Here in Oregon, summer is the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. The Beaver State is full of all kinds of hikes, from seaside trails to desert treks. Featuring lakes, mountain peaks, and waterfalls galore, these 13 stunning trails are some of the best hikes in Oregon, and are sure to make your summer complete. Check ’em out:

1. Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
flickr/ stokes rx
Tucked away in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Ramona Falls Trail is a leisurely-yet-breathtaking seven-mile loop hike that leads deep into the woods to one of Oregon's most graceful waterfalls. It's a total hidden gem worth seeking out!
2. Sweet Creek Trail
Sweet Creek Trail, Fishers, IN 46037, USA
flickr/ icetsarina
Located near Mapleton, this gorgeous hidden gem trail meanders along the beautiful Sweet Creek past lovely cascades and picturesque woodlands. The Sweet Creek Trail is an easy 2.2-mile hike that the whole family will enjoy.
3. Black Butte
Black Butte, Oregon 97730, USA
Black Butte, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Billy
The trail to the summit of Black Butte is an incredible 3.6 mile adventure that's beautiful from start to finish. The steep elevation gain on the way up feels absolutely worth it as soon as you step onto the summit and look out over miles and miles of amazing scenery.
4. Lost Lake Loop Trail
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
flickr/ Gary Windust
Lost Lake is an incredible secluded lake surrounded by the emerald green woods of the Mt Hood National Forest. The Lake Loop Trail will lead you on a 3.2-mile journey all the way around the lake, passing gorgeous views of Mt. Hood as well as numerous swimming spots along the way.
5. Neahkahnie Mountain
Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon 97131, USA
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
This beloved Oregon Coast hike near Manzanita is downright extraordinary. There are three different ways to reach the top of Neahkahnie Mountain, with trails ranging from three all the way up to eight miles long. No matter which you choose, you'll be rewarded by magical scenery and drop-dead-gorgeous ocean views.
6. Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls Trail, Oregon 97014, USA
flickr/ Robert Shea
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, the Wahclella Falls Trail is a peaceful excursion that leads you along a river through two miles of spectacular scenery, ending with a thunderous waterfall pouring into a crystal clear basin (where, on a hot day, you may want to dip your toes or even take a refreshing swim).
7. Crack in the Ground
Crack in the Ground, Oregon 97638, USA
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Crack in the Ground is one of the most unique hikes in all of Oregon. This incredible slot canyon in Central Oregon provides the most amazing backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
8. Drift Creek Falls
Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
flickr/ icetsarina
The three-mile trek to Drift Creek Falls is a fabulous summertime outing. The trail winds through a lovely forest and goes on to cross a thrilling 240-foot suspension bridge that overlooks the incredible Drift Creek Falls.
9. Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Jasperdo
Located in Oregon's largest state park, Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls is a magnificent hike that, as it's name suggests, leads past (and sometimes underneath) numerous stupendous waterfalls on a journey you'll never forget.
10. Eagle Creek Trail
Eagle Creek Trail, Day Heights, OH 45150, USA
flickr/ Eli Duke
This legendary Columbia River Gorge hike is a true gem. The trail goes on for miles and miles, passing waterfalls, swimming holes, and more. Whether you want to go on a short waterfall hike or a backpacking trip, there are numerous options for enchanting excursions along this unique and dramatic trail.
11. Mt. Howard Summit Trail
Wallowa Lake Tramway, 59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph, OR 97846, USA
flickr/ Eliza Adam
For a one of a kind excursion, head east to the amazing Wallowa Lake and take the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of Mt Howard. Here, you'll find amazing views, a single restaurant, and a scenic 1.5-mile summit trail that'll take your breath away.
12. Leslie Gulch Trail
Leslie Gulch, Oregon 97910, USA
flickr/ Nicholas D.
Located in a remote area of Southeastern Oregon, Leslie Gulch is a secluded hidden gem that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. A short, moderately easy trail winding through the area offers visitors an unforgettable adventure.
13. Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
flickr/ Northwest Power and Conservation Council
Located on the McKenzie River, the hike to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls is a spectacular summertime outing. Starting at Sahalie Falls (just a few steps from a parking area), you can explore this beautiful area before heading off on a lovely 2.6-mile loop trail that leads to the equally impressive Koosah Falls.

So what say you… do you consider these to be among the best hikes in Oregon? If not, what would you add to the list?

Hiking in Oregon is an amazing way to take in the beauty of our beautiful state. But did you know that one of the best views of Oregon isn’t actually in Oregon at all? Intrigued? Then you’ll want to check out this scenic overlook…

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Best hikes in Oregon

Sarah M. | April 15, 2022

What are some summer waterfall hikes in Oregon?

There's nothing like waterfall chasing in Oregon, with the cool spray of these incredible cascades providing the perfect way to relax after a strenuous trek. Not only that, but there are actually a number of waterfalls in Oregon where you can swim in the basin, which sounds like one of the best rewards after a hot day on the trails! One of our favorite is Punchbowl Fall, which you'll find located in the Columbia River Gorge along the Eagle Creek Trail. The basin of Punchbowl Falls is a beautiful setting for an unforgettable swim, as its surrounded by verdant scenery and foliage that looks like something out of Middle Earth. Another waterfall worth chasing in the summer is Oneonta Falls, another incredible hidden gem in the Columbia River Gorge. To get there, you have to hike through a narrow mile-long gorge with tall, moss-covered rock walls, and an icy stream that you'll have to wade through. This epic adventure is one-of-a-kind, and leads to a beautiful waterfall hidden at the end of the gorge with a deep, clear basin where you can swim -- if you can brave the cold. If you're looking to tack on to this adventure, Upper Oneonta Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls, Lower Oneonta Falls, and Triple Falls are all located fairy close together, and you'll find the trailhead in Oneonta just off the Historic Columbia River Highway.

What are some beautiful summer hikes in Oregon?

If you're into fields of endless wildflowers of every hue, there are some downright divine hikes all across the state. While many think of spring as prime wildflower sighting season, here in Oregon, we can enjoy wildflowers straight through the summer. Here are some of our favorite summer wildflower hikes in the Beaver State; one can't miss trail is the one to Rowena Plateau, a stunning viewpoint and trailhead along the Columbia River Highway that offers jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River Gorge. This two-mile trail is breathtakingly beautiful in the spring, bursting with beautiful blooms in every hue. The Rowena Plateau Trail is an enjoyable, straightforward trek that's really perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Another trail to tackle when the weather warms is the one to the magnificent Marys Peak. This Oregon mountain towers at more than 4,100 feet; in the spring and summer when it's covered in flourishing wildflowers, this mountain is downright divine. While there are several advanced treks in the area, the Marys Peak East Ridge Trail is just two miles long, making it perfect for an enjoyable little trek.

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