18 Best Hikes in Oregon: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

From the majesty of the 362-mile coastline in Oregon to the jaw-dropping mountainous regions, hiking in Oregon is nothing short of pure perfection. With over 350 state parks, 11 national forests, and 21 national wildlife refuges, it’s no wonder that the best hikes in Oregon are quite easy to come by. Plus, hiking the Oregon coast is nothing short of spectacular. If that alone didn’t convince you to hit the trails, this comprehensive list of some of the best hiking trails in Oregon should do the trick.

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Best Hikes in Oregon

Hiking in Oregon is some of the best in the country, and we’re not just biased because we’ve explored this beautiful state before. There is something about the greenery, the mountains, the fresh air, and the water features that bring Oregon hiking trails to life. We’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in Oregon – perfect for anyone looking to get a taste of the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Hug Point State Recreation Site, Beach Access Rd, Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA

Rebecka Sanchez/AllTrails

• Location: Arch Cape, Oregon
• Mileage: 0.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Hug Point Trail is open all year long and takes around 17 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Hug Point Trail, tucked away in the Hug Point Recreation Site is a short-and-sweet trek with some of the most spectacular coastal views. You’ll find beautiful archways, secret sea caves, and even a majestic waterfall along this trail. Enjoy a quick out-and-back trail experience that’s open all year long.

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA

AllTrails Larry Jarrett

• Location: Smith Rock State Park
• Mileage: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Crooked River Trail is considered easy and takes around 90 minutes to complete. Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and birding, this area likely has people nearby. A day-use parking permit is required.

Tucked away in Smith Rock State Park is the magnificent Crooked River Trail. There is beautiful scenery along this easy-to-hike trail, plus nothing beats the stunning views along the way. Pro-tip for this trail, keep an eye out for falcons and bald eagles high in the sky! This is an excellent place for a photo op of the unique landscape in Oregon.

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Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area, Corbett, OR 97019, USA

AllTrails Kenzie Shilling

• Location: Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area
• Mileage: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The Angel's Rest Trail in the Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area is a 4.5-mile out-and-back trek that often takes around three hours to complete. With a moderate elevation gain, plus spectacular summit 360-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge, this is one hike not to miss. Just make sure to wear shoes with good traction, as there is a wide variety of terrain along this hike.

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Best Short & Easy Hikes in Oregon

Sometimes you don’t have all day to immerse yourself in nature. This means this is the perfect time to find those short but sweet hikes! Some of the best hiking trails in Oregon clock in at under three miles, and we have a few of our best to add to your bucket list.

Wahclella Falls, Oregon 97014, USA

AllTrails Jeff Froom

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Mileage: 1.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Open year round. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. The earlier you get there, the more likely you’ll have the falls to yourself. A NW forest pass is needed or $5 for the fee.

The Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a short hike under two miles that packs a big punch in terms of scenery. While there is an incline along this waterfall trail once you make it to Wahclella Falls, it’ll be worth the journey. The trail does boast being kid-friendly due to its length and minimal elevation gain, but it might not be best for younger children.

Natural Bridges, Brookings, OR 97415, USA

Michelle Kuebrich/AllTrails

• Location: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Mileage: 0.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Park in the nearby lot to find the trailhead. Very steep at points. Make sure to keep an eye out for trail signs and warnings.

Hiking the short Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail won’t be as strenuous as some other hikes on this list, but boy, are these views worth every second. Make your way from the parking lot to the viewing platform and take in all of the coastal beauty. This breathtaking hike along the water’s edge allows guests to view the massive sea archways towering over the waves of turquoise water. This is natural wonderment at its best.

Cody Moss/AllTrails

• Location: John B Yeon State Scenic Corridor
• Mileage: 2.4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular for hiking and running. Open year-round. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash. Smaller parking area.

What’s great about this Oregon hiking trail is that you have the option to enjoy not one, but TWO waterfalls along the way. You can always opt out of continuing on to the Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail if you’d like this 2.4-mile trek to end sooner. However, we recommend continuing on after Elowah Falls because both of these natural wonders are worth seeing up close.

Hardest Hikes in Oregon

We started off easy with some of the shorter and sweeter hikes in Oregon, and now it’s time to go full throttle to a few of the hardest hikes. What makes these Oregon hiking trails hard are the distance, elevation changes, and terrain types. While these trails certainly do present a challenge to even the most experienced hiker, always do your due diligence before attempting any of these hikes below.

Misery Ridge Trail, Oregon 97760, USA

AllTrails Ryan McGoo

• Location: Smith Rock State Park
• Mileage: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Best times to visit are May through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Smith Rock State Park charges a day-use parking fee to enter.

They don’t call it Misery Ridge for nothing! We kid, we kid. But this impressive loop trail in Smith Rock State Park is not for the faint of heart. Not only is there a 1,774-foot elevation change, but it also becomes quite difficult around the winter and early spring months. We recommend making this a summer Oregon hike to enjoy fully with nice weather and mind-blowing summit views.

Tunnel Falls, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

AllTrails Tobias Sandoval

• Location: Mount Hood National Forest
• Mileage: 13.6 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Out-and-back route. Considered challenging. Great for camping and hiking. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

Perhaps the longest Oregon hiking trail to make our list, the Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek Trail might be better left to the most seasoned hikers. Because of the length, it takes, on average, over six hours for hikers to complete. However, it’s a great trail to use for primitive camping, waterfall viewing, and enjoying a bit of peace and quiet in nature.

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Three Sisters Wilderness, Blue River, OR 97413, USA

AllTrails Claire Lu

• Location: Three Sisters Wilderness
• Mileage: 11.6 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Hike from June to October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The Three Sisters Wilderness requires a permit for all overnight stays and for day use at some trailheads.

The out-and-back Three Sisters Wilderness trek is one for the books. At shy of 12 miles round trip, this is a very popular area for camping, backpacking, and hiking. While this hard hiking trail in Oregon might not be the longest on our list, it certainly has one of the biggest changes in elevation at nearly 5,000-feet. Just make sure before you visit that you’re aware of the conditions. Snow tends to linger well into the summer months. Get ready to see some wildflowers in bloom here, too!

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Best Waterfront Hikes in Oregon

I’m going to go ahead and say it now – Oregon has some of the best waterfront hikes in the country. Not only are there miles upon miles of spectacular Oregon coast to meander along, but there are also trails that will lead you to stunning lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and jaw-dropping rivers. Finding a waterfall hike in Oregon is like winning the lottery, and we have some of the lucky gems to add to your list.

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA

Tal Goman/AllTrails

• Location: Silver Falls State Park
• Mileage: 7.4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Loop trail considered moderately challenging. Located an hour from Salem. The day-use parking permit for Silver Falls is $5 and can be purchased at many of the trailheads and booths.

One of the more popular waterfalls in Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls Trail always seems to be bustling with hikers. Why? Because the park that this Oregon hiking trail is in is one of the most spectacular in the state. This beautiful trail loops you along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with lush greenery at every turn. Make sure to bring your camera for this one - the waterfalls are out of this world.

Multnomah Falls Trail Switchback, Larch Mountain Trail #441, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

AllTrails Libby Di Trapani

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Mileage: 2.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: An out and back trail near Bridal Veil. Open year-round. Reservations may be required for the hike during the busy season. Concessions and food are at the base of the waterfall.

While you might think that a 2.6-mile hike shouldn’t be moderately challenging, the hike up to Multnomah Falls is quite steep at times. Many people choose to enjoy only parts of this waterfall hiking trail and not tackle the whole trek because any vantage point you have will be most rewarding. As one of the most frequently visited Oregon waterfalls, you can appreciate the beauty of this 620-foot waterfall from practically any place you stand.

Mount Hood National Forest, Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon 97028, USA

Karla Normington/AllTrails

• Location: Mount Hood National Forest
• Mileage: 4.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: A loop trail near Government Camp, Oregon. Popular for backpacking and camping. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass ($30), America the Beautiful Pass ($80), or to pre-purchase a day pass ($5) as there is no fee pay station at this trailhead.

The Mirror Lake Loop Trail is an enjoyable journey that only builds in suspense. Why? Because it takes about two miles for you to even reach Mirror Lake! But we guarantee the journey is well worth it. What’s been also dubbed a family-friendly hiking trail, Mirror Lake Loop will cross meadows and over streams, to reach one of the most stunning lakes in Oregon. Make sure to bring a picnic and your bathing suits if you’re hiking during warmer months!

Best Winter Hikes in Oregon

Hiking during the wintertime? Sounds preposterous, we know. However, Oregon has certain hiking trails that are the most stunning during winter. Whether it’s a waterfall frozen over in a cascade over the rocks or snow-draped trails glistening in the sunshine, winter really does bring out an entirely different side of Oregon. Will you bundle up and enjoy it with us?

Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA

Lander Brandt/AllTrails

• Location: Deschutes National Forest
• Mileage: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: An out-and-back trail near Bend, Oregon. The best times to visit are May through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Requires a $5-day use fee or a forest service pass. Trailhead access is blocked to motor vehicles during winter months. You can still access the trail by foot.

What’s better than a hike to one waterfall? A hike to two waterfalls!! The Tumalo Falls and Double Falls trail is a two-mile journey through the Deschutes National Forest that’ll take you to two stunning waterfalls. On this incredible waterfall hiking trail visitors can see the Tumalo Falls at just a quarter mile in, which is the larger of the two at 97-feet. Then farther down the trail, there will be Double Falls at around 30 feet.

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Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon 97413, USA

Leah Bloedow/AllTrails

• Location: Willamette National Forest
• Mileage: 0.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Clothing optional. Day use only. Closed sundown to sunrise. Closed Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 12 noon for cleaning. Day Pass - $7 per person per day. Annual Pass - $66 per year. Fee area includes hot springs, trail, lagoon, and parking lot. On-site payment option.

Nothing says wintertime more than a trip to a hot spring, right? The Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs is an easy trek, less than a mile out-and-back. But what’s so rewarding about this hot springs hike in Oregon is that you’ll be led to a natural hot spring nestled in the woods. Imagine kicking back in the thermal waters as the snow glistens around you in the treetops. With a hot spring cascading from a small cave into five different soaking pools, this is a sight to see. Pro-tip: this one is probably best left for the adults, as it’s clothing optional for hikers.

Wiesendanger Falls, Multnomah Falls Overlook Spur Trail #441A, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

Ricardo M/AllTrails

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Mileage: 5.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: A loop trail near Corbett, Oregon. Popular for birding, rock climbing, and hiking. The best times to visit are April through October. Dogs allowed, but must be on leash.

The Multnomah-Wakheena Loop is one of the best wintertime hikes because the Weisendanger Falls freezes over to create the most magical experience. Before you trek this winter trail, just be sure you check the conditions ahead of time. There is an elevation gain of over 1,600 feet so you should prepare in advance for the trek.

Best Hikes near Portland, Oregon

Many first-timers to Oregon end up going straight to Portland, which isn’t a terrible thing to do. Portland is filled with weird, wacky, and wonderful things to do. You can shop at local vendors and dine at coveted hidden gem eateries. Or, you can take a hike! That’s right, just because you’re visiting a major city does not mean you have to miss out on nature. Take a look at the best hikes near Portland, Oregon, and prepare to be wowed.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland, OR, USA

AllTrails Sheila Posterick

• Location: Tryon Creek State Natural Area
• Mileage: 1.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Takes an average of 30 minutes to complete. Popular biking, running, and equestrian trail. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

The Old Main Trail Loop is a short and sweet trail tucked away in the Tryon Creek State Natural Area. It seems uncommon that a beautiful natural area is situated inside such a bustling city, but this place is well worth the visit. With such a slight elevation change of only 144 feet, this trail is also perfect for families and hikers of all skill levels.

Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221, USA

AllTrails Greg Weber

• Location: Hoyt Arboretum
• Mileage: 2.7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: An out-and-back trail near Portland, Oregon. Popular for hiking and running. Elevation change of 488 feet. Check in advance for trail closures. Parking is first-come first-served.

One of the most beautiful parks in Oregon is the Hoyt Arboretum where you can find over 2,300 different species of trees! Hiking the Pittock Mansion via Wildwood Trail will take hikers on a 2.7-mile trek through the beauty of these woods up to the Pittock Mansion. Bring a packed lunch and set up a picnic. Once you reach the top of the trail, the views will be well worth the journey.

Latourell Falls, Oregon 97019, USA

Nichole Hibler/AllTrails

Editor's Note: The Latourell Falls Loop Trail is currently closed indefinitely for construction.

• Location: Guy W. Talbot State Park
• Mileage: 2.0 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: A loop trail outside of Portland near Corbett. Popular for hiking and running. The best time to visit is May through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Just a short drive from downtown Portland, you’ll find the ever-impressive Latourell Falls Loop. Tucked away within the Columbia Gorge, Guy W. Talbot State Park is the perfect place to get away from the city and enjoy a natural ambiance. This loop trail is around two miles and can be completed in under two hours. Just make sure to carve out time to stop by the actual Latourell Falls, the third-largest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge.

There’s no better way to marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Northwest than by exploring the various hiking trails in Oregon. Once you see all of these incredible trails to hike in Oregon, you’ll understand why hiking is such a coveted hobby for locals. Whether it’s trekking behind a waterfall or ending up with endless views of the coastline, some of the best hikes in Oregon are right in your backyard.

Need new hiking gear? Take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for everything you need!