Oregon is packed with beautiful trails
If you’ve lived in Oregon for years but haven’t explored these trails yet, you’re missing out on the kinds of experiences that make this state special. Now’s the time to check them off your list.
Trail of Ten Falls
If you haven’t been to the Trail of Ten Falls yet, it’s time. This loop puts you right behind several massive waterfalls, like South Falls, where you can hear the roar echo off the rocks.
In late spring, the trails are framed by blooming trilliums, and in fall, the leaves turn golden. The park was a Civilian Conservation Corps project in the 1930s, and you’ll still spot their handiwork in the old stone bridges.
Painted Hills Trail
You’ve seen pictures of the Painted Hills, but standing there is something else. The vibrant reds, yellows, and golds shift with the sunlight, especially around 5 p.m. in summer. The soil is delicate, so stick to the trail.
If you look closely, you’ll notice cracks in the earth from how dry it gets. This area is part of the John Day Fossil Beds, so every step feels tied to ancient history.
Misery Ridge Trail
This is one of the most rewarding climbs you’ll find in Oregon.
On the way up, you’ll see climbers scaling the iconic Monkey Face, a towering rock that looks like its name. In winter, you can sometimes spot golden eagles circling overhead. On the descent, the trail loops along the Crooked River, giving you a front-row seat to the park’s dramatic cliffs.
Oneonta Gorge
If you’re up for something different, this is more of an adventure than a hike. You’ll wade through icy water (sometimes up to your chest) to reach a hidden waterfall. The moss-covered canyon walls make it feel like stepping into another world.
The trail’s been hit hard by wildfires in recent years, so check before you go, but the regrowth of ferns and greenery is worth seeing.
Giant Spruce Trail
This isn’t just a big tree—it’s a piece of Oregon history. The giant Sitka spruce has been standing for over 500 years and survived storms, logging, and fire. The trail winds through a temperate rainforest, and if it’s been raining, the air smells earthy and rich.
Near the base of the tree, you’ll notice its massive roots stretch across the ground like something out of a fairy tale.
Timberline Trail
Even if you’ve been to Mount Hood, the Timberline Trail is a different experience. This 40-mile loop crosses glacier-fed streams, old volcanic rock fields, and meadows packed with lupines in July. Ramona Falls, one of the trail’s highlights, is worth the detour.
Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife; black bears sometimes roam the eastern side, and pika calls echo in the rocky sections.
Toketee Falls Trail
This waterfall is a gem tucked away in the Umpqua National Forest. Toketee’s name comes from a Chinook word meaning “graceful,” and that fits perfectly. The basalt formations framing the falls make it stand out from others in the state.
The staircase down to the viewpoint is manageable, but take your time—each step gives a slightly different angle on the cascade.
Sea Lion Caves Trail
Even if you’ve driven past it, going inside the Sea Lion Caves is a whole different thing. The sea lions are loud, and the cave itself feels ancient, with its damp walls and ocean spray.
This is the largest sea cave in the U.S., and you can see evidence of its formation in the jagged rocks and tidal pools. Winter storms make the waves even more dramatic.
Opal Creek Trail
This trail isn’t just about the crystal-clear water—it’s also about the old-growth forest surrounding it. Trees here are over 500 years old, and the canopy creates a shaded, cool environment even in the summer.
Along the way, you’ll see remnants of an old mining operation, including rusted equipment left behind decades ago. The creek itself has spots where the water looks so clear, you’d think it’s glass.
Lost Lake Loop Trail
If you want the classic Mount Hood postcard view, this is it. On clear days, the reflection of the mountain on the lake’s still water is picture-perfect. Lost Lake has been a favorite for fishing and kayaking for generations, but the trail itself is quiet and easy.
Look for the old wooden docks along the north side—they’ve been there for decades and add a nostalgic touch.
Thor’s Well (Cape Perpetua)
This natural feature is fascinating and dangerous all at once. High tide is when you see Thor’s Well at its most dramatic, with waves surging into the hole and spraying back out.
It’s best to keep your distance; the rocks are slippery, and the waves can be unpredictable. You’ll also see spouting horns nearby, which shoot water through narrow rock channels.
Wahclella Falls Trail
This trail stays cooler than others in the summer, thanks to the canyon walls and constant spray from the falls. The wooden bridge about halfway through offers a perfect vantage point to stop and listen to the water rushing past.
In the winter, the falls sometimes form icicles, which give it a completely different look.
Cleetwood Cove Trail
This is the only way down to Crater Lake’s edge, and the climb back up is no joke. The water’s clarity is jaw-dropping, and if you go early in the season, the lake is surrounded by lingering snow.
At the bottom, you’ll see boat tours departing for Wizard Island, or you can just sit on the volcanic rocks and take it all in.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
These dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand in the U.S., and walking them feels like stepping into another world. You’ll find hidden pockets where the wind has carved sharp ridges into the sand.
On the quieter trails, you might see tracks from deer or even coyotes. The ocean view from the highest dunes is worth the effort of climbing them.
Proxy Falls Trail
This trail leads to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. Proxy Falls splits into two streams that cascade over moss-covered rocks. The forest surrounding it is thick, and the sound of the water is constant.
If you’re careful, you can climb closer to the base for a better view. Late spring is the best time to go, when the moss is at its greenest.
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