5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Oregon for a Spring Hike

There’s no bad time to go hiking and explore the best nature trails in Oregon. Some of these trails shine in every season and in all types of weather. But, for those looking for the widest variety of options (terrain, difficulty level, road type, accessibility, views, amenities, etc.), spring will be your favorite season to hike, especially when looking for truly picture-perfect trails that ring with birdsong and carry the faint scent of wildflowers.

What Makes These Trails Perfect for Spring

There are a few things that make a trail truly perfect for springtime: wildflowers, decent weather, and the effects of snowmelt and rainfall. Spring is the time for new growth, and with that comes beautiful blooms. It’s also a time when there is quite a bit of rain, which not only can deter large crowds, but also means the trails are typically green and lush. Then, the abundance of snowmelt and rainfall means rivers, creeks, and waterfalls will be nearly full to bursting.

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Oregon for a Spring Hike

1. The Trail of Ten Falls - Silver Falls State Park

One of the most well-known places to hike in Oregon, outside of the coast and the Columbia River Gorge, this popular trail gives access to multiple waterfalls and offers a unique way to experience the water. In the spring, the streams, waterfalls, and creeks are exceptionally full, and when combined with the vivid greenery and a few spring flowers, the area makes for incredible photos.

The Trail of Ten Falls is under 8 miles and can take anywhere from three to five hours to complete, depending on your level of fitness, pace, and the number of times you stop to take pictures or rest. This Oregon hike can be challenging due to its length and stairs, but overall, it is well-maintained. 

2. Trout Creek to Rooster Rock - Menagerie Wilderness

A harder option meant for adventurers, this hike isn’t easily accessible for part of the year due to snow. Spring, however, brings more opportunities to take in the amazing views and to witness the wildflowers and bright colors that the season brings. Taking anywhere from three to five hours to complete due to its length (6.5 miles) and incline, the trail is known to be well-maintained for the most part, but due to its nature as an old-growth forest, there are often felled trees that can make navigating certain areas a bit more difficult. But great effort leads to great rewards with truly stunning views all throughout the journey. Often, these views will be for you and you alone due to the remote nature of the trail. 

3. Cape Falcon Trail - Oswald West State Park

Some trails are excellent to visit during any type of year, and then others really shine brightest during certain seasons. The Cape Falcon Trail is one such hike, and spring is when it shines best. This is because although the mist and rain will create muddy conditions, the forest and hills carry greenery and flowers like the Oregon grape, violet, salmonberry, trillium, and more. It also means that the creeks are filled and the birds are singing (the area is famous for birdwatching). 

Taking anywhere between an hour and a half to nearly three hours, depending on how muddy the trail is (and your general level of fitness), this out-and-back trail measures at around 4.5 miles and is relatively popular, but not overly crowded. With curves and steep sections, the trail remains well kept, but also is often beaten down by the weather and can feature fallen trees and unruly roots at times. As a result, sturdy walking shoes are always a must. 

4. Benham Falls via Deschutes River Trail - near Bend

This hike is what the personification of a perfect spring day in Bend would be. It’s more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, complete with great weather—not too hot, not too cold, just right (the Goldilocks measurement)—and perfect views of a roaring river cutting through a forest and cascading down into a beautiful waterfall. But, to top it off, the wildflowers wash the landscape in shades of white, yellow, and other warm-toned petals. 

As mentioned, this is a short hike at only 1.7 miles and is a flat out-and-back trail taking under an hour to complete. It’s a popular trail for families with children and strollers, and as a result, it can get crowded, especially when the weather starts leaning to the warmer side. But spring is still best for this trail because the warmer side of the year brings mosquitoes that spring seems to miss. 

5. Strawberry Lake Loop - Strawberry Mountain Wilderness

This hike has a bit of everything and is somewhat of a lush oasis in a part of the state that is typically considered to be drier. This rings true all year, but this beautiful scenery is most prevalent in the spring when the snow melts and turns the mountain green and raises the lake to its highest capacity. Spring also brings fewer mosquitoes and more wildflowers, and some wildlife viewing opportunities, like mountain goats that are known to often wander near the trail, lake, and adjoining campground. 

At 6.9 miles, this loop hike remains kid-friendly even though it's certainly a moderate level of difficulty. There’s a good amount of uphill walking, but the trail isn’t very crowded, and there are things to explore and wonderful views during the entire trip. 

Tips for Planning a Spring Hike in Oregon

1. 1.
   Try to check ahead for parking. Oregon does offer many well-maintained parking areas with bathrooms and other facilities, but many dirt pull-outs near trailheads can fill up fast.
2. 2.
   Wear long pants for overgrown areas, rain jackets for overflowing waterfalls where the mist hangs thick, and windbreakers for sea cliffs. 
3. 3.
   Hiking boots are often one of the most reliable purchases one can make when hiking in Oregon. With roots and mud to deal with, your ankles will thank you!
4. 4.
   Depending on the day you choose, always be sure to check traffic patterns, particularly around Portland.

Although an argument can be made that hiking should (and can) be done in every season, there are clearly seasons where it's at least easier to hike. Spring is the season for Oregon! With a wide variety of options, paired with gorgeous wildflowers, greenery, and water features, spring is the time to get out and explore Oregon!