20 JAW-DROPPING Oregon Hikes (for All Skill Levels)

Article Overview: The Best Hikes in Oregon

I make no apologies for my unabashed and very biased opinion that I live in the most beautiful state in America. But if you’re a hiker (like me) on a mission here to find the best hikes in Oregon you’ll quickly find yourself at a hairy crossroads – with such an abundance of breathtaking beauty, how does one begin to narrow down the list?

Well, that’s exactly where I come in. My husband and I are avid hikers and spend most of our time in the great outdoors. After a decade of hiking the wonderful trails of Oregon, we figured it was time to spill the beans on the absolute best hikes Oregon has to offer.

I always say if that nowhere is the state’s beauty more evident than in the the plethora of jaw-dropping Oregon hikes and miles of trails. Writing this post was so much fun and a lovely trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoy!

P.S. If you think I missed a trail worthy of consideration don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below!

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Why trust my list of the best hikes in Oregon?

I’m Antonina – a lifelong Oregonian raised in Portland who spent most of my childhood hiking around all the various trails in Oregon.

Shortly after meeting my husband we embarked on a whirlwind tour of Oregon state — visiting every corner and popping off at every small town we passed.

My husband films national parks and forests for a living (I know, I can’t believe that can be a real job either) and so we hike a lot.

We both thoroughly enjoy hiking (and living in Oregon) and took it upon ourselves to find the best hikes in Oregon to share with anyone interested in planning a trip to our state.

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Oregon Hiking Tips

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Practice Leave No Trace

• If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)

• I swear by this sunscreen (and so do 5,000+ other people), I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. It works like a charm and doesn’t leave strange residue or smells, you’ll NEVER catch me without it!

Wear hiking boots with good traction

• Even though (most) trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip on the trail, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes. These are my hiking boots and I’d sleep in them if I could.

Wilderness Permits

• Some trails require wilderness permits, if you see one at the trailhead make make sure to complete the form. Not only are Wilderness Permits FREE, but they’re helpful for tracking usage trends and assisting with search & rescue efforts. It is imperative that you complete them when you see them at the trailhead.

Stick to the main trail

• There are a lot of social hiking trails in Oregon (social trails are created by hikers going off the main trail). These trails cause damage to sensitive areas, so stick to the clearly marked trail to preserve delicate flora and wildlife.

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Best Hikes in Oregon (Day Hikes)

*the numbers on this list of best Oregon hikes are not rankings but for organizational purposes*

Click for a handy Table of Contents

Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Oregon

• Why trust my list of the best hikes in Oregon?
• Oregon Hiking Tips
• Best Hikes in Oregon (Day Hikes)
  • 1. Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake
  • 2. Tamanawas Falls
  • 3. Maxwell Lake
  • 4. God’s Thumb via The Knoll
  • 5. The Misery Ridge Trail
  • 6. Ramona Falls
  • 7. Cleetwood Cove Trail
  • 8. Multnomah Falls
  • 9. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail
  • 10. Proxy Falls Loop
  • 11. John Dellenback Dunes Trail
  • 12. Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trail
  • 13. Tamolitch Blue Pool
  • 13. Big Obsidian Flow Trail
  • 14. Juniper Gulch Trail
  • 15. Trail of the Ten Falls
  • 16. Tumalo Falls Trail
  • Hiking in Oregon’s Most Adventurous Town – Bend (Quick Video)
  • 17. Angel’s Rest
  • 18. Clatsop Loop Trail
  • 19. Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop
  • 20. Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain Trail
  • 21. Three Sisters Loop
  • 22. Steens Mountain Gorges Loop (Multi-Day Oregon Hike)
  • 23. Paulina Peak Trail
  • 24. South Sister Trail
• Best Hikes in Oregon Map

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1. Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 6 miles
• Elevation: 1,400 feet
• High clearance vehicle with 4WD required

Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake is, hands down, one of the best hikes in Oregon. I originally learned about this hike through a local and am forever grateful. Lush forests with towering conifers, babbling creeks, alpine lakes, massive volcanoes, seasonal wildflowers, and sweeping panoramic views – all the ingredients for a quintessential Oregon hike

But I must say, our naivety about this Oregon trail is not to say the hike is unpopular. On the contrary, this is one of the most popular hiking trails in Bend! It was completely full of hikers during our visit.

Offering sweeping unparalleled views of the beautiful Cascade Range, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular hikes in Oregon. The high elevation of No Name Lake provides a unique vantage of the expansive Cascade Range as far as the eye can see.

Hiking to No Name Lake is challenging but completely worthwhile. Of all the Oregon trails we’ve hiked to date, this one always stands out.

In fact, we enjoyed this hike so much we wrote an entire post about it: Hiking to No Name Lake

A permit is required to hike the Broken Top Trail in Oregon, permits can be purchased here by typing in the name of the trailhead in the search box.

NOTE: Hike this trail late summer to avoid snowy conditions. We hiked early August and had a blast.

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2. Tamanawas Falls

• Location: Mt. Hood National Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3.4 miles miles
• Elevation: 580 feet

Of all the incredible Oregon waterfalls I’ve had the privilege of exploring, none has impressed me more than Tamanawas Falls in the Mount Hood National Forest.

The waterfall reveals itself at the lip of an impressive lava cliff and cascades down a thundering 110 feet before reaching the chilly pool at your feet.

The best part? Reaching this epic waterfall requires an effort because of the 3.4-mile trail, so the waterfall isn’t as crowded as some of the other more popular waterfalls in Oregon.

Clean mountain air and a striking evergreen forest guide the way as the trail hugs the pristine Cold Spring Creek for 1.5-miles before spitting you out at a breathtaking viewpoint.

Don’t rush your time at the viewpoint and allow the magic of the moment to enchant you. You’re on one of the best hikes in Oregon, enjoy it!

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3. Maxwell Lake

• Location: The Wallowa Mountains
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 8 miles
• Elevation: 2,450 feet

During my first visit to the Wallowa Mountains (better known as the Wallowas), I was blown away by the pristine alpine wilderness ripe for exploration. Completely caught off guard, I was unaware that this region has some of the best alpine trails in Oregon. Learn from my mistake and visit as soon as you can.

It turns out, the Wallowas are one of the official Seven Wonders of Oregon.

From panoramic mountain views to pristine alpine lakes, the Wallowas have it all. My favorite hike is located within the Eagle Cap Wilderness – the Maxwell Lake Trail. This beautiful Oregon hike leads to an incredibly clean mountain lake full of wild fish so pack the pole (and be sure to get your fishing license ahead of time!).

The lake is frozen most of the year so I suggest visiting between August – September before it freezes over if that’s more your jam.

This Oregon hike is a butt-kicker, make no mistake about it. Clocking in at a hefty 2,450 feet of elevation gain you can bet this is a great workout! Plus, the views from the lake are jaw-dropping and completely worth the effort.

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4. God’s Thumb via The Knoll

• Location: The Oregon Coast
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 4.3 miles
• Elevation: 1,130 feet

God’s Thumb via The Knoll is an iconic Oregon hike located at the beautiful Oregon Coast. The steep cliff that juts out towards the sea is shaped like a giant thumb, earning the colorful moniker “God’s Thumb.”

Knowing where to park your car is the most confusing part about this entire hike! Here’s coordinates to the closest parking lot. If that lot is full, your best bet — to avoid getting cited or towed — is to park at Road’s End State Recreation Site and walk along the road until you reach the trailhead.

Note: None of the trail signs read “God’s Thumb” because this hike is officially known as “The Knoll.” Follow signs that lead toward The Knoll.

The trail meanders through a dense spruce forest known for being extremely muddy after rainfall. Continue down the trail until you reach the God’s Thumb viewpoint and soak in the views before beginning the sharp ascent to the summit.

From the top, you’ll be rewarding with unparalleled breathtaking views of Oregon’s vast coastline and large stretches of Lincoln City. It’s an incredible experience, which is why this is easily one of the best hikes in Oregon!

Note: Good hiking boots are a must on this hike because the trail is steep and gets slippery even during dry days.

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5. The Misery Ridge Trail

• Location: Central Oregon
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 5.5-miles
• Elevation: 1,800 ft

Of two things I am certain — the Misery Ridge hike is one of the best trails in Oregon and it’s aptly named to boot! It’s tough alright, but it can’t be missed. Heck, even if you don’t plan to hike the entire trail, you should most definitely make an effort to see Smith Rock State Park because the landscape is something else.

The first mile of this scenic Oregon hike is challenging, but you must persevere because the views from the summit are worth the effort. If you’re not in the mood for a high elevation hike, I suggest the River Trail at Smith Rock because it offers phenomenal views sans the elevation.

Geology is the name of the game here and the iconic rock outcrop known as Smith Rock feels like an alien wonder. The entire landscape seems to crop out of nowhere and is ripe for exploration offering spectacular vantages of the cascade range.

We usually hike the Misery Ridge Trail at sunrise to avoid crowds and watch the hot air balloons take in the splendor of the sun greeting the valley floor. Hot air balloon ride over central Oregon? Now that’s an idea I can get behind!

I last hiked this trail in August. For photos and tips, read: Hiking the Misery Ridge Trail.

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6. Ramona Falls

• Location: Mt. Hood National Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 7.1-mile loop
• Elevation: 1,066 ft

Tell any Oregonian that you plan to spend a day at Mt. Hood National Forest and you’re bound to get a recommendation to visit Ramona Falls, one of the best hikes in Oregon.

Starting at the Mount Hood Wilderness area, the Ramona Falls Trail is 7 mile round tripper that follows the scenic Sandy River throughout various portions of the trail.

Reaching Ramona Falls requires sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure. An old bridge that once connected the trail past the Sandy River was washed out and hikers now need to cross the river by balancing on logs (or scooting along on your bum).

This is a popular hike during summer because of the trail’s proximity to Portland and the euphoric reward of cooling off next to one of the most epic waterfalls in Oregon.

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7. Cleetwood Cove Trail

• Location: Crater Lake National Park
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Elevation: 700 feet

Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the country and the 9th deepest lake in the entire world. So visiting Crater Lake National Park is a no-brainer and there’s one hike you can’t miss during your visit!

The Cleetwood Cove trail is arguably the best hike at Crater Lake National Park because it leads directly to the water! You’ll notice a ton of folks swimming in the frigid lake in the summer months, jumping in from rocks.

Did I jump into the water during my visit? You better believe it! Would I do it again? Probably.

The trail leading to the water isn’t much to write home about but the destination is completely worth the hike! Allot more time for the hike back and prepare for a steep ascent (700 feet in a mile).

There’s no substitute for the only Oregon hike that gets you down to the edge of Crater Lake, but if you’d prefer to stay dry during your visit to Crater Lake National Park, I suggest hiking the Watchman’s Peak Trail. The hike is 1.6 miles round trip and leads to one of the best vantage points of Wizard Island.

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8. Multnomah Falls

• Location: The Columbia Gorge
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2.4 miles
• Elevation: 800 feet

Multnomah Falls trail is one of the best hikes in Oregon because it gets you up close and personal with the most famous waterfall in Oregon, plain and simple.

The trailhead is located a mere half-hour from downtown Portland and since seeing Multnomah Falls is on everyone’s bucket list when they visit Portland so you can expect crowds on this popular Oregon hike.

Passing by the rushing force that is Multnomah Falls, the paved trail turns into roughly 11 switchbacks that are easy to follow and not too taxing on the knees (my 60+ parents handled this no problem) — making this one of the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon.

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9. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail

• Location: Oregon Coast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Elevation: 62 feet

If we were rating this Oregon trail on scenery alone it’d be number #1 on my list of best hikes in Oregon because of the jaw-dropping views. However, the hike itself is rather short and remote, so I’m moving it down a bit, but hear me out.

If you find yourself at the south end of the Oregon Coast (right near the California-Oregon border), you would be mistaken to skip this easy Oregon hike that’s great for all skill levels — assuming you stop at the viewpoint pictured above and don’t go down to the actual natural bridge.

From this vantage point you will see the best of Oregon’s coast — the iconic rocky coastline and miles of old-growth forests. It’s downright breathtaking! Go near sunset for the magic glow that illuminates the sea arch.

This hike has grown in popularity thanks to Instagram. A lot of hikers choose to hike on top of the natural bridge pictured above but in my opinion the social trail is steep and dangerous and not worth the risk.

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10. Proxy Falls Loop

• Location: Central Oregon
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Elevation: 140 feet

Central Oregon is known for jaw-dropping waterfalls and Proxy Falls is no exception. Offering a spectacular treat for relatively little effort, this Oregon hike is pretty flat making it a great hike for beginners.

The trail leads you through a healthy forest that loops around two waterfalls. The first waterfall on the hike is Lower Proxy Falls. When you reach the falls you may notice some folks getting really close to the base. The area is ripe for exploration but make sure you’re wearing proper shoes because it’s very easy to slip!

The massive log in front of the waterfall is a popular spot for folks to take photos but I was too nervous to get on it because it was so slick (ha!) but I saw plenty of other folks having a blast, the adventure is up to you. Keep going down the trail a bit and you’ll reach Upper Proxy Falls which isn’t too much of a looker (compared to Lower) but still worth a quick pop while you’re there.

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11. John Dellenback Dunes Trail

• Location: Oregon Coast
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Elevation: 300 feet

Few know that the Oregon coast is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the country (and one of the largest in the world). There’s no better way to explore this natural wonder than by hiking the Dellenback Dunes trail.

Most of the accessible areas in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are constantly full of sand buggies but the Dellenback Dunes trail is an exception because it’s specifically carved out for hikers.

This Oregon trail offers such a unique hiking experience because it takes you from the woods to soft sand dunes, through a forest, and finally the ocean.

If you’re into jaw-dropping views of never-ending sand dunes along a pristine coastline overlooking the sea, then this is the perfect Oregon hike for you. What’s more, solitude is easy to come by because this trail isn’t too heavily trafficked.

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12. Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trail

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 9 miles
• Elevation: 1,180 feet

The Green Lakes Trail is sometimes known as Soda Creek Trail. Regardless of what you choose to call it, it’s  one of the most popular hikes in Oregon (near Bend) and a personal favorite of mine.

The reason? It has the best of everything! From jagged mountain peaks, numerous waterfalls, and prolific wildflowers in spring, you can’t go wrong with this Oregon hike.

A peaceful river guides you along the meandering trail through a dense evergreen forest and ends at Green Lakes, where South Sister gracefully towers above the water and offers a semblance of protection. You’ll also get spectacular views of Broken Top.

I’m not the only one that considers this one of the best hikes in Central Oregon — the Green Lakes trailhead gets crowded fast! Arrive early (by 7am during summer weekends) and expect crowds regardless of when you visit. Being a mere 5 miles from Bend, Oregon means this is a favorite hike for locals and tourists alike.

Pro Tip: If the trailhead parking lot is full during your visit, use the overflow parking lot across the highway.

A permit is required to hike the Green Lakes Trail, permits can be purchased here by typing in the name of the trailhead in the search box.

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13. Tamolitch Blue Pool

• Location: Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon
• Distance: 4.2 miles out and back
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 300 ft

The Tamolitch Blue Pool is really breathtaking and I beat myself up for not visiting sooner! This clear topaz-blue water is the result of the McKenzie River rising to the surface by way of lava tubes. How cool is that?

The trail is relatively flat but the terrain is uneven. I suggest wearing boots with good traction and bringing trekking poles if you’re prone to slipping on uneven surfaces. To reach the bank of the pool, you’ll need to scurry down some rocks, nothing too crazy but it shouldn’t be attempted in flip flops!

The pool is much bigger in person than it appears in photos (at least to me anyway). If you look at the photo above you can see me down near the water for scale. The water is mesmerizing, this Oregon hike can’t be missed!

Tip to the wise: Don’t jump in, the water is frigid and some folks go into shock. As for the hike itself? I have all the details you need in this helpful Tamolitch Blue Pool hike trip report.

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13. Big Obsidian Flow Trail

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 2 miles out and back

I thought this Oregon hike was cool but my husband was in heaven. The Big Obsidian Flow Trail is the trail in Newberry Volcanic National Monument located just south of Bend. The big obsidian flow is the result of spectacular volcanic activity that took place roughly 1300 years ago. The story goes somewhat like this –

Magma roasting at 1600 Farenheit accumulated in chambers roughly 2-4 miles beneath the surface. “Fingers” of magma attempted to make their way to the top through weak places in their underground chambers. Eventually one of these attempts was successful and an explosive eruption resulted blasting out pumice and ash from the vent at high speeds. A 100 foot wall of lava began to flow like a glacier at speeds of a few inches an hour burying the land. Near the top three distinct layers were formed: white pumice, obsidian, and gray pumice.

The obsidian which formed from rapid cooling is the most dazzling layer for visitors today. It’s one of very few places left in America where this occurred that’s accessible to the public making it an especially cool Bend hike. My husband was like a raven out there jumping from one shiny rock to another.

I must say I’ve never seen anything like it – massive obsidian boulders as smooth as glass all along the trail. We hiked the trail at sunset and watched the light sparkle on the boulders as the sun dipped behind Paulina Lake.

NOTE: It is illegal to damage or remove any of the obsidian so please be on your best behavior and leave it how you found it.

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14. Juniper Gulch Trail

• Location: Jordan Valley, Oregon
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 3.3 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,000ft

I may have saved the Juniper Gulch Trail for this far down on the list selfishly hoping that folks don’t make it this far… The reason being this is probably my favorite hike in eastern Oregon and one of the most unique in the state.

Throw out the assumption that Oregon is a only a green state full of conifers – eastern Oregon is a whole different animal and few hikes do a better job reminding you of this than this one.

The Juniper Gulch Trail is located down a long, unpaved road in Leslie Gulch which is part of the Owyhee Canyonlands area. If you’re worried about whether your car can make it let me just say my Prius did…

This area is wild and warm (downright hot in the summer). Pack a sun hat, lather up the sunscreen, and don’t forget water.

Hiking the full trail is 1.6 miles each way with 1,000ft of elevation gain (sounds tough) but you don’t have to go all that far to get to the good stuff. The trail stays down in a shaded canyon for the first mile or so before emerging into a more open space with really amazing views of the gulch.

Rocky spires pop out of the green, sandy, and hilly landscape to make for some of the most spectacular landscapes in the state. The otherworldly scenery here makes this one of the best hikes in Oregon for those willing to venture out a bit further than the average bear.

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15. Trail of the Ten Falls

• Location: Silver Falls State Park
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 7.8 miles
• Elevation: 1,300 feet

Suffice it to say that Oregon is known for waterfalls. Both locals and visitors LOVE searching for the best waterfall hikes in Oregon and it’s hard to find a better Oregon trail for this than the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park.

Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon (9,000 acres) and considered the crown jewel of our state park system. The best way to explore this area? Hiking past ten waterfalls via the 8-mile loop, of course!

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls simply can’t be missed!

Note: Dogs are prohibited on the Canyon Trail portion of this Oregon hike — which is where the waterfalls are located.

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16. Tumalo Falls Trail

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1-mile out and back
• Elevation: 350 ft

Clearly we’re on a bit of a waterfall kick over here but that’s Oregon, let’s keep it going!

Tumalo Falls is the most famous waterfall in Bend and one of the easiest hikes in Oregon. The most famous viewpoint is just a few short steps from the parking lot, but continue further to the top of the falls because the view up there is breathtaking! Trust me when I tell you that it’s worth the effort.

The waterfall is nestled into a healthy evergreen forest that enhances the awe-inspiring dramatic falls. You can take in the splendor of this incredible landscape from the viewpoint adjacent to the parking lot, but expect crowds. 

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, I suggest trekking to the upper viewpoint to get a unique vantage point from the top of Tumalo Falls. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow with minimal elevation gain.

The hike is a short half mile up and half mile back but offers an opportunity to spot a handful of smaller waterfalls if you continue past Tumalo.

Tip: The parking lot fills up very quickly, so come early or carpool with friends. I noticed a lot of bikers during my visit, make sure to watch out for them on the trail — it’s a popular mountain bike trail.

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Hiking in Oregon’s Most Adventurous Town – Bend (Quick Video)

By now you’ve probably caught on that I LOVE hiking in Bend, Oregon. It’s hard to describe how beautiful the area is using pictures and words, so I hope you enjoy this quick video my husband and I made. I wrote all about my favorites in case you’re interested in the best hikes in Bend.

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17. Angel’s Rest

• Location: Columbia River Gorge
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Elevation: 1,480 feet

I’ve probably hiked Angel’s Rest trail in Oregon more than any other hike on this list. My college years are peppered with memories of trekking atop to the breathtaking viewpoint and taking in the sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge below.

Located a mere half hour drive from Portland, this is one of the best hikes in Oregon for those in search of a heart-pumping activity close to the city. But take note, this trail is very popular with locals and parking is limited. Arrive very early and try to visit during the weekdays when possible.

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18. Clatsop Loop Trail

• Location: Oregon Coast
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Elevation: 900 feet

The Clatsop Loop Trail is an iconic Oregon hike that leads through old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast and rewards hikers with sweeping vistas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take note, this Oregon hike is notorious for being muddy so bring hiking shoes with good traction (that you don’t mind getting dirty).

The hike starts on the north side of Indian Beach and ascends 900 feet before reaching a viewpoint that overlooks Tillamook Head Lighthouse. I consider this a great introduction for hiking at the Oregon Coast because the views are guaranteed to impress and will keep you coming back for more.

Fun fact: Ecola State Park got its name from the Chinook word for whale — “ekkoli.”

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Challenging Hikes in Oregon

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19. Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop

• Location: Wallowa Mountains
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 38 miles
• Elevation: 8,264 feet
• Time needed: 2-4 days

I swear, I left my heart in the Wallowas. The Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop is the pride and joy of the Wallowa Mountains. The crème de la crème, if you will. Lush alpine meadows and granite peaks engulf you and transport you to a pristine paradise. It feels like Switzerland.

And since the Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop spans 38 scenic miles, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along this multi-day hike in Oregon. I don’t recommend this trail for beginners though because you’ll be camping in the backcountry, which requires knowledge of wilderness.

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Image courtesy of Outdoor Project

20. Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain Trail

• Location: Mt. Hood National Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Distance: 9 miles
• Elevation: 1,460 feet

First thing first, what’s up with the name? The mountain got its name from the three peaks on its summit. Don’t you just love it when there’s a simple explanation for something?

Tom Dick and Harry mountain is located near Government Camp, 11 miles from Mount Hood. Due to the hike’s close proximity to Portland, Oregon, crowds are all but guaranteed during the summer months. Go during a weekday (if your schedule allows) or visit first thing in the morning to avoid the rush.

The trail passes by picture-perfect Mirror Lake and offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and arguably the most iconic views of Mt. Hood. It’s easy to see why folks love this Oregon hike so much!

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21. Three Sisters Loop

• Location: Bend, Oregon
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 46 miles
• Elevation: 7,050 feet

If you’re in the mood for jaw dropping views of Bend’s alpine wilderness, it’s hard to top this Oregon hike. Following an impressive 46-mile trail, the Three Sisters Loop will taking you through Central Oregon’s breathtaking volcanic landscape.

With 7,050 feet of elevation this is one of the most challenging hikes in Oregon, but if you’re up for an adventure, this Oregon trail is hard to beat!

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22. Steens Mountain Gorges Loop (Multi-Day Oregon Hike)

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 28 miles
• Elevation: 5,240 feet
• Time needed: 2-4 days

The road leading up to Steens Mountain Gorges Loop is considered the most spectacular road in Oregon so you can believe the views from this Oregon trail will not disappoint.

The “gorges loop” portion in the trail’s name refers to the connection between the two gorges — Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge.

The reason I consider this one of the best hikes in Oregon is that it covers the best of the unique terrain in southwest Oregon. Granted, the trail meanders through 28 miles, so I wouldn’t recommend this multi-day Oregon trail for inexperienced hikers.

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23. Paulina Peak Trail

• Location: Central Oregon
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 6.1 miles
• Elevation: 1,600 feet

The Paulina Peak trail is not for the faint of heart, this Oregon hike is tough but the spanning cascade range from the summit is worth it.

At an elevation of 7,984 feet, Paulina Peak is the highest point at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Clocking in at 1,600′ of elevation gain, this Oregon hike offers panoramic views unique to this Oregon trail.

The first mile of the hike eases you into the trail with minimal elevation gain, but the rest of the hike is steep with very few flat areas. Snow is not uncommon well into the late spring months due to elevation, bring proper footwear (great waterproof hiking boots, like these).

If you’re not up for a hike but would still like to see the views, I suggest renting a snowmobile during the winter months and watching the sun rise over the vast valley floor — it’s an unbelievable experience just make sure to dress warmly

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24. South Sister Trail

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 12.2 miles
• Elevation: 4,900 ft

Reaching the summit of South Sister feels like a rite of passage, so there’s no way I’d leave it off this list of the best hikes in Oregon!

South Sister is the third tallest peak in Oregon, so the summit is no easy feat. However, as you can imagine, the views from this elevation point will take your breath away! Elevation is the name of the game here, so I don’t recommend this hike for inexperienced hikers.

However, if you’re an avid hiker in search of adventure, I highly suggest hiking the South Sister Trail because you don’t need mountaineering skills to reach the summit — just a lot of enthusiasm and perseverance! These will help too!

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Best Hikes in Oregon (Post Summary)

In sum, these are the best hikes in Oregon state

1. Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake
2. Tamanawas Falls
3. God’s Thumb
4. Maxwell Lake
5. Misery Ridge Trail
6. High Ridge Trail
7. Ramona Falls
8. Tamolitch Blue Pool
9. Watchman’s Peak Trail
10. Abiqua Falls Trail
11. Clatsop Loop Trail
12. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
13. Three Sisters Loop
14. Silver Falls Hike
15. Juniper Gulch Trail
16. John Dellenback Dunes Trail
17. Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain Trail
18. Angel’s Rest
19. Proxy Falls Loop
20. Tumalo Falls
21. Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trail
22. Steens Mountain Loop
23. Paulina Peak Trail
24. South Sister Trail

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Best Hikes in Oregon Map

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Further Reading

• The Breathtaking Seven Wonders of Oregon
• The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
• 25+ Epic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon (+5 Tourist Traps to Avoid)
• 25 Epic Things to Do in Oregon You Can’t Do Anywhere Else

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best hikes in Oregon. Let me know if I missed anything or if you’ve tried any of these hikes!

Hope to see you out there.

These two goobers are out!

Antonina & Will