Posted in Oregon
January 17, 2021
In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Oregon Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Oregon’s beauty is unparalleled, but it’s easy to take it for granted. This year, make it a priority to get out and explore Oregon’s hiking trails! Here’s an incredible hike for every month of the year.
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Start the year off with a snowshoe hike through the forest. It's peaceful and quiet here in this winter wonderland. The trail is seven miles out and back, and rated as easy.
The Tamolitch Blue Pool is a popular spot, and that's no surprise. It's an easy hike with a beautiful, clear blue pool. There's enough foot traffic on this trail that you don't need snowshoes, but you might want to bring along some traction cleats in case it's icy.
The 1.7-mile trail to Spencer Butte is a popular hike in Eugene. If it's not muddy, try the more difficult route up, otherwise take the easy route. You'll love the views from the top!
When its wildflowers you want, head to the Rowena Plateau. The trail is a short, easy two-mile loop, and in the spring it's just bursting with blooms.
Trillium Lake is one of Oregon's most-photographed spots. On a clear, calm day, the reflection of Mt. Hood is like a mirror, and photographers are in heaven here. The trail is an easy 1.9-mile loop.
The Mount Scott Trail at Crater Lake National Park isn't usually crowded, even on a summer day. It's a bit steep, with a 1,259 elevation change, but the views at the top are worth the effort.
Feeling lazy in the summer heat? Head to Cape Meares. The Lighthouse Loop is just a half-mile, and it includes a waterfall view, stunning ocean views, and one of Oregon's quirkiest natural wonders: the Octopus Tree.
For an easy summer hike that's perfect for the whole family, choose Tumalo Falls. It's just a short two-mile hike to the viewing platform and back, but you can extend the adventure by taking the loop to Happy Valley (an eight-mile hike).
The Neahkahnie Mountain trail is less crowded after the tourists go home for the season, so put this one on your calendar for after Labor Day. The view from the top is iconic Oregon Coast.
The breathtaking 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls is a favorite any time of year, but when the fall foliage is in its full splendor, it's even better.
The full Salmon River Trail loop is 25.7 miles, but there's a short option that's only 7.6 miles. The trail takes you along the river, and has some beautiful views.
The 3.5-mile Salt Creek Falls trail is often crowded during summer months, but it's much more quiet and peaceful in the winter. When it's snowy, bring your snowshoes and be prepared to park at the Sno Park just down the road from the trailhead. The view of the 286-foot-tall waterfall from the platform is definitely photo-worthy.
Do you have other trails you’re excited to hike in 2021? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Address: Rosary Lakes, Oregon 97733, USA
Address: National Forest Road 2672-655, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413, USA
Address: Spencer Butte, Oregon 97405, USA
Address: Rowena Plateau Trail, Oregon 97040, USA
Address: Trillium Lake, Oregon 97028, USA
Address: Mt Scott, Oregon, USA
Address: Cape Meares, OR 97141, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls Trail, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon 97131, USA
Address: Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Address: Salmon River Trail #742, Oregon 97028, USA
Address: Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
