10 Best Hiking Trails in Portland

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.