Suggested Hikes
Explore Oregon’s Wilderness
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring landscapes in the nation.
Oregon hiking guidebooks, websites, and lists aren’t hard to come by, but Oregon Wild’s suggested hikes come with a unique twist: every one is connected to our campaigns to protect ancient forests, wild lands, Wild & Scenic Rivers, and wildlife habitats so that you can not only get out to enjoy these places, you can take the next step and advocate for the places you love.
Our list of suggested trails includes hikes of a variety of difficulties, locations, attractions. Keep in mind that trail conditions are constantly changing, and are not necessarily kept up to date here. (link to Outdoor Resources article Know Before You Go)
Public Lands for All
Being Welcoming and Inclusive
At Oregon Wild, we believe everyone should feel safe and included in outdoor spaces. We encourage everyone who is out enjoying the outdoors to speak and act in ways that respect and empower others who are doing the same.
Accessibility
Check out wheelchair accessible destinations in Oregon (pdf) from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, this resource for Portland area accessible trails, and Disabled Hikers. US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management also make note of accessible trails on their recreation websites.
Indigenous Lands
Oregon has been home to Indigenous people for time immemorial and is currently home to nine federally recognized tribes. We encourage those seeking to recreate and explore Oregon to learn more about Indigenous peoples and their relationship with the land, their history, and their current efforts. Learn more here.
Recommended Hikes
Trail Difficulty Ratings
Easy
Little elevation gain (less than 500 feet), well maintained trails, under 4 miles in distance
Moderate
More elevation gain (up to 1000 feet), more difficult trails, between 4 and 8 miles in distance
Strenuous
Significant elevation gain (over 1000 feet), over 8 miles in distance, or trail for experienced hikers only (not well maintained, steep, stream crossings, etc.)
Regions
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Northwestern Oregon
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inBoulder Lake*EasyEarly summer–fallAncient forests and a beautiful mountain lakeUnprotected wild area we’re still working to protect, Boulder Creek proposed Wild & Scenic River, important climate forestsCrabtree Valley*ModerateLate spring through fallSome of the largest trees in OregonHeadwaters of proposed Crabtree Creek Wild & Scenic River, old-growth forest we have worked to protectLarch MountainStrenuousLate spring, summer, fallOld-growth, close to PortlandPartially protected as Wilderness, in an area we have been working to protect for decadesLost Lake*EasySpring, summer, fallFamily friendly, great view of Mount HoodHeadwaters of proposed Lake Branch Fork of Hood River Wild & Scenic RiverSalmon River*EasyAll yearAncient forest along beautiful riverAlong Wild & Scenic Salmon River, important climate forestsTamanawas FallsEasySpring, summer, fallBeautiful falls on the east side of Mount HoodPart of the proposed Mt. Hood Wilderness expansions we have been working to protect for decadesVista RidgeStrenuousJuly and AugustScenic views of Mount Hood, amazing wildflowers in AugustBorders Mt. Hood Wilderness and unprotected but proposed wilderness area we have worked to defend
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Coast/Coast Range
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inAlsea FallsEasyAll yearA scenic drive and easy walk to a waterfall, with options for nearby adventuresSouth Fork Alsea River proposed Wild & Scenic RiverGwynn Creek Loop*ModerateAll yearOld-growth forest, ocean views, and a pleasant creekStream proposed as Wild & Scenic River, important climate forests and endangered species habitatJohn Dellenback Dunes TrailEasy – ModerateAll yearHike over shifting coastal sand dunesNearby stream proposed for Wild & Scenic River protection, unique ecosystem we advocate to protect and restoreKentucky Falls Trail*ModerateMost of year, access depends on snowOld growth hike to three large waterfallsProposed Wild & Scenic Rivers, important climate forestsMary’s Peak*Moderate-StrenuousMay–FallWildflowers and potential views of both the Pacific Ocean and Cascade peaksImportant climate forests
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Central Cascades
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inBrice Creek/Trestle Creek Falls*Easy – ModerateAll yearTowering trees, swimming holes, and a walk-behind waterfallBrice Creek proposed Wild & Scenic River, important climate forestsClear Lake*Easy – ModerateMay–OctoberHuge springs, lava crossings, and a beautiful old-growth forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlockHeadwaters of Wild & Scenic McKenzie River, important climate forestsCrabtree Valley*ModerateLate spring through fallSome of the oldest trees in OregonHeadwaters of proposed Crabtree Creek Wild & Scenic River, old-growth forest we have worked to protectLookout Creek*StrenuousJune–AugustWander up and down through towering forests and into cool, mossy grovesImportant climate forestsMiddle Fork Willamette Trail*ModerateSpring to late fallWind through an old-growth forest, some recovering from fire, past multiple gushing springsProposed Upper Middle Fork WIllamette Wild & Scenic River, important climate forestsMount June and Sawtooth RidgeModerateJune–JulyMagnificent old-growth forest, grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers and impressive rock bluffsImportant climate forestsThree Pyramids*Moderate–StrenuousJune–AugustTake in a spectacular old-growth forest, trailside and cliff-top wildflowers, alpine meadows, and stunning a mountaintop viewPyramid and South Pyramid Creeks proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers, unprotected roadless area, and important climate forests
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Northeast Oregon
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inBlack LakeEasyJuly to OctoberShort hike with great views of Van Patten Peak near Anthony Lakes ski areaSandwiched between the headwaters of 3 proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers, in large Twin Mountain roadless areaBlue Mountain TrailBrice Creek/Trestle Creek Falls*Moderate – StrenuousLate spring—fall, depending on sectionOreogn’s newest long-distance trail linking diverse ecosystems and landscapesNumerous proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers, unprotected wild lands, and climate forests at riskImnaha River-Blue Hole*ModerateSummer and fallForest recovering from fire, rocky cliffs, and a view into the stunning blue riverAlong the Wild & Scenic Imnaha River, accessed via forested corridor we have worked to defend from loggingMaxwell LakeStrenuousLate July–OctoberRock meadows and open slopes to one of the few alpine lakes in the Wallowas that doesn’t require an overnight tripAccessed via the Lostine Wild & Scenic River corridor that we worked to establish and now work to defend from loggingNorth Fork Umatilla*ModerateSpring–fallA lush riverside hike in the Blue MountainsWithin North Fork Umatilla Wilderness area, adjacent to proposed South Fork Umatilla Wild & Scenic River
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Southwest Oregon
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inCollings Mountain Trail (Bigfoot Trap)*ModerateAll yearViews of the Siskiyou Crest and Applegate Lake, passing inactive Big Foot Trap as well as a number of mine aditsSurrounded by proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers and unprotected roadless areas in need of protectionGrizzly Peak*ModerateLate spring through fallOutstanding views of the Rogue Valley, the Cascades, and summertime wildflowers along the trailPart of the expanded Cascade Siskiyou National Monument we’re defending in courtSoda MountainStrenuousSpring through fallA biological jewel—diverse topography and plant lifePart of Wilderness area and Cascade Siskiyou National Monument we worked to support and protectOregon Redwoods Trail*EasyAll yearSome of the last remaining Coast Redwood trees in Oregon, accessible to the coastHeadwaters of the proposed Moser Creek Wild & Scenic River, forest we worked to protect in our early days
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Southern Cascades
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inBrown Mountain*StrenuousLate spring–fallBeautiful wildflowers, Lake of the Woods, Fish Lake, and impressive lava flowsSouth Fork Little Butte Creek proposed Wild & Scenic River, unprotected roadless areaIndigo LakeEasyMid summer–fall (depending on snow)Old growth trees, high mountain meadows and beautiful views of intense blue watersWithin large unprotected roadless area along the headwater divide between the Middle Fork Willamette and North Umpqua Rivers (both proposed as Wild & Scenic Rivers)Natural Bridge and Rogue Gorge*Easy–ModerateSpring–fallThe trail gently rolls along the wild and scenic Rogue River through lava basalt featuring scenic river and waterfall viewsAlong the designated Wild & Scenic Rogue River, near proposed Union Creek Wild & Scenic River, and in an area we work to defend from loggingTwin LakesModerateLate June–OctoberOld-growth forest, wildflower meadows, mountain views, and serene lakes all in one hike!Headwaters of proposed Twin Lakes Creek Wild & Scenic River, heart of large unprotected roadless area we work to defend from logging
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Central Oregon
NameDifficultySeasonAttractionsCampaign Tie-inLookout Mountain*StrenuousSummer and fallAncient forests, wildflowers, and a plateau with stunning views in the heart of the Ochoco MountainsHeadwaters of proposed Brush and Canyon Creek Wild & Scenic Rivers, unprotected wild area we have been working to protect, important climate forestsMalheur River Trail*ModerateMay to DecemberTraverse steep canyon walls before dropping to scenic river banks of the Malheur Wild and Scenic River, lined with old growth pine, larch, and fir treesMalheur Wild & Scenic RiverMill Creek and Twin Pillars*StrenuousMay–NovemberTravel along (and occasionally ford) Mill Creek, passing douglas fir, ponderosa pines, snowberry, and bunchgrass along the wayProtected WildernessSnowshoeing near Bend and central OregonVariesDecember–AprilThere are several options for exploring winter trails near Bend on snowshoesStrawberry Lakes*ModerateLate spring–early fallBeautiful lake, trout fishing, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs in the Strawberry Mountains WildernessProtected WildernessWalton Lake LoopEasyMay–OctoberWalk around Walton Lake, enjoying old growth ponderosa pine and mountain meadowsOchoco Creek proposed Wild & Scenic River, working to protect forest from aggressive logging and reduced protections for large treesYamsay MountainStrenuousJuly–NovemberPass through coniferous forest on the way to a summit that offers views from the Three Sisters to Mount ShastaHeadwaters of proposed Buck Creek Wild & Scenic River, large roadless area we’ve been working to protect for decades
Know Before You Go
Whether you’re new to getting outdoors or an old pro, interested in a short stroll or an epic adventure, it’s important to know how to get up-to-date information, be responsible, safe, and comfortable, and where to learn more about the natural world.
Join Our Next Guided Hike
Join Oregon Wild staff for guided hikes to some of our favorite places! Each year we lead hikes and snowshoe trips to places we are working to protect. Sign up for an upcoming hike, put on your boots, and take the next step to protect our wildlands, wildlife, and waters!
Oregon’s Ancient Forests:
A Hiking Guide
If you’re specifically interested in hiking in Oregon’s ancient and old-growth forests, be sure to check out Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A hiking guide by Senior Conservation Advocate Chandra LeGue.
