3 Best Hiking Trails in Portland, OR

“Powell Butte Nature Park is an ideal destination for light hiking and walking for the whole family. This park consists of 611 hectares of woodland and meadowland. This park covers about 20 million hectares from the Columbia River to the Klamath River and from the Coast Range crest to the Cascade Range crest. There are over 9 miles (14 km) of trails to the 614-foot (187 m) summit. The park has many prey birds with open meadows and wild hawthorn trees. Power Butte Nature Park has an interactive screen and pipe displays, including a 90 'walk-through pipe, solar roof, Portland full-wall mural, and paved interpretive path. Mountain bicycles are allowed on the trails. Dogs are allowed on trails at Powell Butte Nature Park only while leashed.”

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“Mt Tabor Park features many walking trails, smoothly winding paths, long stairway flights, and plenty of room to view native plants. Visitors can enjoy stunning views across southeast Portland, within walking distance of the city skyline and West Hills. Tabor Park provides a wide variety of facilities for travelers. They have three official trails visitors can choose from 1.7-mile (2.7 km) green trail, a 3-mile (4.8 km) blue trail, and a 1-mile (1.6 km) red trail. This is where you can see some of the remains of the volcano. There are trails, walking paths, tennis courts, and many activities, and people keep themselves active. Play areas and restrooms are available.”

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“Tryon Creek State Natural Area provides a smoke-free pleasant environment and has 3.5 miles of packed gravel horse tracks. The trails follow the ridgeline, then down to the creek and back. The North Horse Loop is 2.1 miles, and the West Horse Loop is 3.1 miles from the equestrian parking lot. The three-mile Trillium Trail is accessible to persons of all abilities. It has paved paths, benches, and viewing decks. Along the journey, trail characteristics are identified. Imagine walking into a beautiful forest filled with woodpeckers foraging, squirrels leaping from limb to limb, owlets patiently waiting for their next meal, and wildflowers painting the understory as the seasons change. Visitors can explore 658 acres of second-growth forest, walk along Tryon Creek, and engage with the wildlife and fauna that call this rare spot home. This natural area has it all and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.”

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