7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Oregon To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
Winter, spring, summer, and fall, no matter what time of year it is, you’ll always find us out on the trails in beautiful Oregon! We prefer to find a calm, quiet hiking trail so we can really savor the moment, enjoy our thoughts, and even reflect on what’s to come. You can certainly set some goals (like do more hiking!), but mostly, these trails are just an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and remember how lucky we are to be surrounded by natural beauty here in Oregon. The following are seven of what we consider to be the best hikes in Oregon. Located all across the state, these are all amazing hikes to add to your Beaver State bucket list!
1. Misery Ridge and River Trail, Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is beautiful year-round, and as a result, it can be crowded, even on a January weekend. For the most calming hike possible, arrive early. The trail is four miles out and back, and has a 1,000-foot elevation climb, so be prepared for a workout. Don't let its name fool you; the views on this hike are anything but miserable!
How does a 97-foot double waterfall sound to you?! Amazing, right The 6.5-mile round-trip trail can be a bit tricky depending on when you visit, so be sure to prepare accordingly, like adding some traction devices and wear some warm snow boots if you hike in the winter. And of course... bring your camera. Have you hiked this beautiful trail near Bend before?
The Oregon Coast is unpredictable in the winter, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Depending on the day, this 4.7-mile trail might reward you with endless ocean views... or might provide you with a foggy, mystical journey. What better spot to contemplate the meaning of your life? No worries if you want to do something a bit more low-key, like simply watch the sunset at this beautiful beach on the Oregon Coast.
4. Discovery Point Trail, Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is incredibly busy during the summer, but winter months are a lot quieter -- and totally sublime. It's an easy journey along the trail, which is four miles, round-trip. On a clear day, the lake is absolutely stunning!
In a city with well over 600,000 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!
The 740-foot elevation gain up to Spencer Butte will definitely get your blood pumping, and might even help you lose those five pounds you gained over the holidays. But wait til you see the views! You can see the whole valley below.
Are you up for a little adventure? Ramona Falls just might be one of the state's most amazing hidden gems. The gate to the trail is closed during winter months, so the entire trek is around 12 miles round trip. It's worth it to see the 120-foot falls; but if you visit during the winter, just make sure to bundle up in layers and wear snow boots (have some traction cleats with you in case you need 'em). A bunch of snacks won't hurt, either. This is one of the most glorious waterfall hikes in all of Oregon!
As always, please practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying Oregon’s hiking trails. We want these beautiful places to stay pristine for generations to come.
These seven hiking trails are just the beginning… the Beaver State has hundreds to choose from! Tell our readers some more of your picks for the best hikes in Oregon in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
Address: Misery Ridge Trail, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls Trail, Bend, OR 97703, USA
Address: Cape Lookout Trailhead, Cloverdale, OR 97112, USA
Address: Discovery Point Trail, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Address: Spencer Butte Trail #2, Eugene, OR 97405, USA
Address: Ramona Falls Trail #797, Oregon, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Cape Lookout Trail, Oregon 97112, USA
Address: Discovery Point Trail, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Address: Spencer Butte Trail #2, Oregon 97405, USA
Address: Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Oregon
February 28, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best hikes in Oregon?
Oregon is home to some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the country, and if you live here, you should make it your 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. In addition to the beautiful trails listed above, we put together the following list of 12 scenic trails to explore in Oregon, one for each month of the year, making it easy to get out and experience the beautiful Beaver State!
What are some scenic places in Oregon?
You’ll catch all sorts of amazing scenery along the trails, but if you’re more of a road trip kind of adventurer, you’ll most definitely want to check out this scenic trip we put together. At 370 miles long, this adventure focuses on the oft-neglected east-central region of Oregon, best-known for the Alvord Desert, ghost towns, and the Painted Hills. It’s a true treasure of a place, with some of the most wondrous sights in the Pacific Northwest! Hood River, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Prineville Reservoir, Mount Hood National Forest… gosh, we sure do live in the most beautiful state in the country!
Address: Misery Ridge Trail, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls Trail, Bend, OR 97703, USA
Address: Cape Lookout Trailhead, Cloverdale, OR 97112, USA
Address: Discovery Point Trail, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Address: Spencer Butte Trail #2, Eugene, OR 97405, USA
Address: Ramona Falls Trail #797, Oregon, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Cape Lookout Trail, Oregon 97112, USA
Address: Discovery Point Trail, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA
Address: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Address: Spencer Butte Trail #2, Oregon 97405, USA
Address: Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
