The Best 7 Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Editor's note: As of July 2021, Oneonta Gorge (Hike #4) is currently closed. Be sure to check The Forest Service website for up-to-date details.

Oregon is one of the nation's most beautiful places. Unlike many other states, Oregon is incredibly vast in the way that the climate ranges from dry deserts all the way to dense forests. Because of this, Portland is becoming an extremely desirable place to live for the outdoor-minded individuals. Portland is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Mount Hood, the west coast, and the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Use this guide to find the best great hikes for an after-work outing, or a great family hike for the weekend all within 90 minutes of Portland!

1. Wahclella Falls

Wahclella Falls is an excellent choice for a hike after a long work day or after another hike in the area. Due to its short length (2.0 miles round trip), and mostly flat trail, this hike can easily be done in an hour or less. The best part about the hike however, is the raging waterfall at the end. The power of the water coming off of the falls is sure to amaze. 

2. Eagle Creek

If you want the best bang for your buck this is the hike for you! Walking next to the river the whole time, Eagle Creek is sure to amaze with the many waterfalls you will pass. For a shorter hike, many people hike to Punchbowl Falls (3.8 miles round trip). If you take this option, you will pass Metlako Falls and end up at Punchbowl Falls, all while seeing many other smaller falls that you will pass by. For a longer option, hike to Tunnel Falls (12.0 miles). This is a really great choice for a day trip. Lastly, backpack all the way to Wahtum Lake (26.5 miles loop) if you have the whole weekend and enjoy the weekend away from the city! As you can see, the thing that makes Eagle Creek so great is that you see amazing waterfalls the whole way, and can turn around at any point!

3. Trail of Ten Falls (Silver Falls)

Another "bang-for-your-buck" hike is the Trail of Ten Falls loop at Silver Falls State Park. As the name states, if you do the whole loop (8.7 miles), you will get to see ten different waterfalls. The trail even takes you behind a few of the falls! This is another hike that can be sectioned, and with many different trailheads, you have the luxury of choosing exactly how long you want your hike to be!

4. Oneonta Gorge

Oneonta Gorge is quite possibly the pinnacle of the Columbia River Gorge. This is different from most any hike you've ever been on, and you'll need some water shoes and swim shorts for this one. This hike takes you up the river (.6 miles round trip) to a waterfall at the end. If you're wondering if you can get there without getting wet, I'm here to tell you that you can't! The whole hike is walking up river. Summer is the best time to go if you don't want the water to be over your waist. However, if you wish to beat the crowds, throw on a wetsuit and be prepared to swim in the fall or winter!

5. Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain

Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Hike makes for an excellent day up at the mountain. Not only will you hike up to an amazing viewpoint of Mount Hood, but you'll also pass a lake on the way up. This hike (5.8 miles round trip) is a great place to go to have lunch with a view. During winter months, this hike will be covered with snow, making it a great destination with snow shoes!

6. Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls is an amazing place that everyone has to see in person! The massive three tiered falls towering at 250 feet is an easy day hike (6.2 miles round trip) with no spots too steep, making this an exceptional hike for the kids. Once you reach the falls, if you are feeling adventurous, take the steep trail up a few hundred feet to the middle tier of the falls!

7. Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls is one of those places that is amazing at any time of year! In the winter, the is in deep snow and generally is partially frozen. Due to this, if you hike it in the winter months, be sure to throw in some snowshoes! This hike takes you through the beautiful woods of the Mount Hood National Forest and crosses the river a couple of times. With a moderately short hike (3.6 miles round trip), this makes for a perfect add on to a day of skiing or snowboarding at the mountain!

As I am sure you can tell, Oregon is an amazing place. There is so many amazing hikes that one could not list them all. These hikes are just a few of the best, but definitely explore around and find out what your favorite hike is! Happy adventuring!