Salem, OR: Shellburg & Stassel Falls Loop
With no shortage of waterfalls in the area, let the crowds go to Silver Falls, and hike this 4-mile lollipop loop that visits three waterfalls of its own on much quieter trail.
Oregon Trails
Oregon Trails
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., is defined by rugged cliffs along the coastline, the vibrant volcanic Cascade range including Mt. Hood farther inland, and the Columbia Plateau to the east. The plateau was created by lava flow, forming deep valleys and jagged mountains.
Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park, which contains the country’s deepest lake formed by an eruption 7,700 years ago that collapsed the volcano. Among the many Oregon hikes the state has to offer, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through this area, and much of Oregon. The 2,663-mile-long trail from the United States-Mexico border through California, Oregon, and Washington, reaches its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border. The Pacific Crest Trail is known as a challenging thru-hiking and backpacking route through some of the country’s most spectacular wilderness ranges.
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., is defined by rugged cliffs along the coastline, the vibrant volcanic Cascade range including Mt. Hood farther inland, and the Columbia Plateau to the east. The plateau was created by lava flow, forming deep valleys and jagged mountains. Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park, which contains the country’s deepest lake formed by an eruption 7,700 years ago that collapsed the volcano. Among the many Oregon hikes the state has to offer, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through this area, and much of Oregon. The 2,663-mile-long trail from the United States-Mexico border through California, Oregon, and Washington, reaches its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border. The Pacific Crest Trail is known as a challenging thru-hiking and backpacking route through some of the country’s most spectacular wilderness ranges.
Portland, OR: Burnt Lake
After a catastrophic fire in the 19th century, the forest surrounding Burnt Lake has regrown, offering a pleasant 7.5-mile stroll on Zigzag Mountain's north flank to a pretty lake for dayhiking or camping.
Eagle Cap Wilderness Loop
Eagle Cap's top trip, a 41-mile tucked away in the southeastern part of Oregon's largest wilderness, deals a royal flush of granite towers and secluded lakeside camping.
Bend, OR: Broken Top Loop
Spend three days circling the jagged, gaping remains of one of Central Oregon’s peaks on this 22.6-mile loop in the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Portland, OR: Sandy River Loop
Enjoy cool, lush forest along and above the banks of the Sandy River on this 5.6-mile double loop trail in Gresham's Oxbow Regional Park.
Portland, OR: Saddle Mountain
Climb to views of the Pacific Ocean and major Cascade Range peaks on this 5-mile hike to Saddle Mountain.
Portland, OR: Huckleberry Mountain via Bonanza Trail
Climb to an under-the-radar peak in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness on this 11.4-mile out-and-back an hour southeast of Portland.
Oregon Coast Trail: Seaside to Arch Cape
Slip past tides along cliffy coasts on an easy-to-plan long weekend.
Rip & Go: Eagle Creek Loop, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Spot waterfalls and wildflowers on a rainforest loop into one of the gorge's wildest canyons.
CORRECTION: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, OR: Unnamed Sea Cliff Campsite
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Rip & Go: Oregon Coast Trail – Ecola State Park to Arch Cape, OR
Slip past tides along cliffy coasts on an easy-to-plan long weekend.
Rip & Go: Broken Top Loop – Deschutes National Forest/Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
Cross ancient lava fields on a lake-filled weekend.
Rip & Go: Rock and Serene Lakes Loop – Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
Discover real wilderness just two hours from Portland.
Natural Wonders: Ice Caves, Bison, and Huckleberries
Three treks to life-list phenomena
Swimming Hole Hikes
Time to cool down. Hike to these refreshing swimming holes and settle right into summer.
High Points: Mt. Hood, Oregon
Head through the Pearly Gates for a heavenly sunrise
Oregon's Volcanoes In Full Bloom
Vast meadows of wildflowers sprawl across the ridgetops and valley bottoms of the Three Sisters.