10 Best Hiking Trails in Portland
Take a Walk Around Portland's Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most of the best hiking trails in Portland are within a 2-hour drive outside the city limits. Oregon’s capital is very well known for its unique greenery amid urban areas. Paired with warm and dry summers, it’s no wonder tourists often visit to explore nature reserves and unique hiking spots available around the city.
From climbing up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Portland to discovering the tallest waterfall in Oregon, there’s a perfect hike for adventurers of all skill levels. Uncover the best Portland has to offer in our guide to the city’s top hiking spots.
1. Washington Park
Portland’s urban nature park
Good for: Adventure, History
Washington Park is an urban nature park located 5 minutes away from central Portland. It has around 15 miles (24 km) of trails varying in difficulties and terrains, with selected paths interconnecting toward Pittock Mansion and Hoyt Arboretum.
At the end of your hike, be sure to stop by any of the numerous recreational spots within the park, including a Japanese garden, museums, and the world-renowned International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public rose test garden in the USA. Parking is limited at Washington Park so it’s best to make your way there early to get a spot.
Location: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-319-0999
Washington Park
2. Powell Butte Nature Park
East Portland’s largest natural park
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Powell Butte Nature Park is the largest natural area located in east Portland. It covers a 6.2-mile (10-km) hike at the Powell Butte Loop Trail, which is suitable for avid hikers, families with young children, and mountain biking enthusiasts. On a clear day, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of several mountain summits such as Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount Saint Helens.
If you need weather information or a map before your hike, you could drop by the visitors’ center at the foot of the hill.
Location: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 503-823-6131
Powell Butte Nature Park
3. Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Basking in luscious greenery
Good for: Adventure, Families, Couples
Tryon Creek State Natural Area has popular scenic hiking trails, such as the Tryon Creek Outer Loop Hike and the Tryon Creek Inner Loop Hike. Visitors with mobility issues can opt to visit the Trillium Trail, a 0.6-mile (1-km) trail made of mostly flatlands.
The trails are, however, known to get muddy especially on wet days, so it’s best to bring a change of shoes when hiking around the Tryon Creek State Natural Area. It’s also best for hikers to avoid the West Horse Loop Trail and the North Horse Loop Trail as they are designed for equine traffic. Tryon Creek State Natural Area is located in the Portland metropolitan area.
Location: 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 800-551-6949
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
4. Marquam Nature Park
A nature escape tucked in the urban area of Portland
Good for: Adventure, Families
Marquam Nature Park is a public park nestled within a residential area, about a 6-minute drive southwest of downtown Portland. It boasts around 7 miles (11 km) of hiking trails with some steep ascends, although this shouldn’t put you off from climbing up the hills and marvel at the sight of Portland from a bird’s-eye view.
It’s also a pet-friendly park, so you’ll often see locals with dogs during your hike. Before you end your hike, be sure to stop by the park’s onsite amphitheater to admire Marquam Mosaic, an art installation by a local Portland artist, Lynn Takata.
Location: SW Marquam St, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Phone: +1 971-599-3667
Marquam Nature Park
5. Kelley Point Park
A great park for spotting large boats while hiking
Good for: Families, Adventure, Photo
Kelley Point Park is in the northern area of Portland, where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers meet. It’s a popular spot for casual hikers as the trail only stretches across 1.2 miles (1.9 km), making it suitable even for families with small children. Locals often visit Kelley Point Park to catch a glimpse of the large industrial boats that sail by the rivers while others choose to sit back and watch the seabirds.
There is a small beach at Kelley Point Park that’s accessible to the public, but it’s not suitable for swimming as there are strong underwater currents and no lifeguards on duty.
Location: N Kelly Point Park Rd, Portland, OR 97203, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-823-2525
Kelley Point Park
6. Hoyt Arboretum
Unique greeneries
Good for: Families, Adventure
The Hoyt Arboretum trail is an extension from Washington Park, boasting many exotic greeneries along its 12 miles (19 km) of hiking trails. The trails feature gentle uphill climbs with equally easy downhill hikes that are clearly marked, making it suitable for hikers of all experiences to venture into the arboretum.
Along the way, you’ll see a variety of signages that introduces you to the exotic greenery available at the park. The visitors’ center at Hoyt Arboretum also offers guided tours if you want a tailored experience around the garden.
Location: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-865-8733
Hoyt Arboretum
7. Lower Macleay Park Trailhead
A slice of history awaits at the summit
Good for: Adventure, Photo
The Lower Macleay Park Trailhead is a 5-mile (8-km) hiking route tucked in the urban area of Northeast Oregon. For most people, what makes the hike up Lower Macleay Park worthwhile is the history that awaits them at the end. That is the renowned Pittock Mansion, an old Renaissance-style chateau that’s open for public visits.
We recommend bringing proper hiking shoes for your trek as the trails are known to be slippery and muddy with sharp inclines. It’s an excellent trip for more experienced hikers, while beginners should be able to reach the top with a little caution.
Location: 2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR 97210, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-823-7529
Lower Macleay Park Trailhead
8. Mount Tabor
A locals’ favorite atop an extinct volcano
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Mount Tabor is an extinct volcano turned nature park that is well-loved by locals. It’s located just 7 miles (11 km) east of Downtown Portland, with 3 official hiking loops for all types of adrenaline seekers.
Casual hikers would enjoy the scenic views from the easy Red Trail and intermediate Green Trail, but if you’re an experienced hiker who doesn’t mind elevations and stair climbs, then you can’t miss hiking up the Blue Trail for a more scenic view of Mount Tabor that awaits you at the summit.
Location: SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-823-7529
Mount Tabor
9. Angel’s Rest
For great views from dusk to dawn
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Angel’s Rest is an exposed cliff located around 28 miles (45 km) east of Downtown Portland. It overlooks the Columbia River Gorge and boasts scenic views of Beacon Rock and the Silver Star Mountain among other breathtaking landmarks in Portland.
This 5-mile (8-km) trail, however, is not suitable for beginners as there are extremely steep elevations throughout the hike and it can get muddy along the way. Therefore, it’s important to visit Angel’s Rest only if you’ve brought along comfortable footwear with a good grip and hiking sticks for your hike.
Location: Bridal Veil, OR 97010, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 800-551-6949
Angel’s Rest
10. Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls Loop
Hiking up to Oregon’s tallest waterfall
Good for: Adventure, Photo
The Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls Loop is a hike enjoyed by waterfall enthusiasts. It’s about a 45-minute drive from downtown Portland and leads you up to Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The hike is moderately easy, but it’s best to bring shoes with a good grip as the trail is often muddy.
The best time to visit the Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls Loop is between April and October. You can enjoy beautiful views of Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Spring, and 5 other waterfalls as well as the Lemmons Viewpoint along the way.
Location: Wahkeena Trail #420, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Phone: +1 541-308-1700
Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls Loop
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.