The Magical River Walk In Oregon That Will Transport You To Another World
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 27, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
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.
With its stunning forests, fast-flowing rivers, and gorgeous mountain ranges, Oregon’s natural beauty is unparalleled. There’s no better way to spend a day hiking in the wilderness, and this pretty trail is short, easy, and scenic. Check out the Riverside Trail:
You'll find the trailhead for Riverside Trail at the Rainbow Campground in the Mount Hood National Forest, off the Clackamas River Highway. The trail is 7.7 miles out and back, so bring plenty of water and some light snacks to keep you fueled up along the way.
Start by hiking through the dense, old-growth forest. This trail is iconic Oregon - a fairytale forest with light streaming through the trees and the sound of the river nearby.
Walk right down to the river, find a log, and sit for awhile to soak in the scenery. This trail isn't typically crowded, especially on weekdays, so you're likely to have a bit of solitude.
You'll also catch some mountain views along the way, and they're definitely photogenic. This trail has very little elevation change, so you might be tempted to blow through it quickly. Take your time and enjoy the views!
The trail ends at the Riverside Campground, so you might want to consider making this an overnight adventure, staying at one of the campgrounds at either end. The trail is dog-friendly, so bring your favorite furry friend along for the adventure.
