Tillicum Beach campground, located on the central Oregon coast between the towns of Waldport and Yachats, provides great access to hiking in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
During the colder months when higher elevation hikes are covered in snow, I like to stay in shape by doing strenuous hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast Range, and lower elevations near Mount Hood.
Oregon’s Coast Range is often overlooked by hikers, but the trails here are some of my favorites. I love the massive ferns that fill the forest understory, and the moss and lichens add to the rich green scenery.
The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its waterfalls, lush forests, and wildflowers – and a vast trail network for hikers to explore this diverse landscape.
This selected list of Southwest Washington hikes includes trails through old-growth forests, subalpine lakes, volcanic blast zones, and summits with panoramic views.
With nearly 1,000 miles of trails in the region, hikes in the Mount Hood area range from lower elevation rambles in temperate rain forest with waterfalls and streams, to high altitude trails with alpine meadows and rocky ridges.
Camping at Harris Beach State Park in Brookings provides access to one of the most scenic sections of the Oregon Coast, including Harris Beach and the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor.
The Pacific Northwest is known for having a plethora of waterfalls. These hikes – located within two hours of Portland – are best done in the winter through spring when the water levels are higher, although any time of year is a good time to hike to a waterfall.
Elk Prairie campground, located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State & National Park near the coast in northern California, provides access to a large number of hiking trails in the redwoods.