“What are the best hikes in Oregon?” It’s one of the most difficult and most frequently asked questions. This state is so diverse that picking favorite hikes is hard. The best way to answer the question is to come up with different hikes that, in one’s opinion, are the best in their category. For more inspiration, check out the book 100 Classic Hikes: Oregon, which was released in late 2025 and includes additional top trails from throughout the state.
1. Best Hike for Kids: Sweet Creek Falls Trail
(Near Mapleton/Central Coast)
The next time you’re driving the Oregon Coast and want to take a side trip with the kids, follow the Siuslaw River near Florence to Sweet Creek Falls. The trailhead is easy to find, and the trail is mostly flat. We love this trail because of its numerous waterfalls. Kids of all ages will be impressed with waterfalls around every bend. In the summer, take off your shoes and wade in the cool water.
2. Best Hike for a Scenic View: Watchman Peak Trail
(Crater Lake National Park, Southern Oregon)
Everyone’s bucket list should include Crater Lake. If you’re a hiker and want to find one of the best views in the park, follow the Watchman Peak Trail to the top. The trail is steep but not terribly long, and there are places to rest along the way. At the top of the trail, you’ll find an active fire-lookout tower and a spectacular view of the lake. Note that pets are not permitted on most paths within the park, including this trail.
3. Best Waterfall Hike: Sahalie and Koosah Falls
(Willamette Valley)
This isn’t just the best waterfall hike — this is the best hike for ancient lava flows, crystal-clear water, natural wonders and more. A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform just off the parking lot affords views of Sahalie Falls, and those who are up for hiking can follow a footpath that hugs the McKenzie River for a 1-mile loop trail to Koosah Falls.
4. Best Historic Hike: Fort Stevens
(Astoria, North Coast)
Built near the end of the Civil War to guard the Columbia River from rogue Confederate ships, Fort Stevens is now a 4,300-acre state park that is rich in history. You can visit everything from a military museum to the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale. This is a must for history buffs of all ages.
5. Best Year-Round Hike Around Mt. Hood: Old Salmon River Trail
(Rhododendron)
Many trails around Mt. Hood are too snowy, icy or wet to hike in winter and spring, but this out-and-back 5-mile trail through old-growth forest is dreamy any time of year. Just 50 miles east of Portland, it’s an excellent place to unplug for a few hours, soak up that fresh, mossy scent of the forest and babble of the stream beside you, and then head back to city life. Just be sure to check the website for any weather-related closures before you go.
6. Best Oregon Coast Hike: Cape Perpetua Scenic Are
(Yachats, Central Coast)
Picking a best hike on the Oregon Coast is similar to picking a favorite color of M&Ms (by the way, blue is the best). The Coast hike that stands out to many as iconic is Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. You can see tide pools, watch for whales, enjoy the power of a winter storm, and hunt for agates and floats in a natural setting.
7. Best Hike Among the Tallest Peaks: South Sister
(Central Oregon)
No matter where you are in Oregon, you can’t help but notice the Cascade Range. Many of the peaks can be climbed, but none should be attempted without taking the proper precautions and without being fully prepared. With that said, the third-highest peak in Oregon is South Sister, and there is a trail to the top. You can hike to the top in a day or hike up to the meadow, camp and summit the next day. You don’t need technical climbing gear, just a lot of perseverance, water, snacks and a clear weather outlook. From the top you can see 360 degrees of Oregon.
Due to its popularity, know that South Sister is one of several trails requiring a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for anyone who wants to hike it between mid-June and mid-October. Here’s what you need to know about hiking the Central Cascades, plus some less-crowded alternate trails that do not require a Cascades Wilderness Permit.
8. Best Snowshoe Hike: Odell Lake Overlook
(Central Cascades)
Snowshoeing is a favorite winter activity in Oregon, and hands-down a favorite trail is out of Gold Lake Sno-Park near Willamette Pass. The Odell Lake Overlook trail is good for families and those looking for great exercise, beautiful scenery and an option to warm up in one of the shelters. The overlook offers an unforgettable panorama. You can hike to the overlook and return the way you came, or extend the hike to the Pacific Crest Trail for an epic loop. The warming shelters are stocked with wood for the woodstoves.
9. Best Hike for Birding: Zumwalt Prairie Preserve
(Enterprise, Northeast Oregon)
In the Wallowa Mountains, the privately owned Zumwalt Prairie has one of the highest concentrations of breeding hawks and eagles in the world and is the largest remaining grassland of its kind in North America. Most of the preserve is closed to hikers, but a few public trails give you access to viewing sites.
10. Best Challenge Hike: Pacific Crest Trail
(Ashland to Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks)
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail extends from the United States-Mexico border in the south to the Canadian border in the north. Every year people hike the entire length; many more hike sections of the trail. If you feel up for the challenge, you can spend a month or so hiking the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail and see the wild side of Oregon on foot. Check out current closures for updated trail conditions.
11. Best Day Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail: Rosary Lakes
(Central Oregon)
Many traverse this stretch of trail while snowshoeing. Just east of Willamette Pass Ski Resort, you’ll find the trailhead and Pacific Crest Trail signs. Hike through the forest to beautiful Rosary Lakes. Given the altitude, you’re best off waiting until late summer to hike this, unless you don’t mind mosquitoes.
12. Best Hike in Salem Area: Silver Falls State Park
(Silverton, Willamette Valley)
One of the best year-round hiking destinations is Silver Falls State Park, just outside of Salem, where you’ll find a variety of trails. The Trail of Ten Falls, in particular, passes 10 waterfalls, five of which are 100 feet or taller. In the spring wildflowers are in abundance, and in fall the changing leaf colors are as soothing to the soul as a warm cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Due to its popularity in the summertime, visit early or midweek to beat the crowds. Always observe leash laws if you’re bringing a furry friend; dogs are not permitted on the park’s Canyon Trail, which is part of the Trail of Ten Falls. Note that the park sustained storm damage in 2025, and you should check the website for current closures.
13. Best Hike in Eugene Area: Tire Mountain
(Oakridge, Willamette Valley)
This trail could double as the best wildflower hike in June, when the meadow below is flooded with blooms. This trail is rated easy and is about 7.6 miles round-trip if you go all the way to the top — but you won’t need to go that far to enjoy the most stunning scenery. The trail is rarely crowded, but it’s shared with mountain bikers and has some very steep sides in places.
14. Best Hike in Eastern Oregon: Steens Mountain
(Eastern Oregon)
One of the tallest mountains in Oregon at 9,700 feet, Steens Mountain is also one of the easiest to summit. You can practically drive to the top via the Steens Mountain Loop Road, typically passable July through October, and then scramble up the rest on a trail. There are other hikes around here and a multitude of trails in the area.
15. Best Hike in Southern Oregon: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
(Cave Junction)
This hike can also be considered the best hike for spelunking. The only way to see inside the Oregon Caves is to take one of four guided tours — the Discovery Cave Tour is a popular 1-mile option. Another hike from the visitor-center area heads out over to Big Tree, one of the largest Douglas firs in Oregon.
16. Best Waterfall Hike in Southern Oregon: Fall Creek Falls
(Idleyld)
One of many waterfall hikes in the region, the 2-mile trail to Fall Creek Falls is easy to access, just off Highway 138, about 30 miles east of Roseburg. If that seems remote, well, yes, it’s remote. But you can get more bang for your buck by combining several falls in one day on your own waterfall crawl: Visit others along Highway 138, including Watson Falls (1 mile), Toketee Falls (1 mile) and Wolf Creek Falls (2.5 miles), especially impressive in the spring with a powerful cascade.
17. Best Hike for Accessibility: Oregon Garden
(Silverton, Willamette Valley)
The Oregon Garden is a treasure for those who are interested in flowers and plants of the Northwest. The 130 acres of botanical gardens and tram are open between April and October, making this an ideal destination for those who have limited mobility. Enjoy the water garden, children’s garden, home demonstration garden, medicinal garden, pet-friendly garden, rose garden, sensory garden, wetlands, rediscovery forest and more.
If You Go:
Whenever you head out on the trail, keep a few tips in mind for the best, safest experience.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve Oregon’s outdoor ecosystems.
- When hiking, pack the Ten Essentials, such as navigation tools, sun protection and plenty of water.
- Visit TripCheck for current road conditions, construction updates and other helpful travel-related information.
- Get a detailed forecast for your day’s destination from the National Weather Service.
- Check out the latest travel alerts for updates and resources for planning a fun, safe trip.
