Top 9 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Portland, Oregon

1. Powell Butte Nature Park

Powell Butte Nature Park is relatively a very pleasant place to take a hike, run, or ride a bike. This 600-acre (242 hectares) park located in the southeastern portion of Portland offers fantastic views of Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helens. It is an ideal place to have an easy hike with the rest of the family, including your beloved dog. Since this park has relatively easy trails, it can also serve as the best place to start hiking as a hobby. This can be accessed by taking on I-84 east to I-205 south for exit 19 to Division Street then turn left towards SE Division Street. Then take a right turn on SE 136th Ave, and then turn left towards the SE Powell Boulevard. Finally, take a right turn onto SE 162nd Ave.

Powell Butte Nature Park

Address: 16160 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR, 97236

Website: Powell Butte Nature Park

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Forest Park

This 70 miles (113 km) of lush tree-lined trails is one of the most popular spots in Portland for a relaxing walk, run, or even horse ride. Situated in the northwestern part of the city, it is one of the largest urban forests in this part of Oregon. Even your four-legged friends will also enjoy exploring the 8-mile long (13 km) conservancy to have an easy escape from the bustling city life. Aside from the refreshing trail, nature lovers will be treated to sightings of more than 100 species of mammals and more than 100 types of birds.

Forest Park

Address: NW 29th Avenue and Upshur Street to Newberry Road

Website: Forest Park

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Woods Memorial Natural Area

Woods Memorial Natural Area is a 36-acre (14.5 ha) forest located in the Fanno Creek watershed at the southwestern portion of Portland. It has a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) trail called the Woods Creek, which is the perfect location if you want to hike in peace because it is not as crowded as the other trails in the city. The park’s footpath is intended primarily for walking, hiking, birding, and other nature adventures. You will enjoy hiking the trail while surrounded by different flowering plants such as ivies, holies, English laurels. and Armenian blackberries. This is also one of the best places to exercise your dog as long as he is on a leash. The best time to walk in this park is between the months of April and September.

Woods Memorial Natural Area

Address: SW 45th Avenue and Woods Street

Website: Woods Memorial Natural Area

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Washington Park

The city’s signature park is more than just a forested area with picnic tables. This 410-acre (165-ha) land is the home of two museums, a fascinating rose garden, a zoo, and one of the most realistic Japanese gardens all over the world. There are also lots of trails all over the park, including Wildwood Trail, which provides numerous loop options together with shorter paths. For the more adventurous, 4T Trail should be on the list of trails to visit. All the gardens within the facility are also included in the must-see areas in Portland.

Washington Park

Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Website: Washington Park

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

5. Lower Macleay Park

Lower Macleay Park is one of the most prominent hiking grounds in Portland. It is considered as an ideal base to reach the other top attractions in the city. If you want to have a picturesque walk towards Forest Park, you can begin at Lower Macleay Trail near Balch Creek, then walk a bit further and pass a lush rainforest to arrive at the Stone House. You may also reach Wildwood Trail if you head north. If you want a longer and more challenging hike, you can start at Lower Macleay Park then head towards the direction of Pittock Mansion.

Lower Macleay Trail

Address: Portland, OR 97210, USA

6. Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a 650-acre (263 ha) nature sanctuary located right in between downtown Portland and the city of Lake Oswego. It features an 8-mile (12.9 km) hiking trails. Kids will even enjoy walking around this park because of numerous guided hikes and other events like Summer Day Camp and Junior Ranger Programs. Aside from hiking, you can also ride your bike on the park’s bike trail or ride a horse on the horse trail. You will also find eight interesting bridges and a wetland boardwalk in the facility.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Address: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd Portland OR 97219

Website: Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Opening hours: 7am - sunset (daily)

7. Mt Tabor Park

Runners, hikers, cyclists, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors will love to spend time in this picturesque park built on the volcanic cinder cone. It features paved trails, staircases, and roads that bring together a network of pathways all over the park. It has relatively easy trails, but they can choose among the three hiking loops for more challenges. Those who want a leisurely walk can check out the Green Trail and the Red Trail, but those who want to add a little difficulty can climb the stairs and hills while basking in the views of the old volcano along the Blue Trail.

Mt Tabor Park

Address: SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street

Website: Mt Tabor Park

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

8. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

This 141-acre (57 ha) city park is located at a floodplain near the east bank of Willamette River in southeast Portland. It has a generally easy hiking trail known as the Bluff Trail beginning from Sellwood Park and extends toward the small parking lot of SE Milwaukee Ave. This scenic trail will lead you towards the Willamette River. Aside from exploring the park through hiking, you can also enjoy observing the 185 bird species that flock the area. Some of the most common birds seen in this park include the yellow-rumped warblers, great blue herons, and ruby-crowned kinglets.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Address: SE 7th Avenue and Sellwood Blvd

Website: Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

Price: Free

9. Springwater Corridor Trail

This family-friendly pathway situated near Boring, Oregon, is known for a majestic waterfall along the trail. It runs along the banks of Willamette River, starting from downtown Portland to Johnson Creek. If you walk a little further, you will reach Johnson Creek via the neighborhoods, industrial districts, wetlands, and park refuges. You will also find wildlife along the Corridor, including bird species like sparrows, robins, starling, and belted kingfisher. In spite of its close proximity to the city, the beauty of nature is still very visible in this moderately trafficked trail.

Springwater Corridor Trail

Address: SE Ivon Street to Boring, Oregon

Website: Springwater Corridor Trail

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

Price: Free

Explore Portland

Portland is blessed with numerous green, open spaces, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. If you find yourself in this part of Oregon, you should consider hiking as part of your itinerary. This will allow you to see the natural beauty of the city in the healthiest and most enjoyable way possible.