7 Of The Best Walks In Oregon

Oregon is known for its incredible natural wonders. It’s home to some vibrant cities, such as Portland and Salem, but Oregon shines in nature. Waterfall lovers will adore this state for there are over 238 of them! The beaches are also out-of-this-world, with miles of coastline to explore. It’s an all-around beautiful state, with plenty of charming small towns to visit too. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so we’ve narrowed it down to 7 of the best walks in Oregon.

1. Cascade Head Trail

Length: 4.2 miles
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

With spectacular views down to Three Rocks, the Salmon River Estuary, and the cityscape of Lincoln City, this is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. This trail traverses through Cascade Head Preserve, a coastal headland that’s home to rare plants and wildlife. At the start of the walk, you’ll follow the path through a dense, magical forest. Then, you burst out of the forest into a clear meadow, where you’ll be met with breathtaking views. You’ll gain an elevation of 1310 feet, so it’s a bit of a challenge but with a great feeling of accomplishment.

2. Trail of Ten Falls

Length: 7.4 miles
Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

Silver Falls State Park is a mecca of breathtaking waterfalls, canyons, creeks, and dense forest. It spans over 9,000 acres, so it’s no surprise that there are 17 walking trails across 24 miles. There’s a mix of easy to challenging walks, and the Trail of Ten Falls Loop is towards the more challenging end. But as the name suggests, you loop around all ten of the waterfalls and if you’re up to the challenge, you won’t regret it. But if you’re not feeling up to the mega hike, there are easier trails that are still absolutely beautiful. Whatever route you take, be sure to wear good-gripped hiking boots as there are soggy areas.

3. Abiqua Falls Trail

Length: 1 mile
Duration: 30 minutes

This walk might be short in distance, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’ll be easy. It’s a steep walk, veering towards the moderately difficult. But your efforts certainly pay off once you reach the clearing and are greeted by the Abiqua Falls. The waterfall is mesmerising at over 92 feet tall, it’s one of the most iconic spots in Oregon. It can get muddy and slippy, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. To make the most out of the trip, we recommend taking a picnic with you to enjoy the surroundings for as long as possible.

4. Smith Rock State Park Canyon Trail

Length: 3.3 miles
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Smith Rock State Park is possibly Oregon at its best. It’s a time machine to old Western movies, with red hues and Mars-like desert backdrops. The contrast between the dry desert and the flowing river is beautiful, you’ll definitely want to snap a few pictures here. There are ten main trails in the park, ranging from easy to expert. We’ve started your introduction to the park with an easy to moderate trail, which passes through the canyon and along the river. If you want something more challenging, the Misery Ridge Loop is much steeper but should only be taken on by seasoned hikers. Whatever route you take, you’ll be in awe of this place. And adrenaline junkies will love it too, there’s ample opportunity for mountain biking, slacklining, and rock climbing.

5. Watchman’s Peak Trail

Length: 1.7 miles
Duration: 55 minutes

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic spots in Oregon. It’s often likened to looking at a painting, so if you want picturesque views, this is the one. At 592 meters, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. There are many hikes the Crater Lake but if you can only make it to one, we highly recommend the Watchman’s Peak. It’s short but it’s steep, with panoramic views. Be sure to pack water, as it can be a tough walk, but totally worth it.

6. Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike

Length: 5 miles
Duration: 3 hours

This hike loops around a portion of the Columbia River Gorge, a remarkable river canyon and National Scenic Area. It’s a moderately challenging walk, not too difficult for a beginner but enough to keep it fun! And how could it not be fun, when there are six official waterfalls and countless cascades to explore? There’s so much beauty in this walk, but the star of the show has to be Multnomah Falls. It stands over 620 feet tall and if you can catch it during the autumn months, you’ll be in awe of the red and orange foliage that sits beside it.

7. Clatsop Loop Trail

Length: 2.7 miles
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

This beautiful hike is one for the view lovers. Located in the Ecola State Park, you’ll walk through forests, push through steep inclines, and enjoy spectacular views of isolated beaches, the lighthouse, and Haystack Rock. You might recognise Haystack Rock, the third-tallest such intertidal structure in the world, from The Goonies. It’s been noted that this trail can get muddy and slippery, but if you have walking boots it won’t be a problem.