There are 63 national parks in the US, but according to a couple who have been to all of them, not every park is a summer destination.
23.04.2024 - 07:39 / lonelyplanet.com
Oregon’s wild spaces are a hiker’s dream.
You can spend a lifetime wandering a world of forests, waterfalls, mountaintops, beaches and high desert canyons. Even more important than this rich diversity of landscapes, Oregon’s trails celebrate the rich diversity of hikers. From adrenaline-fueled climbs in Crater Lake National Park to a wheelchair-accessible promenade along the Pacific Ocean, everyone is invited to experience the great outdoors in the Beaver State.
Are you ready to go exploring? The best hiking trails in Oregon are calling.
Best hike for waterfalls
8 mile-loop, moderate, 3.5 hours
Expect to see more than 10 cascades on the Trail of Ten Falls, which takes its name from the significant waterfalls along the route. Located in Silver Falls State Park, you aren’t merely hiking in the vicinity of waterfalls, you get the magical experience of passing behind four of them. This is an easy hike to segment with three different trailheads traveling down the canyon to commence at the top of a different 100ft waterfall. The North Canyon Day-Use Area was renovated in 2023 to include a ½ mile wheelchair-accessible trail overlooking North Falls.
Expert tip: This is one of the most popular trails in Oregon, and it gets crowded on weekends. Arrive first thing in the morning for the best experience. The Trail of Ten Falls is often wet. Sturdy shoes with good traction are a must.
Ready to visit Oregon? Check out our top things to know before you go
Best national park hike
3.5 miles out-and-back, moderate/difficult, 2.5 hours
You’ll find over 90 miles of hiking trails and North America’s deepest, bluest lake at Crater Lake National Park. Garfield Peak trail starts at the century-old Crater Lake Lodge. The terrain is generally smooth and non-technical, but extremely steep, with elevation gains of more than 1000ft. The views are worth it. The trail was designed to blend into its surroundings, ensuring the lake takes center stage. The higher you climb, the bluer it appears. When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the lake, Wizard Island, Mt Mazama and Phantom Ship.
Local tip: Crater Lake National Park receives a great deal of snow. Be sure to check the NPS website for road closures and updated weather information if you’re visiting outside of summer.
Best urban hike
1.5 miles end-to-end, easy, ½ hour
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the beating heart of Portland. The park hugs the Willamette River, offering views of the city skyline, bridges, and ships rolling by. Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s paved, wheelchair-accessible trail winds along the river, leading past several points of interest including the Japanese American Historical Plaza, the Oregon Maritime Museum and the Bill Naito Legacy
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