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Top 10 Best Hikes Near Portland From a Local Guide
If you’re bringing your adventurous side to Portland, we’ve got great news for you! The city offers gorgeous hikes and trails that’ll challenge and relax you at the same time.
The city is rich in trees and mountains, so it’s a real gem for hikers. There are short and quick trails for beginners, and steep and longer loops that’ll bring out the best in you.
With the help of a local guide, I spent some time going around Portland searching for the best hikes in and around the city. Here are the trails we found that every hiker should consider climbing!
The Wildwood Trail
Hike Distance: 0-30 miles
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
The Wildwood Trail is famous among local hikers in Oregon. Just near downtown (10-minute drive), you’ll reach the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park, where the trail starts.
If you’re a beginner, this is ideal for you because you can decide on the pacing and distance. You can finish the 30-mile loop or just a part of it. However, expect some challenging parts, such as steep climbs, if you complete the trail.
Scenery? You’ll take a lush and healthy forest with moss-covered trees. Top sights also include Balch Canyon, Witch’s Castle, and Portland Japanese Garden. The hike ends at the Forest Park.
Pro Tip:
If you’re new to hiking and want to meet new friends, consider joining a guided hike.
Hoyt Arboretum’s 30-minute Loop Trail
Media credit: hoytarboretum
Hike Distance: 0.5 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Hoyt Arboterum has various hiking trails that you can choose from. However, one of the best trails is the 30-minute loop trail. It’s beginner-friendly and a great way to get to know the area.
You’ll start hiking at the Stevens Pavilion and end at the Red Pine Collection. So, expect to see some grove scene at the beginning and fir trees at the end of the hike.
We recommend trying the hike during autumn. The vibrant colors of the leaves make the hike even more relaxing.
Pro Tip:
Hike on weekdays because it gets crowded during the weekends.
The 4T Trail
Media credit: simeondux
Hike Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
This 4-mile trail is very flexible on how and where to start. For instance, you can choose to start from the Oregon Zoo, downtown Portland, or South Waterfront.
Of all the hikes in Portland, this is the most unique. Coming from its name, this trail will require you to take 4 Ts (train, tram, trail, and trolley) to complete the whole loop.
You need to purchase a Tri-Met pass for the train and trolley ride. Meanwhile, the tram requires a different ticket, which is $8 for a round-trip.
Note that the tram isn’t available on Sundays during the winter, so make sure to plan your hike accordingly.
Pro Tip:
The tram arrives every 5 minutes, so make sure to plan your pacing if you want to spend more time on other parts of the trail.
Marquam Trail Nature Park
Hike Distance: 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft
The Marquam Trail Nature Park is another popular hiking destination for nature lovers. This is even more beautiful during fall (look for red maples).
If you choose this trail, you’ll see some of Oregon’s flora like vine maple, Western hemlock, and Western red cedar. Plus, this trail features numerous up-and-down loops and some rocky sections, which require caution.
This trail starts at SW Marquam Street and ends in a suburb of Portland.
Pro Tip:
Wear steady footwear because there are some narrow and inclined paths.
Redwood Trail Loop
Media credit: borderinthealps
Hike Distance: 1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Surprisingly, Portland has hidden redwoods and sequoias away from the city! You can find them on the Redwood Trail Loop.
This trail is also on Hoyt Arboretum, but gives you a very different view due to the Redwood deck. If you want a trail where you can get rest, then go for this one because it has benches where you can sit and have a little picnic.
If you choose to take this hike, you’ll get a quiet and cool experience—thanks to the redwood trees that create a natural sound barrier.
Pro Tip:
You can avoid paying by parking on Highway 9 and just walking your way to the grove.
Maple-Wildwood Loop Hike
Media credit: rogers.jonathan
Hike Distance: 6.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 860 ft
The Maple-Wildwood Loop Hike is one of the hikes that looks gorgeous all year round. This is because it’s a Douglas fir forest with numerous creeks, which adds to the thrill.
It’s also beginner-friendly, so be prepared for a crowded environment. Make sure to set your expectations and pace accordingly!
The trails are well-maintained, which also comes with some challenging sections, especially during fall and winter (gets muddier).
With its distance, a complete loop takes approximately 3 hours of hiking. You can access this trail on Lower Salzman Road.
Pro Tip:
Wear appropriate hiking shoes since the trail can get slippery due to unpredictable weather.
Tryon Creek Triple Bridge Loop
Media credit: cloverp21621
Hike Distance: 3.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
If you want to pair bird watching with hiking, Tryon Creek Triple Bridge Loop has got your back. Aside from birds, you’ll also see deer, rabbits, and coyotes!
Aside from wildlife, you should also keep an eye on the three unique bridges, which other trails in Portland don’t offer.
Another great thing about this trail is that it passes through some neighborhood streets before going back to the forest, so it really feels like a real adventure.
Pro Tip:
Bring binoculars so you can see great views of the wildlife.
Herman Creek Trail
Hike Distance: 22 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
This dog-friendly Herman Creek Trail is one of the go-to hikes of Potlanders. It’s less crowded and offers those awesome Pacific Crest waterfalls.
The trail starts at Forest Lanes Road (where you can also park) and ends at the Pacific Crest Trail. As you go along, you’ll see dead trees and cliffs, so make sure to watch your steps.
It’s not that famous for hikers because it lacks proper signage, and from the road, it can be confusing where to start.
Pro Tip:
The Herman Creek Trail is muddy even in drier months, so make sure to bring gaiters and wear proper hiking shoes.
Doetsch Walking Path
Media credit: jim_allensworth
Hike Distance: 1.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
For an easy and flat hike, Doetsch Walking Path will do for you and your family. It might look plain, but it gives you a nice view of Beacon Rock.
You’ll enjoy a wide trail (4 feet wide) and see some benches along the way. There are steep or uphill sections, but only less than 10% of the whole trail.
Parking? No problem because there are a couple of accessible parking spaces at the ranch road.
Pro Tip:
You need a Discover Pass ($30) to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park.
Banks-Vernonia Trail
Media credit: travelportland
Hike Distance: 21 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Mild
Another less crowded trail is the Banks-Vernonia Trail. Visitors can hike and bike on the gentle paved trail.
Truth is, this trail is too long, so you need to break up and plan your hike. One of the recommended routes is to start at the Buxton Trestle, an old and abandoned railroad that’s now part of the trail.
From there, you can walk straight ahead until you reach the Manning Trailhead (approximately 6 miles and an out-and-back route).
Pro Tip:
Most routes are out-and-back, especially because this trail is too long, so plan how far you want to go.
