Hiking in Oregon | 7 Trails With Incredible Views
If you’re looking for beginner hiking trails in Oregon, there are plenty of options to choose from. The state is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and there are plenty of trails that offer stunning views without being too difficult.
Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state is known for its diverse landscape, which includes everything from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and rugged coastlines.
So, if you’re new to hiking or just looking for some beautiful trails to explore, here are 10 of the best hiking trails in Oregon that offer incredible views. Strap on those hiking shoes and get ready for an adventure.
What are the Best Beginner Trails in Oregon?
- Eagle Creek Trail
- Paradise Park Loop Trail
- Multnomah Falls Trail
- Cape Lookout Trail
- Tamolitch Falls and the Blue Pool
- Silver Falls State Park Trails
- Lava Butte volcano loop trail
Eagle Creek Trail
The Eagle Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The trailhead is located just east of Portland, making it a convenient option for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a day or two.
The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow, and it winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The views from the top of Eagle Creek Falls are simply incredible, and the hike is fairly moderate, making it a great option for beginners.
In addition to being an excellent place to enjoy some time outdoors, the Eagle Creek Trail is also a great way to get some exercise. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a more challenging hike, the Eagle Creek Trail is sure to please.
Paradise Park Loop Trail
The Paradise Park Loop Trail is a beautiful hiking trail in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The trailhead is located about 6 miles off Highway 26. The trail itself is relatively easy, with only a few uphill sections.
However, some areas where the trail can be slippery and rocky, so hikers should take care when exploring this trail. The views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking and include waterfalls, forests, mountains, and wildflowers.
Hikers can also enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic overlooks. The Paradise Park Loop Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Multnomah Falls Trail
The Multnomah Falls Trail is another popular trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The trailhead is just east of Portland. It’s one of the most popular trails in Oregon. The hike is relatively easy, and it’s perfect for those looking for a short but scenic hike.
The views from the top of Multnomah Falls are simply incredible, and there are plenty of smaller waterfalls along the way. If you’re looking for an easy hike with stunning views, this is the trail for you.
Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy this trail, and it’s a great way to see some of the best that Oregon has to offer. So if you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Multnomah Falls Trail.
Cape Lookout Trail
The Cape Lookout Trail is beautiful but can be a challenging hike trail. It is located in the Tillamook State Forest. The trailhead is located on Cape Lookout rd. The hike itself is fairly difficult, with several uphill sections.
However, the views from the top of Cape Lookout are simply incredible, and it’s definitely worth the effort to reach the summit. If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, this is your trail.
The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the views along the way. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be glad you made the trip when you reach the top and see the breathtaking views of the coastline.
Tamolitch Falls (aka Blue Pool)
This trail is a short but very popular hike in Oregon. The McKenzie River Trail is one of the most scenic trails in the state, and the Tamolitch Blue Pool is a beautiful spot along the way. The pool is a tributary of the McKenzie River, and it gets its bright blue color from the minerals in the water.
The pool is only about four feet deep, but it’s a great place to take a dip on a hot day. The Tamolitch Blue Pool is only about a mile from the trailhead, so it’s an easy hike for most people. However, there are some steep sections of the trail, so be sure to wear proper footwear.
Silver Falls State Park Trails
The Silver Falls State Park Trails are beautiful hiking trails in the Silver Falls State Park. The trailhead is located on Highway 214. The trail itself is around 7.4 miles long, and it takes you past many stunning waterfalls and other scenery in the park.
The views from the top of South Fork Falls are simply incredible, and the hike itself is relatively moderate, making it a great option for beginners. Overall, the Silver Falls State Park Trails are an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a day of hiking in one of Oregon’s most scenic state parks.
Lava Butte Volcano Loop Trail
The Lava Butte volcano loop trail is a beautiful but challenging hiking trail located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The trailhead is just off Highway 97, making it an easy-to-access trail for those exploring the area.
The loop portion of the trail is around 3.8 miles long, and it takes hikers through some of the most beautiful scenery in the monument. The views from the top of Lava Butte are simply incredible. The hike is fairly moderate, making it a great option for those looking for a challenge.
There are a few sections of the trail that are fairly steep and may require some scrambling, but overall this is a hike that can be completed by most people with a reasonable level of fitness. The scenery along the way is truly breathtaking, and the views from the top of Lava Butte are worth the effort required to get there.
If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding hiking experience in an amazing setting, the Lava Butte volcano loop trail is worth doing.
If You’re Up for It, Pacific Crest Trail
If you’re looking for a longer hike with even more stunning views, the Pacific Crest Trail is worth checking out. This iconic trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, and it goes right through Oregon.
While the entire trail is over 2,000 miles long, there are plenty of sections that are perfect for day hikes or even overnight camping trips. The views of Mt. Hood and the Cascade Range are simply breathtaking, and hiking this trail is an experience that you’ll never forget.
There are many sections on this hike to choose from to make a thru-hike or just an out and back.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for incredible views and a great workout, look no further than Oregon. With its towering mountains, pristine forests, and dramatic waterfalls, the state is a hiker’s paradise. And because of its diverse terrain, there’s a trail for every skill level.
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find a trail that’s perfect for you.
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. From the easy, flat trails along the coast to the challenging summit hikes in the Cascades, there’s something for everyone. And with so many trails to choose from, you can hike a different one every day and never get bored.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your hiking boots and head to Oregon for an unforgettable experience.
If you are new to hiking and want more information on getting started, read our post, Day Hiking, A Beginners Guide.
