Beautiful fall hikes near Portland that you should do right now

The rain is back, the air is cooler, and that big gray blanket is slowly returning to cover western Oregon for the foreseeable future. That might be enough to tempt you inside during the season, but Northwest hikers know this is a perfect time to hit the trails.

Fall in western Oregon can be phenomenal, with hikes that take in radiant fall color and trails that lead to breathtaking views, all within a short drive of the Portland metro area.

READ MORE: WHERE TO FIND FALL COLOR IN OREGON RIGHT NOW

Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Coast Range are all about a 90-minute drive from the city, making for easy access to some of the area’s best hikes as the days grow shorter. That’s not to mention trails within the city limits and nearby suburbs, adding up to an absurd number of great hiking options.

Break out the flannel, grab your waterproof hiking boots, and get ready to embrace the fall hiking season.

Tryon Creek

With several quiet forest trails along a network of creeks southwest of Portland, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is your ideal family-friendly fall hike in Portland. Although it is known for its trillium blooms in the spring, the park is also a great place for fall foliage thanks to its abundance of maple trees. It is also considered an easy or moderate walk for those who use mobility devices or push strollers. A great place to shop for gifts, the nature center also offers educational programs and guided hikes throughout the year.

Forest Park

With more than 80 miles of trails spanning 5,200 acres, Portland’s Forest Park is an obvious spot for a fall hike. The challenge? Narrowing down a place to go. Try the iconic Pittock Mansion Hike from Lower Macleay Park, a five-mile round trip that’s considered one of the city’s best hikes, or the Maple Trail, which winds through the center of the park and can be in a Cycle of 8.2 miles. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.

Lake Steigerwald

Lake Steigerwald, a National Wildlife Refuge located outside of Washougal, is an incredible wildlife viewing area with trails that wind through wetlands along the banks of the Columbia River. With five miles of easy trails, it’s perfect for a fall stroll. In 2022, the National Fish and Wildlife Service reconnected the wetlands to the Columbia River, rebuilding the recreation area in the process. This means more wildlife to observe as the seasons change.

Point Warrior

The Warrior Point hike, which leads along the north end of Sauvie Island, passes through beautiful deciduous forest and views of the Columbia River, ending with a sandy beach at the base of Warrior Rock Light, the most small from Oregon. The walk is about six kilometers round trip, but flat the whole way. Watch out for deep mud after big storms, which can turn the walk into an exhausting one.

Eagle Creek

Arguably one of the most famous waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, a place world-renowned for its waterfalls, the Eagle Creek Trail is an absolute wonder in the fall, with misty viewpoints on the cliffs deep in the evergreen forest, tinted by autumn. color that frames several impressive dives. The 12-mile round trip to Tunnel Falls is a classic, though hikers can also detour to High Bridge or Punchbowl Falls for shorter hikes.

Columbia River Highway Historic Trail

When completed, the historic Columbia River Highway State Trail will connect Troutdale to The Dalles via a 73-mile scenic bike path. For now, bikers and walkers can enjoy three stretches of paved and off-road trails that offer fantastic views of the Columbia Gorge. The six-mile stretch between Wyeth Campground and Starvation Creek is one of the best, with views of the river and waterfalls along the way.

Wilson River Trail

At 24 miles long, the Wilson River Trail in the mountains of the Oregon Coast Range can seem overwhelming. But with six trailheads spread throughout the traverse, there are plenty of options for manageable day hikes along the route. The popular Jones Creek to Footbridge hike, which is 7.5 miles round trip, passes the Tillamook Forest Center, picnic areas and riverside overlooks. Those who want a slightly more rugged experience can try the Kings Mountain to Diamond Mill segment, 11.2 miles round trip, which is quiet and stunningly beautiful.

Silver Falls

Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s quintessential fall hiking destination. That’s thanks to the fall foliage-framed waterfall views found along the seven-mile Trail of Ten Falls loop, with overlooks also easily accessible from the South Falls day-use area for those who have just passed through the park. There’s also the new North Rim Trail, as well as the extensive network of trails (and cozy cabins) found in the park’s extensive backcountry.

Ramona Falls

With mushroom-filled mossy forests, a raging river, and a beautiful cliff-side waterfall just off the slopes of Mount Hood, the Ramona Falls hike is an Oregon classic. The trail is popular in the summer, but it’s also a great early fall destination, as long as hikers show up before fall rains make the Sandy River crossing too dangerous. The full hike is 7.5 miles round trip, though more intrepid adventurers can continue farther on the Pacific Crest Trail or the Timberline Trail.

Salmon River Trail

A quiet and popular getaway in the Mount Hood National Forest, the Salmon River Trail is an idyllic fall getaway. Located in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, the trail runs 14 miles along the Salmon River, home to Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. There’s no need to try to tackle it all, as most visitors stop at river access points just a mile from the trailhead or at a lookout about 3.5 miles away.