Portland’s Best Hiking Trails:
The top rated Hiking Trails in Portland, OR are:
- Marquam Nature Park – is a 178.25-acre park and has several miles of hiking trails
- Powell Butte Nature Park – a family-friendly natural area with plenty of hiking trails
- Forest Park – provides hundreds of native wildlife with more than 80 miles of trails
- Springwater Corridor Trail – offers 21 miles of trails
- Tryon Creek State Natural Area – features 8 miles of hiking trails
Marquam Nature Park
Marquam Nature Park is a 40-mile loop trail that begins at Willamette Park, passes through Council Crest, and connects to the Wildwood Trail in Washington Park. This natural area park is home to a diverse range of native plant species and features numerous pathways that wrap around Marquam Hill, passing through Douglas fir, western hemlock, red cedar, and bigleaf maple trees. Near the entrance is a shelter with interpretive displays and maps.
The Friends of Marquam Nature Park provide volunteer support to keep this park in good shape. Friends of Marquam Nature Park is a community-based volunteer organization that is run by a non-profit corporation. They collaborate with Portland Parks & Recreation and others to protect, preserve, and enhance Marquam Nature Park’s historical, natural, and recreational resources, as well as educate the public about the park’s unique natural and cultural past.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: Main entrance, SW Marquam St, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (971) 599-3667
Website: www.www.portland.gov
REVIEWS:
“Beautiful nature walks/hiking. Pretty easy hikes and harder trails going up through the hills, but they have some great switchbacks that make it a bit easier. I love that the park is right behind our house. My husband and I love taking our pup running along the trails. There are several different ways you can take and they are all marked well to show where you are. Plus, maps that you can take and boxes to donate to the park. We just love it because of the nature and the trees that are so breathtaking. I highly recommend it if you are in the area.” – Bradley K.
Powell Butte Nature Park
Powell Butte Nature Park is an ancient cinder cone volcano that rises near the headwaters of Johnson Creek, a city creek with native salmon and steelhead populations. There are 611 acres of meadowland and forest in the park. Powell Butte was designated as a natural park by the City in 1987, and it was opened to the public in 1990. Portland Parks & Recreation manages the nature park. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders may all enjoy miles of paths now.
Rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, ground squirrels, raccoons, gray foxes, skunks, bats, chipmunks, coyotes, and black-tailed mule deer are just a few of the animals that may be seen in the park. With its open meadows, wild hawthorn groves, wooded slopes of Western red cedar, and wetlands along Johnson Creek, the park is home to many birds of prey.
Products/Services:
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding
LOCATION:
Address: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236
Phone: (503) 823-6131
Website: www.portland.gov
REVIEWS:
“Right up the road from my house, always a great run, regardless of the weather. Great autumn color is just beginning, always nice when the sunshine lights up mixed trails of conifers & maples. A clear view of Hood from the top when it’s not grey outdoors, that alone is sometimes a draw wide open blue skies and snowy peaks in the distance. Lace-up your shoes or check your bicycle tire pressure, either way, the trails won’t disappoint.” – Max P.
Forest Park
Forest Park covers 5,200 acres and serves as a significant habitat for hundreds of native wildlife and plant species, as well as a vital air and water filter. It also provides the region with vital access to nature, exercise, and educational opportunities, with more than 80 miles of trails. Forest Park’s pathways take tourists from Portland’s downtown to over 5,200 acres of native northwest forest. Forest Park’s trail network, which is anchored by the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, a National Recreation Trail, provides unique recreation and transit opportunities inside Portland city limits.
Forest Park lies on the northeast slope of Portland’s West Hills, the Tualatin Mountain Range’s southernmost portion. This sliver of land stretches all the way to the Oregon Coast Range, providing ecosystem connectivity. 30 miles of seasonal and permanent streams originate at the crest of the slope and drain east to the Willamette River, sculpting the park’s environment.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: Portland, OR 97231
Phone: (503) 823-4492
Website: www.portland.gov
REVIEWS:
“Absolutely beautiful park. It’s about a 30 min hike down the ravine and you get to the Stone House aka Witch’s Castle. A very cool piece of old architecture. Much cooler under the trees, and the trail runs right beside a little creek. It was very busy but was not too bad. Had to single file on the trail to allow room for traffic going the other way, but definitely a hike I would recommend.” – Princess N.
Springwater Corridor Trail
Springwater Corridor Trail is a key part of the 40-Mile Circle, which was inspired by Olmsted’s 1903 proposal for a parkway and boulevard loop to connect park regions. In total, the excursion will be over 21 miles long. For the most part, the route is adequately segregated from the public road. The route is scenic, with marshes, buttes, agricultural fields, and meadows, as well as residential and industrial areas.
The Springwater Corridor is a multi-use route that can be used for a variety of activities. The paved area is usually 10-12 feet wide, with gentle shoulders. Walkers, joggers, hikers, bikers, wheelchairs, and strollers can all use the hard surface trail. Equestrian use is more widespread east of I-205, where topography allows a distinct soft surface path to meander away from the main track. The majority of the wildlife found along the Corridor is able to coexist with humans.
Products/Services:
Walking, Jogging, Hiking, Biking, and Strolling
LOCATION:
Address: Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 823-4000
Website: www.portland.gov
REVIEWS:
“It’s a great little Escape when you need a timeout or even a little picnic, walk the dog or even a bike ride there’s a spot I called it to waterfall it’s peaceful they work hard keeping up the natural habitats, good neighborhood, good people it’s mellow. It’s more beautiful every time I go there. Nice long trail with lots to look at! So grateful it’s there. Restrooms and parking lot too.” – Carri A.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Tryon Creek State Natural Area has eight miles of hiking paths, eight bridges, and a boardwalk that spans wetlands. The 3-mile Trillium Trail is accessible to persons of all abilities. Paved roads, resting seats, and viewing decks are also present. Along the journey, trail highlights are noted. Hiking routes are maintained throughout the year. During wet weather, the park’s hiking trails might be muddy. Equestrians can enjoy 3.5 miles of packed gravel tracks in the park.
The trails follow the ridgeline, then descend to the creek and return. The North Horse Loop is 2.1 miles and the West Horse Loop is 3.1 miles from the equestrian parking lot. Throughout the year, Tryon Creek provides educational events and guided hikes.
Products/Services:
Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding
LOCATION:
Address: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
Phone: (800) 551-6949
Website: www.stateparks.oregon.gov
REVIEWS:
“We went on the weekend and were lucky enough to find parking. The visitor center is closed and you can grab a map. The bathrooms are open and I’m assuming cleaned daily. The trails are all very nicely marked and well kept. This is a great park to get out and walk around, no challenging areas or big hills either. I would highly recommend this park to everyone.” – Adam H.
Mark has lived in Detroit, MI his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Mark covers national and local businesses.