12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Oregon, One For Each Month Of The Year
This year, we’re resolving to get out and explore more. Oregon is home to some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the country, and we’re making it our mission to embrace all our state has to offer! For us, this means logging some major miles on the trails, as there really is no better way to experience the beauty of the #pnwonderland, than to *immerse* (or bathe!) yourself in it. We’ve put together the following list of 12 scenic trails to explore in Oregon, one for each month of the year. Think of this as your Beaver State hiking bucket list!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Let's get the year started off on a high note... literally! Smith Rock State Park is beautiful year-round, but the quiet stillness that descends upon this region in the cold-weather months is positively sublime. This trail is four miles out and back, and has a 1,000-foot elevation climb, so be prepared for a workout. But the views? Totally worth it.
Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
How does a 97-foot waterfall in a frozen landscape sound to you? Cold? Yes. Icy? Yes. Downright gorgeous? Absolutely! The 6.5-mile round-trip trail can be snowy and icy this time of year, so bring some traction devices and wear some warm snow boots. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, so feel free to bring Fido along!
Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
Oregon’s trails offer incredible adventures for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. And Drift Creek Falls Trail has it all; this hike features a waterfall, swinging bridge, and unrivaled views. Head to Lincoln City for the ultimate day trek in Oregon, the Drift Creek Falls Trail! We love visiting this trail in the late winter/early spring, as the snowmelt and precipitation make for particularly breathtaking cascades.
Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
In a city with well over 650,000 people, you'd think it would be hard to find a quiet spot. Not so! Forest Park is so large and secluded that you can actually find a little bit of peace and quiet here. Hop on the 29-mile-long trail at any of its entry points, and enjoy some of the most incredible views of Rose City. We're partial to stopping at Pittock Mansion, which offers sweeping views of downtown Portland and beyond.
Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
In May, we're journeying to the superlative Silver Falls State Park for one of the very best scenic hikes in Oregon. Spanning 9,000 glorious acres, Silver Falls is the largest and most popular state park in Oregon, and it's easy to see why once you see all this wondrous place has to offer. This Oregon state park is best known for its waterfalls, and on the Trail of Ten Falls, you'll see them all!
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Summer's here and we're celebrating with an underrated hike that belongs on everyone's bucket list. The Columbia River Gorge is one big playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is one of the most accessible and underrated hikes in the area. This one-of-a-kind trail in Oregon features a waterfall, two tunnels, and numerous overlooks, for a scenic day trek that everyone should do at least once.
Downing Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Here in Oregon, there’s never a bad time to enjoy a waterfall hike. Spring, summer, fall, or winter, you’ll find us out and about, chasing waterfalls and reveling in the splendor of the Beaver State. If you’re looking for a short-and-sweet hike with an epic waterfall finish, we have one you’re sure to enjoy. Lace up your boots and come along with us as we set out on the Downing Creek Trail, a lovely little one-mile trek leading to one of the most wondrous hidden waterfalls in Oregon!
Secret Beach, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
A hike to a secret beach? Only in Oregon! The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile forested park with a rugged, steep coastline full of small sand beaches. Secret Beach is one of the corridor's numerous beaches, but as its name implies, finding this hidden treasure isn't easy. This little oasis is nestled on the northernmost end of the corridor, and the easiest way to access it is via the Secret Beach Trail. This off-the-beaten-path beach makes for the perfect summer day trip adventure!
Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761, Oregon 97028, USA
Trillium Lake is one of Oregon's most-photographed spots. On a clear day, the reflection of Mt. Hood is like a mirror, reflected in the cerulean waters of Trillium Lake. In the late summer, as the leaves slowly start their metamorphosis, the lake's cold pools seem to take on an even bolder blue hue against the golds and coppers the foliage. The best part? The Trillium Lake Loop Trail is an easy, 1.9-mile journey, making this wonder something everyone can experience!
Wildwood Trail & Lower Macleay Trail, Portland, OR 97210, USA
Double, double toil and trouble... if you're on the hunt for a hauntingly fun hike in Oregon, you'll want to check out the Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop! This 3.2-mile trail is located just outside Portland, and is a straightforward trek all can enjoy -- provided you aren't spooked by ghost stories... or witch's castles!
Hobbit Trail Trailhead, 91892-91974 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439, USA
The year's winding down, and the holiday season is ramping up. As we enter this most wonderful (and, at times, stressful) time of the year, hit "pause" and head into the forest. The Hobbit Trail and China Creek Trail Loop is an easy trek in Florence, Oregon, that features old-growth forests, winsome woodland scenery, and a completely magical experience sure to calm and center you ahead of the busy season!
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
We're ending the year at Oregon's most breathtaking natural wonder: the incomparable Crater Lake. Crater Lake is incredibly busy during the summer, but winter months are a lot more quiet. It's an easy journey along the trail, which is four miles, round-trip. On a clear day, the lake is absolutely stunning!
This year, resolve to hit the trails! Hike your way through the beautiful Beaver State along these scenic trails in Oregon. Happy hiking!
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Address: Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Address: Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Address: Downing Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761, Oregon 97028, USA
Address: Secret Beach, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail & Lower Macleay Trail, Portland, OR 97210, USA
Address: Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Address: Hobbit Trail Trailhead, 91892-91974 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439, USA
