It's that time of year again—springtime in Oregon! The rain is slowing down, the sun is starting to peek out from the clouds, and the temperatures are getting warmer. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, what better way to spend your spring days than taking a hike?
Oregon has some of the most beautiful trails in the world, and it's the perfect time to explore them. In this blog post, we'll share 10 of Oregon's best hikes that you can't miss this spring. So grab your pack and get ready to explore!
Location: Near Portland
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic hike near Portland, Oregon, is an amazing way to take in the beautiful outdoors in the springtime. The Pittock Mansion Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back route in the west hills of Portland, with stunning views of the city, Mount Hood, and the surrounding area. Along the way, hikers will pass by historical landmarks such as the Pittock Mansion, a French Renaissance Revival-style home built in 1909.
The trail begins near the mansion at Macleay Park, winding through mostly wooded terrain with a few open meadows before reaching a summit with spectacular views. At times, the trail can be steep and challenging, but the effort is worth it!
Silver Falls State Park loop
Location: Silver Falls State Park
Length: 7.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Silver Falls State Park is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. It's a great place to hike and explore in spring. The park features more than 24 miles of trails, ranging from short, easy walks to strenuous day-long hikes. We recommend checking out the loop that's around 7 miles long.
Popular trails include the Trail of Ten Falls, which offers spectacular views of several cascading waterfalls, as well as the Rim Trail, which follows the canyon rim and offers expansive views of the valley below. While you're there, check out the top sights in Silver Falls State Park too!
Tom McCall Point Trail
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Length: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Just outside of Portland is Tom McCall Point, a great hiking destination to visit in the springtime. Here, you'll get unparalleled views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. The trail is a moderate 4.8-mile hike that offers both flat and moderately steep terrain. With its wildflowers, Douglas firs, and stunning vistas, it's no wonder why this is one of Oregon's most popular hikes.
If you don't want to do the whole hike, the view from Rowena Crest (where the parking lot is) is pretty impressive by itself.
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Length: 4.2
Difficulty: Easy
Tamanawas Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and it's one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in springtime. A relatively easy 4.2-mile roundtrip hike will take you to a stunningly majestic waterfall that drops over 100 feet into a pool below. You'll get an incredible view of the Columbia River Valley and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you can take in the lush forest of trees and wildflowers that line the trail.
The falls are especially spectacular when spring rains have added extra water to the stream, so be sure to bring your camera for this amazing natural wonder.
Angels Rest
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Length: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate - hard
Angels Rest is a popular hiking trail located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. With breathtaking views and relatively moderate difficulty, this is an excellent trail to visit in the springtime. The trailhead is located off Highway 84, and the path winds up through a forested slope with beautiful wildflowers and blooming trees. Make sure you have a Northwest Forest Pass for the parking area. It can get really crowded, too, so come early!
Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Columbia River Valley. But stay well back from the edge! It's a pretty sheer drop.
Multnomah Falls
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Located just 30 minutes east of Portland, Oregon, Multnomah Falls is a must-visit spot for nature lovers and hikers alike. This magnificent cascade cascades 620 feet down from the top of the basalt cliff in the Columbia River Gorge. The falls are accessible by car, and also a moderate 1.2-mile round trip hike up to the top.
The top of the falls offers several observation decks, and there is plenty of space to take in all the beauty of the area. In addition to the falls, visitors can explore numerous trails that branch off from the main trail leading to the summit, including the popular “Devil's Rest” hike and the Wahkeena Falls loop.
Check out our list of the best camping spots near Multnomah Falls if you want to hang out in this area for longer!
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Length: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Located in the Umpqua National Forest, Lemolo Falls is an easy and picturesque hike that offers stunning views of the cascading waterfalls. The trailhead is located at the Lemolo Lake Resort, and the hike is only 4.6 miles round trip, with a total elevation gain of 400 feet.
Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with views of the waterfall and the surrounding forest. This is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or simply taking in the beauty of nature.
The area is also known for its great fishing opportunities, so if you’re looking for some relaxation, this is a great spot to stop for a day. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Location: Guy W. Talbot State Park
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Latourell Falls is a must-visit destination in the springtime. This picturesque 229-foot-tall waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. As the water cascades down the basalt cliffs, visitors can enjoy the spray of mist and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The area also includes two other nearby waterfalls, Upper Latourell Falls and Double Falls, both of which are popular spots for hiking and photography. In springtime, this area blooms with beautiful wildflowers, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. The path to Latourell Falls is easily accessible for all ages and fitness levels and is a great way to get out and enjoy nature.
Location: near Lincoln City
Length: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Located in the Siuslaw National Forest near Lincoln City, Oregon, Drift Creek Falls is a spectacular waterfall that's perfect for springtime hikes. The hike itself is only 3.7 miles out and back, making it an ideal choice for a day trip.
The trail winds through the thick Douglas fir and western hemlock trees of the temperate rainforest, leading you to a magnificent 75-foot waterfall. Although the surrounding area is lush and green all year round, the colors become especially vibrant in the spring. You may also spot some of the area's diverse wildlife, such as blacktail deer, northern spotted owls, and elk.
Location: Tillamook State Forest
Length: 10.2 miles
Difficulty: Hard
If you’re looking for a challenging and scenic hike this spring, then the Elk and King Mountain Loop is an ideal option. Located in Tillamook State Forest, this hike offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside and is usually not as busy as the hikes closer to Portland. You can follow the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise, but we recommend the latter. You'll climb to the summit of Elk and King Mountains before completing the loop to the parking lot.
Along the way, hikers can take in the breathtaking views of the valley, the lush green hillsides, and the picturesque lakes.
The trail is (mostly) well-marked and (sometimes) well-maintained, making it a pretty good choice for hikers of moderate experience levels.