The 10 Best Hikes and Walks in Portland

Length: 0.9mi (1.5km)
Terrain: Dirt

One of the best hikes in Portland also happens to be one of the shortest. Located in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country (it’s over six times larger than NYC’s Central Park), the Wildwood Trail is a densely forested path lined with ferns and the occasional banana slug. At the turnaround point is the trail’s namesake, a small stone house alongside a creek. Hikers can also choose to continue the hike further into the park.

There is no official parking lot at the trailhead, but ample space off the shoulder of the road. 

Length: 1.0mi (1.6km)
Terrain: Paved

One of the many routes available in the Hoyt Arboretum network of trails, the Overlook Trail is completely paved, making it a low-barrier entry into Portland’s best hikes. The slopes are relatively mild and through the assortment of pine, elm, and oak trees, hikes can spot the nearby Washington mountains of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier on clear days.

The trailhead is near public transit and there is also a free Washington Park Shuttle that services the various stops within Washington Park such as the Portland Japanese Garden and the Archery Range. The metered parking lot is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Length: 1.6mi (2.5km)
Terrain: Paved

Laurelhurst Park is already a local favorite for festivals, concerts, and events, but it is also one of the best casual walks in Portland. The short-paved biking and hiking trail weaves through the park’s rhododendrons and cedar trees and invites people into Portland’s history through its sculptures. There is also a playground, tennis courts, and an off-leash dog area.

There is a light rail line stop right outside the park, making it a very convenient location for those using public transportation. There is no designated parking lot, but street parking is available, although it gets crowded later in the day.

Length: 1.9mi (3km)
Terrain: Paved

A popular spot for urban birding in Portland, the Mount Tabor Main Loop trailhead sits atop an extinct volcano and circles the city’s historic (and decommissioned) water reservoirs. While the trail can be completed entirely using the paved path, there are also branching routes with dirt and stairs for a slightly different experience. Among the stocky maple trees, remnants of the volcano’s past act as a backdrop to Mount Tabor’s amphitheater.  

There are a few bus stops at the edge of Mount Tabor Park, as well as street parking and a parking lot, though availability can be limited in the warmer months.

Length: 2.1mi (3.3km)
Terrain: Paved

Located in the northernmost part of the city, which some refer to as Portland’s “forgotten” neighborhood, the trails within the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area are some of the quietest hikes accessible in Portland. The lakes trail gives hikers a mix of relaxation along with wildlife viewing of turtles, birds, beavers, frogs, otters, and even raptors.

There is both a dedicated parking lot as well as a bus stop at the trailhead, however a parking pass is required for the lot.

Length: 3mi (4.8km)
Terrain: Dirt

Marquam Trail is one of the best hikes in Portland proper to tackle switchbacks. The tall Douglas-fir and cottonwood trees block out noise from the city, transporting visitors into a green storybook journey. There are a lot of flowers and fauna to spot, which vary season to season. To extend the experience, the trail can also branch off to hikes connecting Washington Park trails.

The main roads bordering the trail, Barbur Boulevard and Terwilliger Boulevard, have multiple bus stops. For drivers, there is a small parking lot as well as a pull-out area along the road.

Length: 3.1mi (5km)
Terrain: dirt and paved

One of the flatter hikes in the southeast Portland area, the trail follows a section of the mighty Willamette River. The trail has both paved and dirt paths, and biking is only permitted on the paved section. This is a great trail for hikers wanting to spot wildlife as the refuge is home to many ospreys and flycatchers in the wetland area. However, since it is a refuge, dogs are not allowed on the trail.

There is both a dedicated parking lot and bus stop at the trailhead. There is a bike route that leads from the city to the park on Marine Drive. Bikes are not allowed on the trail, but there are bike racks available at the trailhead.

Length: 5.7mi (9km)
Terrain: Dirt

Located in the southwest hills of Portland, Tryon Creek State Park offers numerous lush trails of varying difficulties. However, one of the best is the Tryon Creek Outer Loop Hike, as it is an accessible entry into more moderate-level hikes. It is also a great location for spotting small critters like foxes, rabbits, and even flying squirrels, and foragers will have fun identifying mushrooms along the trail.

There is a bus stop outside of the park. There is limited free off-shoulder parking at the various trailheads of the park, as well as a small parking lot for the park.

Length: 23mi (37km)
Terrain: Paved

Spanning over thirteen bridges and countless scenic views, the Banks-Vernonia Trail is primarily a bike path but can be enjoyed by foot as well. Since the trail covers quite a bit of distance, visitors can see rolling grassy hills, relics of historic railroads, towering Douglas fir trees, and a number of creeks and rivers.

There is parking at each end of the trail and throughout its length. Bike rentals are available at Banks Bicycles near the southern trailhead; however, bikes are not for rent.

Length: 2.3mi (3.7km) | 8.4mi (13.8km)
Terrain: Dirt | gravel

Of course, the stunning Columbia River Gorge is a state treasure, and no hiking list would be complete without mentioning a few of the incredible trails nestled in its corridor. Located about thirty-five minutes outside Portland, the Columbia River Gorge can be reached most easily by car or by various scheduled shuttles like the Sasquatch Shuttle that leave from Portland, though most only visit Multnomah Falls.

Since many of the trails within the Columbia River Gorge are very close to each other, more than one can be hiked in a day. Multnomah Falls is the most popular hike and one of the most recognizable. While Multnomah Falls isn’t very long, the switchbacks to the top of the waterfall increase the hike’s difficulty. The dedicated parking lots are free; however, in the busier summer months, a permit ($2) is required for parking.

Devils Rest is a quieter and considerably more challenging alternative for hikers. Parking is available at the Wahkeena trailhead, and from there, the path leads through blooming wildflowers and bushes to Devils Rest. The summit of both hikes offers stunning views of the Gorge and the neighboring state of Washington.