35+ trails organized by region and difficulty — with permits, seasonal access, and the honest details most guides skip. We’ve personally hiked every trail on this list.
Named Trails
Regions Covered
Coast Trails
Most Underrated Month
NW Forest Pass
Annual NW Forest Pass
America the Beautiful
Alpine Season
Check Conditions First
Oregon has thousands of trails. That’s a great problem to have until you’re staring at a map trying to figure out which ones are actually worth your time. Most hiking guides hand you a list ranked by someone’s personal preference — fine if you happen to be staying exactly where they live. This guide is organized by region so you can find great trails wherever you’re headed, and by difficulty so you can match the hike to your fitness and experience. We’ve personally hiked every trail on this list and will tell you what the experience is actually like, not just what the trail stats say on paper.
Required at most USFS trailheads across the state. $5/day or $30/year. Available at ranger stations, some outdoor retailers, and online. An America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) also works — covers all federal recreation lands. If you’re hiking more than a handful of times, the annual pass pays for itself fast.
Required late May through September for day hikes and overnight trips in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas — covering many popular trails near Bend. Day-use permits available through recreation.gov. Some go fast. Plan ahead.
Several popular trails now require advance reservations during peak season — Green Lakes, Tam McArthur Rim, and others. Requirements change year to year. Verify before you drive. USFS Deschutes National Forest has the latest. Multnomah Falls timed entry: $1/vehicle via recreation.gov, May–September.
Year-round: Coast trails, low-elevation Gorge trails, most Willamette Valley hikes. April–November: Mid-elevation Cascades. Late June–October: Alpine trails near Bend and Mt. Hood. July–September: Eastern Oregon high country. See our Best Time to Visit Oregon guide for region-by-region breakdowns.
Trail conditions, access roads, and permits change. Wildfires reshape landscapes. Storms wash out bridges. Always verify: USFS fire map · Oregon State Parks alerts · TripCheck.com · AllTrails for recent trip reports.
Oregon’s trails are popular because they’re stunning. They’ll stay that way if we all do our part. Pack it out. Walk through mud rather than widening the trail. Carry dog waste bags. The wild places in this guide are irreplaceable. Learn the 7 LNT principles →
The trail descriptions in this guide reflect conditions at the time of our visits. Distances and elevation figures are approximate. Trails, access roads, and regulations change. Always verify current conditions through official sources before heading out. Hiking involves inherent risks. Know your limits, prepare accordingly, and make safe choices on the trail.
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Late September is the most underrated hiking month in Oregon. The summer crowds are gone, the high trails are still clear, fall color is starting in the Cascades, and the weather is often crisp and stable. If you can choose your window, consider it.
The Gorge is Oregon’s most accessible hiking corridor — within 45 minutes of Portland, you can be on trails with 200-foot waterfalls, cliff-edge viewpoints, and dense old-growth forest. Summer weekends are packed at the marquee trailheads. Go early, go midweek, or go in shoulder season. Fall in the Gorge is spectacular and far less crowded. See our lodging guide for staying in the area.
A classic Gorge hike that rewards you with one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the region — sweeping views up and down the Columbia River with Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens on clear days. Steadily steeper climb, nothing technical. The final stretch is exposed rock — use caution in wet or icy conditions. Dogs allowed on leash. Northwest Forest Pass required.
The first two miles to Punch Bowl Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge — the trail clings to cliff walls above Eagle Creek and ends at an overlook above a turquoise pool. Steep drop-offs with cable handrails: pay attention and keep kids close. Stronger hikers can continue to Tunnel Falls at roughly 6 miles in, where the trail passes through a tunnel behind a 175-foot waterfall — one of the most dramatic trail experiences in Oregon. Check current access before heading out; some sections are still being restored after the 2017 fire. USFS Gorge info. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Most visitors see it from the base viewpoint and leave. The full loop hike to the top adds real perspective — you climb switchbacks through forest to the top of the 620-foot cascade, then loop back down. Timed-entry permit required May through September via recreation.gov. Year-round access to the base; winter ice can close the upper trail. See our Oregon Waterfalls guide for the full Gorge waterfall picture.
A Gorge hike that packs in waterfalls, a narrow canyon, river viewpoints, and deep forest moss without the Multnomah-level crowds. The trail follows Oneonta Creek upstream past multiple cascades to Triple Falls, a three-pronged waterfall worth the climb. Well-maintained with some steep sections. Dogs allowed on leash. Best spring through fall.
The payoff for this steep climb is one of the most photographed wildflower meadows in the Pacific Northwest. In late May and June, the summit meadows explode with balsamroot and lupine, and the Gorge views are extraordinary. On the Washington side — accessed via Bridge of the Gods or Hood River Bridge. A relentless climb; bring plenty of water and start early. Washington Discover Pass required for parking.
Most Mt. Hood trails above 4,000 feet are snow-free from mid-July through October. Lower trails open earlier. The drive from Portland is about 75 minutes. The east side (Highway 35) and south side (Timberline Lodge area) have the best concentration of trails.
One of the most unique waterfall hikes in Oregon. The trail winds through old-growth forest along the Sandy River and ends at Ramona Falls, where water cascades down a wide wall of columnar basalt in hundreds of individual streams — the effect is mesmerizing. Gentle for its length. The river crossing requires a seasonal bridge typically in place from late spring through fall — verify current access before going. Northwest Forest Pass required.
A family-friendly loop to a mountain lake with Mt. Hood reflected perfectly in the water on calm mornings. Great introductory hike for kids and visitors who want a postcard-worthy view without a strenuous climb. Extend to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain for panoramic views. The trailhead is right off Highway 26 near Government Camp — gets busy on summer weekends. Sno-park pass required in winter.
A well-loved hike on the east side of Mt. Hood to a 100-foot waterfall in a rocky amphitheater. The trail follows Cold Spring Creek through forest with some creek crossings — waterproof boots are useful. In winter, the falls partially freeze into dramatic ice formations. Parking limited at the trailhead: arrive before 9am on summer weekends. Northwest Forest Pass required.
For experienced hikers wanting a serious Mt. Hood payoff — climbs through forest and alpine meadows to a historic stone shelter with panoramic views of Hood’s glaciers and the Cascade peaks beyond. Wildflower meadows in July and August are exceptional. Snow lingers into July most years. The final stretch involves exposed terrain. Bring layers, plenty of water, and start early. Northwest Forest Pass required.
The Bend area has become one of the top hiking destinations in the western US. Open ponderosa pine forests, lava fields, and alpine basins rimmed by glaciated volcanoes. Several popular trailheads now require advance reservations during peak season. See our Central Oregon guide for breweries, lodging, and year-round activities.
A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required late May through September for Green Lakes, Tam McArthur Rim, South Sister, and other popular trails. Permits release in waves through recreation.gov and go fast. Check requirements before driving.
The signature hike at Smith Rock State Park — the best introduction to Central Oregon’s high-desert landscape. Climbs steeply to a ridge overlooking the Crooked River canyon and the park’s iconic rock spires, with Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Sisters on the horizon. “Misery Ridge” earns its name on the ascent but it’s short. Hikeable year-round; summer afternoons get hot — bring sun protection. State park day-use fee ($5/vehicle). Dogs allowed on leash.
Many people call this the best day hike in Central Oregon, and the beauty-to-effort ratio is hard to argue with. Follows Fall Creek through forest past several waterfalls before emerging into an alpine basin below the massive south face of South Sister and Broken Top. Gentle grade for the distance. The trailhead fills early on summer weekends, sometimes by 7am. Snow typically covers the upper trail through late June — don’t assume it’s clear.
One of the most spectacular viewpoints in Oregon — a volcanic rim with a sheer drop on one side and a panoramic view of Broken Top, South Sister, and the Three Sisters Wilderness. It’s the kind of view that makes you sit down and stare. Steep and exposed in sections. Limited-entry permits go fast.
The highest point in the Bend area and one of the few glaciated Cascade volcanoes you can summit without technical climbing gear. Not technical, but relentless — a very long slog up volcanic scree. A full-day commitment. Start before dawn, bring more water than you think you need. Summit views include every major Cascade peak. Central Cascades Wilderness Permit required. Not for inexperienced hikers.
Tumalo Falls is a quick waterfall viewpoint that most visitors treat as a standalone stop. But the Tumalo Creek Trail continues upstream into a canyon with a series of smaller cascades — do the full trail if you want solitude, you’ll leave the crowds behind within the first half mile past the main falls. Northwest Forest Pass required.
A unique trail through an otherworldly landscape of obsidian (volcanic glass) flows, alpine meadows, and views of North and Middle Sister. The black glass fields catch sunlight in a way that feels surreal — one of the most distinctive hiking experiences in the Cascades. Stay on the trail: the obsidian is irreplaceable and footprints in the flow last decades. Separate limited-entry quota.
These trails tend to be lower elevation, accessible more months of the year, and less crowded than the Bend or Gorge hotspots. The Willamette Valley guide covers wine, food, and trip planning.
The single best waterfall hike in Oregon. A 7.2-mile loop that passes ten waterfalls — and you walk behind four of them. South Falls (177 feet) is the showpiece, but the entire loop delivers one cascade after another in a canyon of old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple. Often wet and slippery — sturdy footwear with good tread is essential. State park day-use fee ($5/vehicle). Dogs allowed on the Rim Trail but not the Canyon Trail. October with fall color is extraordinary and far less crowded. See our Oregon Waterfalls guide for more on the individual cascades.
Old-growth forest and an emerald-green swimming hole in the Cascade foothills east of Salem. The trail follows the Little North Santiam River through some of the most impressive old-growth in western Oregon, past the remnants of historic Jawbone Flats mining camp. The water color in Opal Pool is almost impossibly green. Northwest Forest Pass required. The area suffered fire damage in 2020 — check current access via USFS Willamette National Forest before visiting.
The best wildflower hike in the Willamette Valley corridor, and possibly in all of Oregon. In June and early July, the summit meadows support over 300 species of wildflowers. Views from the top include nearly every major Cascade peak. Steady climb with an exposed summit section. Bring sun protection and water. Highway 20 between Sweet Home and Sisters. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Hiking on the Oregon Coast is a completely different experience from the mountains. Trails follow headlands above the Pacific, drop through Sitka spruce forests to hidden beaches, and traverse sand dunes. Accessible year-round. Some of the most atmospheric coastal hikes happen in fog and drizzle. See our Oregon with Kids guide for family trail picks and our Oregon beaches guide for what each stretch of coast is best for.
One of the best headland hikes on the Oregon Coast — pushes through old-growth Sitka spruce to the tip of Cape Lookout, a narrow point extending into the Pacific with views in every direction. During whale migration (December through April), this is a prime viewing spot. The trail is often muddy — expect roots and standing water in wet months. The payoff view at the end is worth the muck. State park day-use fee.
The highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range, with summit views stretching from the ocean to Mt. Rainier on exceptional days. In June, the upper meadows are covered in rare endemic wildflowers, several of which grow nowhere else in the world. The final section is steep and exposed with significant drop-offs — not for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
The southern Oregon Coast’s crown jewel — 12 miles of coastline between Brookings and Gold Beach. The Oregon Coast Trail runs the full length, but most visitors access it through short spur trails to Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, and Indian Sands. You can spend 20 minutes or a full day here. The Indian Sands trail is our favorite for the surreal combination of sandstone formations and ocean views. Free parking at viewpoint pullouts. See our Oregon beaches guide for the full southern coast breakdown.
Multiple hike options from a single base near Cannon Beach. The short walk to Indian Beach is easy and family-friendly. The full Tillamook Head traverse (roughly 6 miles point-to-point) follows the route Lewis and Clark took in 1806 through coastal rainforest. Ecola Point viewpoint: iconic views of Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach. State park day-use fee ($5/vehicle). Main road can close temporarily in winter — check conditions before driving.
Southern Oregon is where the Cascades meet the Siskiyous. Volcanic geology at Crater Lake, wild river canyons along the Rogue, old-growth forest in the Umpqua, and some of the most remote backcountry in the state. The crowds are a fraction of what you’ll find near Portland or Bend.
The best viewpoint hike at Crater Lake. Climbs from Crater Lake Lodge along the rim to Garfield Peak, with the impossibly blue lake dominating the view the entire way. From the summit: the full lake, Wizard Island, and the surrounding Cascade peaks. Steep and exposed. Snow can block it well into July. Crater Lake National Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass). Note: Cleetwood Cove Trail (lake shore access) is closed 2026–2028. See our Crater Lake guide for full park information.
One of the best backpacking trails in Oregon. The 40-mile Rogue River National Recreation Trail follows the Wild and Scenic Rogue through deep canyons, past rapids, and through old-growth forest. Most do it as a 3–4 day point-to-point from Grave Creek to Big Bend. Permits required for the Wild Section during peak season. Lodges along the route offer an alternative to camping. Sections are accessible as day hikes. See our Oregon fishing guide for the river’s steelhead and salmon runs.
The full North Umpqua River Trail runs 79 miles — you don’t need to do the whole thing. Several sections make excellent day hikes, particularly near Toketee Falls and along Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond Lake. Follows the river through old-growth forest with access to multiple waterfalls. The “Dread and Terror” segment is a personal favorite for dramatic river canyon scenery. See our Oregon Waterfalls guide for the waterfall-specific stops along Highway 138.
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Eastern Oregon is the least-visited and most dramatic hiking landscape in the state. The Wallowas are often called “Oregon’s Alps.” Steens Mountain rises a vertical mile above the Alvord Desert. Most of Eastern Oregon is four to six hours from Portland. Our Oregon road trips guide has the Eastern Oregon loop with realistic driving times. But the remoteness is the reward — you’ll share these trails with a fraction of the people you’d encounter in the Gorge or near Bend.
One of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Oregon — and it sees a tiny fraction of the visitors that Green Lakes near Bend gets. The trail climbs into an alpine basin surrounded by granite peaks near Joseph. If you’ve done the big-name Cascades hikes and want something that still feels like a discovery, this is it. The elevation gain is serious — bring plenty of water and start early. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is the easier alternative for the views.
The Steens Mountain Loop Road takes you to the summit of one of Oregon’s most dramatic landscapes — looking straight down a glacial gorge to the Alvord Desert playa 5,000 feet below. One of the most awe-inspiring viewpoints in the state. The loop road itself is a scenic drive with short walks; longer trails into Kiger Gorge and Big Indian Gorge are more demanding. The Alvord Hot Springs at the base make an unforgettable post-hike soak. Bring everything you need — no services anywhere.
Not a strenuous hike, but one of the most visually striking landscapes in Oregon. Short trails wind through and around hills striped in red, gold, and black — formed by millions of years of volcanic ash deposits. Best light: early morning or late afternoon, especially after rain when the colors deepen. Remote (about 2.5 hours from Bend, 4 hours from Portland). Free entry. See our Eastern Oregon guide for the full picture.
For experienced hikers seeking genuine solitude — multi-colored canyon systems, delicate hoodoo formations, and essentially zero crowds. One of the last truly wild landscapes in the lower 48. The Honeycombs area is particularly striking. Access requires long drives on dirt roads. No services, no cell signal, no marked trails in some areas. This is not a hike for beginners. Carry detailed maps, extra water, and let someone know your plans.
Distances and elevation figures are approximate. Always verify current conditions through official sources before heading out.
Good news: most Oregon trails allow dogs on leash. Some notable exceptions:
Dogs NOT allowed: Most trails inside Crater Lake National Park. The Canyon Trail at Silver Falls State Park (dogs can hike the Rim Trail but not the full Trail of Ten Falls loop). Some wilderness areas restrict dogs during certain seasons.
Dogs allowed on leash: Most USFS trails, most state park trails (check individual park rules), Gorge trails, coastal trails, and most Central Oregon trails including Smith Rock.
Pro tip: Carry water for your dog — Smith Rock, Painted Hills, and South Sister are dry. Dog waste bags are non-negotiable. Leave No Trace applies to your pet’s waste too.
This guide focuses on day hikes, but Oregon has exceptional multi-day trails for those who want to go deeper.
The Timberline Trail circles Mt. Hood in approximately 40 miles. Most do it in 3–4 days. River crossings can be dangerous during snowmelt.
The Rogue River Trail — 40 miles with lodge-to-lodge options (covered above).
Oregon Section of the Pacific Crest Trail runs roughly 460 miles from the California border to the Columbia River. Section hikes of 3–7 days through the Cascades are popular.
Wallowa Lake Basin offers multi-day loop options through granite alpine terrain that rivals the Sierra Nevada.
All overnight trips in wilderness areas require additional planning, permits, and backcountry skills. Our Oregon camping guide covers established campgrounds and backcountry camping logistics.
Either works for most trails in this guide. Boots offer more ankle support and waterproofing, which matters on wet, root-covered trails in western Oregon. Trail runners are lighter and many experienced hikers prefer them on drier trails near Bend and in Eastern Oregon. Whatever you wear, make sure it has good tread. Smooth-soled shoes on wet Oregon trails are a recipe for a bad day.
Oregon’s trails are generally safe, but the backcountry demands preparation. The biggest risks are hypothermia from wet, cold conditions (even in summer at elevation), getting lost on unmarked trails (carry a map, don’t rely on phone signal), and water crossings during spring snowmelt. Black bears live throughout Oregon but attacks are extremely rare. Bear spray is a reasonable precaution in remote areas, especially the Wallowas and Cascades.
It depends on where. The coast is great year-round. The Gorge is best April through November. Alpine trails near Bend and Mt. Hood are typically snow-free mid-July through October. Eastern Oregon’s high country has a short July–September window. Late September is our personal favorite statewide for stable weather, fall color, and thin crowds. Check our Best Time to Visit Oregon guide for region-by-region seasonal breakdowns. And see our events and festivals guide for fall happenings that pair well with hiking trips.
Start with the USFS Pacific Northwest Region alerts page for fire closures. Check Oregon State Parks for state park alerts. Use AllTrails for recent user trip reports (sort by most recent). And call the local ranger district if you’re unsure — a five-minute phone call can save you a wasted drive to a closed trailhead.
Oregon has black bears, not grizzlies. Black bear encounters on trails are uncommon and attacks are very rare. Most hikers in Oregon don’t carry bear spray. That said, it’s a reasonable precaution in remote wilderness areas (Wallowas, Cascades backcountry, Steens). If you’re camping, store food properly in a bear canister or hung from a tree.
Oregon Waterfalls Guide →
Oregon Camping Guide →
Oregon Road Trips Guide →
Oregon Beaches Guide →
Oregon Hot Springs Guide →
Oregon Wildlife & Nature →
Columbia River Gorge Guide →
Mt. Hood Guide →
Central Oregon Guide →
Oregon Coast Guide →
Southern Oregon Guide →
Eastern Oregon Guide →
Willamette Valley Guide →
Best Time to Visit Oregon →
Plan Your Trip to Oregon →
Things to Do in Oregon →
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