Hikes + Adventures - Oregon.NW

1. Trillium Lake

Named after the flowers that bloom in the area, Trillium Lake is a beloved part of Mount Hood. Take a nice, and easy 2 mile hike around the lake. With multiple campgrounds, it’s a perfect weekend or even day trip destination. 

2. Angels Rest

5 mile round trip hike with a breathtaking 270 degree view from the top, you’ll experience a new point of view of the Columbia River Gorge. Some would say, it’s one of the most “gorge-”ous hikes!

3. Hood River

Visit the Wind Surfing Capital of the world, Hood River! Grab a brew from Pfreim and soak in the sun. Or take a nice drive through the Hood River Fruit Loop. On the 35 mile loop, you’ll find yourself within a picturesque valley, viewing two snow-capped peaks, and acres on acres of orchards providing great photo opportunities as well as fruits and wines, lavender and alpacas, and fun family activity

4. Multnomah Falls

The tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 ft, Multnomah Falls should be on every Oregon bucket list. Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, Multnomah Falls is the ideal day trip for any age! It does tend to pick up and get busy on the weekends, so try to plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.

 

1. Seaside

Just 90 mins outside of Portland, one of the beloved coastal cities, Seaside has so much to offer! With 1.5 miles of Promenade to stride down, you’ll also find yourself charmed by the Seaside Carousel Mall and very popular Salt Water Taffy shop-which is a MUST! 

2. Astoria

Are you a Goonies super fan? Whether you are or you are not, Astoria has some fun spots in the city that highlight that blockbuster movie! Also, go check out the Astoria Column. You may have seen it in a few other movies such as  the Kindergarten Cop & Free Willy. Climb the 164 steps of the spiral staircase to the viewing deck for a breathtaking view of the quaint city.

3. Linclon City

Every summer, Lincoln City hosts their annual 2-day Kite Festival! (cancelled 2020) You can always see someone flying a kite or building a sandcastle on “D beach”.  If you are a lover of clam chowder, Mo’s Seafood and Clam Chowder should be top priority. Best clam chowder on the Oregon Coast!

4. Cannon Beach

The Iconic Haystack rock is a show stopper for any and everyone visiting Cannon Beach! But if you look below the surface, Haystack rock homes some of the best tide pools along the Oregon Coast. At the North End of Cannon beach, you can find more tidal pools at Indian beach and Ecola Point, during the lowest tides of the season.

5. Three Capes

Cape Meares (Oceanside)

Start your 40 mile, 3 Cape adventure at the beautiful Cape Meares Lighthouse, dating back to the 1890’s. Along with prime birdwatching, you can enjoy the short hiking trails that take you through old spruce trees. You will come across the uniquely-shaped Octopus Tree, a giant Sitka spruce with massive branches that reach out from near the base of the tree! In winter and spring, Cape Meares park is another excellent location to view the whale migrations!

Cape Lookout (Tillamook)

Once you get to Cape Lookout you can experience great Beachcombing, where you can find a lot of ocean treasures along the beach! For a small fee, Wednesday-Sunday, you can climb up the 207 steps of the Lighthouse and experience the amazing lookout for yourself! 

Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City)

Scale up the beautiful red, sandy dunes to watch the surfers at Cape Kiwanda. While you’re there you might be lucky and even catch the launch of a  few Dory Boats. End your night at Pelican Brewery, the only beachfront brewpub in the Northwest!

1. Painted Hills

See millions of years of history right before your eyes at the Painted Hills! It may feel like you are on another planet, but rest assured- you are just in another one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The Painted Hills makeup for one of the 3 units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds in that region. 

2. Smith Rock

Made up by the towers of volcanic ash, another one of Oregon's 7 Wonders, Smith Rock is an outdoor enthusiasts playground! With multiple hikes and mountain bike trails from 2 miles to the 7.3 miles loop and climbing/bouldering for all levels, Smith Rock is the gem of Central Oregon. And just 30 mins out, you can top your day off by hitting up one of the 17 breweries- just in Bend!

3. Hells Canyon

The deepest river gorge in Northern America at 8,000 vertical feet in the deepest spots and with over 215,000 acres of wilderness-Hells Canyon is pretty intense! With over 900 trails for backpacking and hiking, there is hiking for all levels, including day hikes and picnicking spots. If you’re not feeling like hitting up the trails, you can also explore Hell’s Canyon via boat guides or drive out to Hells Canyon Lookout!

4. Wallowas

Whether you hike, take horseback, or hop on the gondola that will take you 3,700 feet to the peak of Mt. Howard; The Wallowas will not disappoint! As one of the 7 Oregon Wonders, you look down from the alpine summit, and oversee the high desert, & past Hell’s Canyon. Pretty breathtaking! 

1. Crater Lake

The deepest lake in the US & one of the most pristine, Crater Lake is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The park is open year round, with a few roads closed during the winter. You can experience Crater Lake via bike or drive the 33-mile rim route, hike up to the top of the fire lookout tower or down to the water below. There are also opportunities to take a boat tour of the lake during the summer, and cross-country ski or snowshoe around the rim in the winter.

2. Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

With 12 miles to explore, the Samuel H Boardman Corridor has views for days! Along  the corridor, you can find a handful of hikes to hidden sand dunes and the “Secret Beach”. The Natural Bridges Viewpoint is the most iconic shot of the Corridor. 

3. Pacific Crest Trail

Hike a section of the famous PCT.  The PCT is a total distance of 2,650 miles that ventures through California, Oregon, and Washington & ends at the Canadian border. Make sure to do your research to find correct trailheads! 

1. Cathedral Park (N)

Right below the iconic St. Johns Bridge, Cathedral Park has a special part in history! It is believed that it was one of the 14 Lewis and Clark landing sites in the Portland/Vancouver area. This is a prime spot for a mid-spring/summer's day picnic with friends and family!

2. Mount Tabor (SE)

An 636 ft. inactive volcanic cinder cone, with open reservoir and hiking trails, Mount Tabor is the gem of SE Portland. Portland is actually one of six American cities with an extinct volcano within its limits! Every August, you can join the 10,000 individuals cheering on those who are racing in the Adult Soapbox Derby.

3. International Rose Test Garden (SW/NW)

Covering 4.5 acres and with over 650 variations of Roses, the International Rose Test Gardens are a must when visiting Portland! Blooming starts to happen around May and lasts up till September! It is open daily and admission is free.

4. Pittock Mansion (SW)

Completed  in 1912, Pittock Mansion is a Portland bucket list item. On a good day, you can get a beautiful view of Mount Hood,  St. Helens, Rainier,  Adams and Jefferson. Whether you decide to picnic or hike the Macleay trails- Pittock Mansion should be on your to do list.

5. 4 T Trail 

Experience all that Portland has to offer by participating in the 4 T Trail! For $5 and 4 hours (give or take), you can take the Trail, Tram, Trolley & Train to complete this self guided trail!! You’ll hike up to Council Crest, which is the highest point in Portland at 1,073 ft and really shows off the city views! You’ll end your 4 T adventure at Pioneer Square, also known as Portland’s Living Room! Rest up & get a food cart treat!