Save a weekend for this 27.4-mile loop in the Cascades that climbs an extinct shield volcano and tours lake-dotted landscapes in the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

This two-day, 26.5-mile loop in the Cascades climbs an extinct shield volcano and tours lake-dotted landscapes in Diamond Peak Wilderness.

Travel into the fiery past of Mount Mazama on this 5.2-mile out-and-back to the park's highest peak, where sprawling views of the deepest lake in the United States await.

Looking for a spectacular dayhike near Portland? Most thru-hikers follow this alternate path, which passes a dozen large cascades, including walk-behind-it Tunnel Falls. "For a ways," says Jack Haskel, our PCT map contributor, "the trail is blasted out of 200-foot cliffs with only some cables to hold onto."

ELK LAKE to OR 252: Skirt the glacier-draped Three Sisters on this 26.6-mile trip full of excellent ridgetop campsites, aspen-lined lakes, and fields of black volcanic glass. Tip: Wear durable boots.

Spend up to a week on this 28-mile stretch, which yields more consistent views than the densely forested remainder of the PCT in Oregon. "Take time to bag the Sisters," advises Jack Haskel, our PCT map contributor. "There are great off-trail routes from basecamps on the trail."

Countless waterfalls, 100-mile mountain views, and groves of ancient trees make this 8.6-mile, one-way trek one of the best dayhikes in the region.

This 14.6-miler rewards hikers with wildflower meadows and views over four monster peaks.

Climb an easy 1,000 feet above the Clackamas River to a three-tiered waterfall that rivals almost anything in Maui.

Hike through some of Oregon's largest old-growth cedars and Douglas fir to a pair of pristine lakes where you can swim, fish, and camp on this 14.4-mile out-and-back.