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.
The Painted Hills are located in northeastern Oregon’s John Day National Fossil Beds Monument, home to over 40 million years’ worth of fossils, providing vast insight into the Age of Mammals.
Smith Rock State Park is located in the high desert of Central Oregon. An internationally renowned location for rock climbing, the park also has plenty of trails for hikers who want to experience the majestic rock scenery.
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama (12,000 ft.) exploded about 7,700 years ago, leaving a caldera that eventually filled in and formed the lake. These four hikes feature the best of the park’s unique scenery.