With over 279 parks and natural areas offering dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and dense forests to explore, Portland is the perfect hiking destination. Whether you’re going for an urban walk or following in the footsteps of Cheryl Strayed on the Pacific Crest Trail, there is a hike for every age, interest, and ability level.

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The best hikes in Portland

Lacing up your boots, zipping on your rain jacket, and heading out into the Great Outdoors is a way of life for Portlanders. With the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Rocky Mountains to the East, Portland is known across the country for its world-class hiking opportunities.

Narrowing down the best-of-the-best is difficult, but we managed to do it—without further ado, here are the best hikes in Portland broken down into several categories.

Best for views: Marquam Nature Park

Distance: 1.0-7.4 miles

Difficulty: Varied

Trail type: Varied

Elevation gain: <1,525 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes, leashed

Starting point: Main entrance, SW Marquam St, Portland, OR 97201

With over 200 acres of undeveloped land and 7 miles of trails, Marquam Nature Park is perfect for hikers looking for an escape within Portland city limits.

You’ll have a number of hiking opportunities to choose from at the Park, including the challenging 7.4-mile Flicker, Towhee, Upper Marquam Hill, and Crest Trail. Though you’ll need to carve out a good 3.5-4 hours for the hike, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens along the way.

If you’d prefer to take in the scenic forest views while saving your legs the trouble, stick to the Sunnyside Loop, a 1.5-mile loop that can be completed in 45 minutes.

Pro Tip Hikers often report muddy conditions in Marquam Nature Park, particularly throughout the spring, so come prepared with the proper footwear.

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Best for dogs: Linnton Loop Hike Trailhead

Distance: 3.0 miles

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Trail type: Loop

Elevation gain: 830 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes, leashed

Starting point: NW St Helens Rd, Portland OR 97204

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Pacific Northwest with your four-legged companion on this moderately challenging trail. The out-and-back loop is located in Linnton Park and takes hikers an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.

For optimal conditions, visit this trail between March and October. While you may encounter some muddy patches along the way, the solitude and serenity you’ll experience will more than make up for it.

Keep in mind that the parking lot only allots space for 4-5 vehicles at a time, so you may want to hit the trail before it gets too busy!

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Best for Instagram: Wildwood Trail

Distance: 29.5 miles

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail type: Point to point

Elevation gain: 3,113 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: Portland, OR 97210

From W Burnside Road to Newberry Road, Wildwood Trail weaves through 30 miles of beautiful Forest Park. Whether you’re capturing the picture-perfect shot for your grid or itching for a long-distance challenge, this trail is a must-do for locals and tourists alike.

Unless you’re able to keep a pace of 3 miles per hour for 30 miles, you probably won’t want to attempt the whole trail in a single day. Rather, start your trek at the

Newberry Road Trailhead

and arrange to end your day near the Oregon Zoo, where you can hitch a ride or take public transportation back to civilization.

While this lengthy trek may sound grueling, the trail stays at a relatively level contour throughout, so the huffing and puffing will be kept to a minimum.

Pro Tip Pack a headlamp, change of socks, and plenty of water for your hike—and pay attention to trail junction signs to stay on track!

Best for families: Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Distance: 645 acres

Difficulty: Varied

Trail type: Varied

Elevation gain: 121 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes, leashed

Starting point: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland OR 97219

Avoid the inevitable “are we there yet?” echos emerging from the backseat and head to Tryon Creek State Natural Area, which is just minutes from the Portland city center. A hotspot for scenic walks and outdoor exercise, the Park offers over 8 miles of trails to choose from.

The Tryon Creek Triple Bridge Loop, named for its three bridges, takes you on a moderately challenging journey across flowing creeks and through mature forestry. The best part? You can make your hike as short or as long as you want to! With intersecting trails and cut-throughs along the way, you can adapt your trip as you go (or as your hiking companions wish!).

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Best for exercise: Powell Butte Nature Park

Distance: 1.4-8.3 miles

Difficulty: Varied

Trail type: Varied

Elevation gain: <1,148 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes, leashed

Starting point: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236

Powell Butte Nature Park is an excellent choice for nature- and exercise-lovers alike. Named after the Powell Butte volcano, the extinct dome emerges at the headwaters of Johnson Creek, while the crisp peak of Mount Hood paints the adjacent skyline.

The Park, which offers 611 acres of meadowland and forest to explore, can be divided into two distinct areas. The southern and western areas are draped on a densely forested slope, while the Butte portion extends over a flatter, higher area.

Combine the trails for a 6-mile (or longer) loop through Western red cedars and wetlands, with the Cascades visible at peak elevation.

Pro Tip The main entrance point to the Park may be closed if conditions are hazardous or icy, so make sure to check the conditions report before you head out.

Best for dates: Lower Macleay Park

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Trail type: Out and back

Elevation gain: 921 feet

Parking: Yes

Dogs: Yes

Starting point: 2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR 97210

What’s more romantic than a panoramic view of the city? Take your sweetheart for a stroll through the Balck Creek area (you can spot native cutthroat trout!) to the abandoned Witch’s Castle on the Wildwood Trail. From there, hike the 2.5 miles to Pittock Mansion and you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Portland skyline.

Keep in mind that this trail is subject to temporary partial closures, so you should check for any

closures or delays

before hitting the trail.

Tips for hiking in Portland

Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or it’s your first time lacing up your hiking boots, there are a few guidelines you should follow while exploring the Pacific Northwest. Before you hit the trails, review these tips for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience:

Bring lots of water (and snacks!). Nothing can ruin a hike quicker than becoming hungry or dehydrated on the trail with miles left to go. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks to keep you satiated on steep climbs and scenic strolls alike.

Bring maps of the backcountry. It’s easy (and frightening) to get lost in Oregon’s backcountry. Stay on track and bring a map of the area in case your wandering leads you astray.

Check trail conditions before you go. Closures, delays, and poor weather conditions are common for Portland’s hiking trails. Visit

AllTrails

for recent hiker reports or a land-management agency for up-to-date information on trail conditions.

Bring appropriate clothing. Weather conditions can change on a dime as you reach higher elevations, so packing additional layers is always wise. Ensure you're equipped with proper hiking shoes and socks and throw a rain jacket into your pack, just in case!

How to save money on car insurance in Portland

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FAQs

Can you hike in Portland right now?

Rain, snow, flooding, fallen trees, mud, and landslides are the major contributors to trail closures in Portland. While hiking is available year-round in the Beaver State, spring and summer are the best seasons to hit the trails.

Is Portland good for hiking?

Portland is a hiker’s paradise. With easy access to trails, hikers can head out for urban strolls in scenic forests or explore the deep alpine just a short drive away.

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