combination of hiking and relaxation in the hot springs.
- Secluded Location: Located in a remote forest, offering peace and tranquility.
- Natural Hot Springs: Features natural soaking pools for a relaxing experience.
10. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
A hiking destination offering views of the active volcano and surrounding landscapes.
- Active Volcano: Offers close-up views of an active volcano.
- Crater Hikes: Features hiking trails leading to the volcanic crater.
- Nature Recovery: Showcases the recovery and regeneration of the landscape after the 1980 eruption.
11. Mount Adams Wilderness
A remote wilderness area featuring high-altitude lakes and glaciers.
- Remote Wilderness: Provides a remote hiking experience away from the city.
- High-Altitude Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of high-altitude landscapes, including glaciers.
- Advanced Hiking: Features challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
12. Mount Jefferson Wilderness
A wilderness area featuring alpine landscapes and the third highest peak in Oregon.
- Alpine Beauty: Features alpine landscapes, including glaciers and alpine lakes.
- Advanced Hiking: Offers challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight camping in the wilderness.
13. Mount Hood National Forest
A forest featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas of Mount Hood.
- Mountain Views: Provides stunning views of Mount Hood from various hiking trails.
- Waterfalls: Features numerous waterfalls, including the popular Ramona Falls.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers scenic vistas of forests, meadows, and mountains.
14. Mount Rainier National Park
A national park offering hiking trails leading to glaciers and alpine lakes.
- Alpine Landscapes: Features alpine landscapes, including glaciers and alpine lakes.
- Advanced Hiking: Offers challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight camping in the wilderness.
15. North Cascades National Park
A national park featuring glacier-capped peaks, deep valleys, and over 300 alpine lakes.
- Glacier Peaks: Features numerous glacier-capped peaks.
- Alpine Lakes: Offers over 300 alpine lakes for hikers to explore.
- Advanced Hiking: Provides challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.