Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Oregon
Oregon’s rail trails are the best way to explore large parts of the Beaver State, whether you travel on bike or on foot. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches for 20 miles through some of the state’s most charming rural landscapes, and you can choose your favorite section to hike. See for yourself why this is one of the best and most intriguing hikes in Oregon!
For detailed information about each section of this rail trail, visit the OregonHikers website and check out the Banks-Vernonia Traverse Hike page.
Have you had an opportunity to explore some or all of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail? Tell us all about your adventure! Don’t forget to share your photos from your outdoor adventures with us on our Oregon Nature Lovers group on Facebook for a chance to see them featured!
If you’d like to hike another of Oregon’s rail trails, you should check out the Row River Trail. And for more of the best hikes in Oregon, be sure to bookmark this article: 14 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Oregon Should Take.
Best hikes in Oregon
What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Oregon?
While the above Banks-Vernonia State Trail is certainly a stunner; at 20 miles long, it’s definitely a bit much for the casual hiker. But there are plenty of short-and-sweet trails in Oregon that are wonderful for hikers of all abilities, and we share some of our favorites in this article. Among those on the list, some of our favorites include: the Lost Lake Loop Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Sweet Creek Trail in Suislaw National Forest, the Mount Scott Trail in Crater Lake National Park, and the Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In fact, speaking of the Columbia River Gorge, there are numerous scenic treks found in this resplendent region of forests and waterfalls; so many, in fact, that you could spend days exploring and not even come close to experiencing all the trails and natural features this area has to offer!
What are some hikes that lead to abandoned places in Oregon?
If you enjoyed the above abandoned rail trail hike, you’ll definitely want to check out this trek near Portland that leads to the ruins of a real-life witch’s castle! The Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop is a 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! The trail is located in the Macleay Park, part of Portland’s beautiful Forest Park. This lovely little preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding… as well as a real-life witch’s castle. The story behind these Oregon ruins is one of high drama and heartache, and you can read all about it in this feature article.
