One of the most incredible things about Portland, Oregon is its easy access to miles and miles of wilderness. Hitting the trails has become synonymous with the Portland lifestyle, and there's no shortage of scenic hikes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas to venture to. The best part? Most of these hiking trails are close enough to the city that you can get a hike in pre- or post-work.
The greater Portland region is also gifted with a variety of interesting terrain. Just north of the city lies the Columbia River Gorge, which is packed with a rich geological history and home to more than 90 waterfalls. Many of the lakes and basins in the region were formed by the Missoula floods, a cataclysmic glacial lake outburst that swept across Oregon and Washington during the last ice age. Many of the basalt columns and waterfalls in the region were created as a result of this flooding.
To the east, Mount Hood dominates the skyline (on clear days) and Mt. Hood National Forest offers more than a million acres of wilderness to explore complete with lakes and old-growth forests. Drive west from the city and you'll reach Tillamook State Forest and the Oregon Coast beyond it.
To the northwest of the city is Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country with over 80 miles of trails. And if you're really short on time, Marquam Nature Park and the Marquam Trail as well as Washington Park and Mount Tabor offer walking trails in an urban park setting within city limits.
The list of hiking trails around Portland is never-ending, but we've rounded up a few of our personal favorites if you're in need of a post-work wilderness bath or a quick day trip, presented below in no particular order. As always, remember to leave no trace to preserve all that pristine beauty for future hikers.
