We have so many great places to escape into nature in Portland that it is hard to narrow down the field to just five great hikes. But these hikes are all special in their own way, showing the unique beauty of our city and the Pacific Northwest. Next time you are looking for something active to do, lace up your hiking boots and tackle what we consider to be the five best hikes in Portland, Oregon:

1. Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail
Warrior Rock Lighthouse Point Trailhead, 38151 A&B NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231, USA
Ben Amstutz / Flickr
Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail on Sauvie Island is a beautiful break from the ordinary. Walk on the beach along the Columbia River and end up at the Warrior Rock Lighthouse, the only lighthouse not on the coast in Oregon.
2. Wildwood Trail
Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Trever Gilbert/AllTrails
The Wildwood Trail is Forest Park's premier trail and a great introduction to Pacific Northwest hiking. Leave from Macleay Park to enjoy just a bit of the trail, including the Witch's Castle, or hike its 30-mile length for a serious workout. (If you've never experienced the Witch's Castle, you absolutely need to check it out!)

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3. Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor, Mt. Tabor, Portland, OR, USA
Sarah McDevitt / Flickr
Mount Tabor is an extinct volcano and a lovely place to explore. With a mix of heavily forested trails and paved ones, the park is an East Portland gem. Hike the easy mile-long Red Trail, or enjoy the three-mile Blue Trail for an overview of the entire park. The views are out of this world!
4. Council Crest
Council Crest, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr
This hike in Portland is admittedly a bit intense, but the reward in Council Crest is the view when you get to the top. While just 3-miles long, this out-and-back trail climbs over 800 feet, giving you a serious workout. While you can reach the point by car, it is much more gratifying to hike. Just make sure you bring your camera for a great shot of the city.
5. Wapato Greenway Loop
Wapato Greenway, Oregon 97231, USA
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr
The Wapato Greenway trail is an easy 2.2-mile loop that is a great family hike. Hike along the Multnomah Channel and enjoy intermittent waterfowl sightings in the wetlands of the island. This hike is a bit of a hidden gem and is well-worth seeking out!

What are your picks for the best hikes in Portland? Have you tackled the hikes on this list before? Let us know in the comments below — and while you’re planning your hiking adventures in Oregon, here are 12 that we simply think everyone should tackle.

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Best hikes in Portland

Sarah M. | March 06, 2022

Are there any waterfall hikes in Portland?

Portland is practically bursting with beautiful waterfall hikes, thanks, in part, to the Columbia River Gorge. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. We’re partial, of course, to the Beaver State’s side of this natural wonder; with more than 90 cascades on the Oregon side alone, there’s no better place to go waterfall chasing than the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah, Bridal Veil Falls, and Ponytail Falls are all cascades within the Gorge. Ponytail Falls is one you can even walk behind, which is a pretty amazing experience for waterfall chasers!

What are some other great hikes in Portland?

If you're more of an urbanite, this Portland riverfront walk might just become your new favorite hike! While a city hike might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your next Beaver State adventure, it really should. Portland, in fact, is home to one of the best river walks in the country: the beautiful Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This waterfront park has the most spectacular views of the wondrous Willamette River. In fact, Portland's waterfront recently made Fodor’s list of 15 Best River Walks in the United States. The travel site selected this river walk in Oregon for myriad reasons, including the numerous festivals and activities that happen right on the water. If you're looking for a scenic hike that's truly *in* Rose City, this is it!

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