Best Oregon Hiking Trails by Season
The secret’s out: Oregon is a hiker’s heaven. What makes it such a magical destination for the trail-bound is its surprising diversity of terrain. Get a pen and paper ready because here are some of the best Oregon hikes by season.
Spring Hikes
▪ Tom McCall Point Trail
Each spring, wildflowers dot the meadows leading to the summit of McCall Point, which affords views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
▪ Cape Lookout
Spy migrating gray whales from one of the best whale-watching spots along the Oregon Coast.
▪ Lower Table Rock
Hike to the pancake-flat summit of Lower Table Rock and admire its seasonal vernal pools and colorful wildflower displays before the summer heat arrives.
Summer Hikes
▪ Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island
This two-parter is only accessible in summer, when you can take a trail down to Crater Lake’s shore and trail down to Crater Lake’s shore and then boat to a volcanic cinder cone for a hike to its summit.
▪ Sky Lakes Basin via Cold Springs Trail
Hike to some of the region’s most popular swimming holes.
▪ Marys Peak
Marys Peak summit is 4,097 feet, and is the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. The 360-degree views encompass the Pacific Ocean and Cascade peaks, from Washington’s Mount Rainier in the north to Diamond Peak in southern Oregon, and Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, the Three Sisters, Mount Bachelor, and more in between.
Fall Hikes
▪ Trail of Ten Falls
This trail’s 10 waterfalls are even more impressive alongside vivid fall foliage displays.
▪ Misery Ridge-River Trail Loop
After the summer crowds have simmered down at Smith Rock, enjoy a sunny hike up to one of the best viewpoints in Central Oregon.
▪ Carroll Rim Trail
The highest point in the Painted Hills offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, an attraction 35 million years in the making.Note that there’s no shade to be found along this trail, so bring plenty of water—or aim for an early morning or evening hike at the height of summer, when temperatures can top 110°F.
Winter Hikes
▪ Lower Macleay Trail to Pittock Mansion
When the region’s most popular hikes are socked in with snow and ice, this hike remains accessible, delivers a hearty workout, and offers stellar views of the downtown Portland skyline.
▪ Mosier Plateau
The Mosier Plateau’s low elevation makes it a good winter hiking destination, and you also have a solid chance of spotting bald eagles overhead.
▪ Cape Falcon
Hike out to a windswept bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where you might see migrating gray whales.
Misty ancient forests, rugged high deserts, and black sand beaches: wherever you turn in Oregon, adventure awaits. Pack a lunch, lace up your boots, and hit the trails with Moon Oregon Hiking.
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