Day Trips from Portland
← All Portland day tripsDay Trips from Portland: Hiking Trails & Nature
Find the best hiking trails and nature destinations within driving distance of Portland, OR. From easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes, these day trip trails deliver real scenery without the plane ticket. Drive times, ratings, and trail info included.
12 hiking trails near Portland
Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
Just 1 hr 41 min from Portland, rated 5.0 stars by 130 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Silver Falls State Park
USA
Just 1 hr 11 min from Portland, rated 4.9 stars by 10,273 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
South Falls Day Use Area
OR 97381, USA
Just 1 hr 17 min from Portland, rated 4.9 stars by 541 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wildwood Recreation Site
Welches, OR 97067
Just 57 min from Portland, rated 4.8 stars by 358 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Oswald West State Park
Arch Cape, OR 97102
Just 1 hr 36 min from Portland, rated 4.8 stars by 2,370 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Guy W. Talbot State Park
Corbett, OR 97019
Just 34 min from Portland, rated 4.8 stars by 1,036 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge
OR 97141, USA
Just 1 hr 41 min from Portland, rated 4.8 stars by 112 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cape Lookout State Park
Tillamook, OR 97141
Just 1 hr 37 min from Portland, rated 4.7 stars by 2,588 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Tom McCall Preserve
Mosier, OR 97040
Just 1 hr 19 min from Portland, rated 4.7 stars by 175 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chehalem Ridge Nature Park
Gaston, OR 97119
Just 44 min from Portland, rated 4.7 stars by 291 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Woodard Bay Conservation Area
WA 98506, USA
Just 2 hrs from Portland, rated 4.7 stars by 696 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Steelhead Falls Trailhead
Prineville, Terrebonne
Just 2 hrs 58 min from Portland, rated 4.7 stars by 506 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Trails Day Trips from Portland
What are the best hiking trails near Portland, OR?
The best hikes near Portland range from easy nature preserve loops to challenging state park trails with waterfalls, overlooks, and canyon scenery. Check the cards above for top-rated options with real drive times.
Are there easy hikes near Portland?
Yes. Many state parks and nature preserves near Portland offer well-maintained, beginner-friendly trails under 3 miles. Look for "Nature" tagged destinations above for the most accessible options.
What should I bring on a day hike from Portland?
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers. Most trails near Portland are well-marked but cell service can be spotty in state parks. Download trail maps before you leave and wear sturdy shoes.
When is the best time to hike near Portland?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best hiking weather and scenery near Portland. Fall foliage is spectacular at most destinations. Summer works but can be hot and buggy. Winter hiking is possible at many parks with proper gear.
Don't know where to go?
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