Photo of Hiking Trails in Portland, OR

The Best Hiking Trails in Portland, OR

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Trail adventures in the Columbia River Valley

Portland Oregon is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful cities. The city is nestled on the shore of the Columbia River. If you head west, it’s 90 minutes to the beach. If you head east, it’s 75 minutes to the mountains. There are lots of great hiking trails in the Portland area, so we used the data from hundreds of thousands of hikes to pick the best hikes in Portland, Oregon.

If you’re looking for a super popular hike within the city limits, we recommend the Macleay Trails to Pittock Mansion hike. This route is super popular with local Strava members. If you’ve got a car and are ready to venture outside the city, you can't go wrong heading west towards Multnomah Falls. For a family friendly hike, Latourell Falls can be a fantastic option.

Portland is a fabulous city for those that love the outdoors. There are thousands of local Strava members, so you may even bump into another member of the community. Have fun out there and don’t forget to share your adventure on Strava!

Top 10 hiking trails in Portland, OR

Macleay Trails to Pittock Mansion

The Macleay Trails to Pittock Mansion hike takes you from the Northwest District of Portland to a historic Mansion with views of the city and Mount Hood. There are a number of trails to choose from, but this particular routing is most popular with Strava members. You’ll get to explore the grounds of the mansion, then return back the way you came. Because of the length and occasionally steep grades, most consider this a moderate hike. The mansion at the summit was built in 1914 by the original owner of the Oregonian Newspaper, Henry Pittock.

Council Crest Hike

This hike in Council Crest City park, which follows several of the local trails, is a fun urban hike with great views of the city. There are several possible hikes in the park’s trail network, but this particular routing is most popular with Strava members. The hike is generally an out and back, with a slightly different path home. Because of the length and elevation gain, most consider this a moderate hike. If you’re looking for a quick hiking option near downtown, this is a great place to get some time in nature.

Angel's Rest Trail

The Angel's Rest Trail is a fun and challenging hike to a rock outcropping with stunning views of the Columbia River. The trail follows an out and back route with some steep switchbacks leading to Angels Rest. Because of the steep average grades, most consider this a hard hike. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Portland area with Strava members. The trailhead is only 30 minutes from downtown by car.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking two-part waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area. This hike lets you check out both the upper and lower sections of the cascade. You’ll also cross over beautiful Benson Bridge, which is one of the most photographed places in Oregon. This hike follows an out and back route. The trail is steep in sections and is sure to give you a good workout despite its short length. This trail is popular with local Strava members as well as visitors from out of town. If you’re exploring the Portland area, it’s a must see!

Forest Park Loop

This hike in Forest Park is a great way to get away from the buzz of downtown Portland without traveling too far! This hike will take you through dense forest and along a ridge with occasional views of the surrounding landscape. This hike follows a loop route. Most consider it a moderate hike. This hike is popular with Strava members in Portland. It’s a great way to soak in some nature without hardly leaving the city.

Marquam Nature Park Loop

The Marquam Nature Park Loop is a fun hike option near South Portland. You’ll spend some time in classic PNW forest and sneak in a few glimpses of the city near the top of Marquam hill. Strava members tend to take the loop counterclockwise, starting with the Marquam Trail. Once you get near the top of Marquam hill, there are some steep sections. Most consider this a moderate hike. This trail is popular with local Strava members and can be fun for those visiting from out of town as well.

Latourell Falls Trail

The Latourell Falls Trail is a picturesque hike to a stunning waterfall. You’ll pass through a split tree and have the opportunity to enter the undercut behind the waterfall when you reach the cascade. The trail follows a loop route. The trail is fairly steep at the outset then flat for most of the rest of the way to the falls. Most consider this a moderate route. The waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the region and it’s less than 45 minutes from downtown Portland.

Cape Horn Trail

The Cape Horn Trail has it all: fantastic views of the Columbia River, a waterfall, and some volcanic rock formations. This hike is just over the border in Washington. You can get to the trailhead in less than 45 minutes by car from downtown Portland. Once you’re there, the trail follows a loop route. Most Strava members hike the loop in the counterclockwise direction. Because of the significant elevation gain and occasionally steep grade, most consider this a hard hike. This is a popular day hike with Strava members in the Portland area.

Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls

The Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls is a scenic hike with a stunning waterfall and lots to see along the way. The trail follows an out and back route. Most hikers consider this a moderately difficult trail. Check out the photos from the community to get a sense of what you’ll see along the way and the stunning waterfall at the trail’s end. This hike is popular with Strava members living in the Portland area.

Powell Butte Nature Park Loop

The Powell Butte Nature Park Loop is a fun trail with great views of the surrounding area and distant mountains. Most Strava members choose to do the loop counter clockwise. Considering the length and the few steeper sections, most consider this a moderate hike. This hike is popular with Strava members in the Portland area and is just 30 minutes from downtown.

A view of the area

Top regions for hiking trails on Strava