Okay, I know this is SO cliche but every time I think of my Oregon hiking trails, I think of waterfalls, mossy-filled rocks, trees, and gushing water… but sometimes we want our hikes to focus on trees, mountains, blue skies, ocean or river views and jagged rocks. This blog will focus on non-waterfall Oregon hiking trails.

• Cape Horn
  Drive from Portland: 45 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles | Elevation: 1600 ft | Rating: Moderate
  Of note, there is an annual closure on Cape Horn for peregrine falcon nesting from February to July. As opposed to a loop, hikers will need to do an out-and-back, which is just as beautiful.
  The full loop, or the out-and-back provides complete views of the Columbia River Gorge. The main parking area is the Skamania County Public Transit Park and Ride. The trail then begins at the clearly marked trail on the west side of Salmon Falls Road. Take the first fork to the right (the upper trail) near the start of the trail to begin. Once you cross a small creek you will begin the steepest climb of the entire loop/out and back. Go for 1.2 miles and you will reach the first overlook. Continue up switchbacks to see views of Hamilton Mountain, Beacon Rock, and Angels Rest. Continue for another 1-2 miles and you will arrived at a wonderful viewpoint for lunch!

• Hamilton Mountain
  Drive from Portland: 60 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.4 miles | Elevation: 2100 ft | Rating: Moderate
  Even though Hamilton Mountain is considered Washington, this is a worthy hike to add to your list. This hike is beautiful, challenging, and fun with lots of waterfalls to spot on the way. It also makes for a great trail running path! This does require some slight scrambling at the end and can b a very challenging hike for me to complete with my dog as he is a little hyper and crazy and the end of this hike requires some slight scrambling.
  Finally, after a long hike, soak your feet or body in Dougan Falls and grab a drink at 54-40 brewing

• Beacon Rock Hike
  Drive from Portland: 60 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 1.8 miles | Elevation: 680 ft | Rating: Moderate
  First of all, this hike is considered to be in Washington but should definitely be added to your list of hikes as it is near Hood River. Beacon Rock Trail was built between 1915-1918 making it one of the oldest trails in the area. This hike and park has an iconic monolith (singular piece of rock), that was once a volcanic core, currently standing 848-feet high and earns its name as a distinctive hike within the Columbia River Gorge.
  This hike consists of over 50 switchbacks on a primarily cement trail with occasional wooden bridges. There is metal stair railing around the pavement for those who are afraid of hikes and makes one feel safer. Coming from Portland you will need to pass the Bridge of Gods and pay a $2 toll there and back. Get your money’s worth with adding in Hamilton Mountain or continuing to explore that side of the Gorge! After your done hiking, finally soak your feet in Dougan Falls and grab a drink at 54-40 brewing!

• Coyote Wall
  Drive from Portland: 1:30 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.8 miles | Elevation: 1775 ft | Rating: Moderate
  Coyote Wall is a classic definition of “hiking in the Gorge.” It is a trail filled with many mountain bikers and hikers, as well as dogs and families! As most of this hike is on a cliff, I would suggest keeping your little ones and dogs nearby however they are allowed off leash for half the year on certain trails! On this hike you can be prepared to find expansive cliffside views, the grassy slopes and oak woodlands, spring wildflowers, and wind!
  Finally, after a beautiful hike or mountain biking trail stop by the super cute town of Hood River and visit one of the many breweries, restaurants, wineries and check out the kite surfers!

• Bald Mountain from Lolo Pass
  Drive from Portland: 1:15 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 6.6 miles | Elevation: 1400 ft | Rating: Moderate
  I love suggesting this hike as it is one of the less traveled hikes in the area. From the Lolo Pass Trailhead, follow the Pacific Crest Trail to the summit of Bald Mountain. Bald Mountain from Lolo Pass can
  Finally, on your way back from Lolo Pass check out Koya Kitchen for some amazing Indian Asian fusion!

• McNeil Point
  Drive from Portland: 2 hours
  Hiking Distance: 10 miles | Elevation: 2726 ft | Rating: Challenging
  McNeil Point Trail leaves from the Top Spur trailhead. Initially, you will be walking in covered trees alongside Bald Mountain. Soon after, you will be above tree line sweating along the steep incline so have sunscreen on before hand. This is indeed a challenging hike with stunning views of Mt Hood up close. On a clear day you will see Mr. Adams and Mt. Rainier from afar while enjoying lunch at the McNeil Point old rock shelter.

• Tilly Jane Trail
  Drive from Portland: 1:45 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 5.3 miles | Elevation: 1900 ft | Rating: Challenging

• Cape Falcon
  Hiking Distance: 4.8 miles | Elevation: 160 ft | Rating: Easy
  Officially one of my favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast, Cape Falcon definitely will wow you with summit views. On a lucky day you may see whales from the summit! Moreover, if you’re feel extra adventurous and ready for a full day you can pair this with mountain biking at L.L “Stub Stewart” State Park and end the day at MacGregors Whiskey Bar in Manzanita.

• Catherine Creek
  Drive from Portland: 1:20 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 2 miles | Elevation: 400 ft | Rating: Easy
  Catherine Creek is a must do for beginners seeking beautiful views of the Columbia Gorge. This is a family friendly hike so bring the beginners and the little ones. This used to be a cattle ranch so expect wide open spaces, but dogs must be leashed! First to note if coming from Portland, you will need to pay $2 to cross the Hood River Bridge. Next, best time to visit in spring for the wildflower display!

• Dog Mountain
  Drive from Portland: 1:10 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.4 miles | Elevation: 2800 ft | Rating: Challenging
  This hike is considered in Washington, but popular for Portlanders wanting to take their hiking skills to the next level. Dog mountain seems to be that one trail that is never easy, no matter how many times you climb it! Great trainer for cardio and endurance to get to that next level of fitness and goals. You often see people training on this hike with their backpacking bags filled to the brim. You will find a new and old trail with the preference on the new “easier” route! Finally, as you make your descent down and start driving back, make sure to stop by Backwoods Brewing for a well deserved drink and pizza!
  Additionally, as of 2020 you will need to reserve a permit ahead of time during peak wildflower season (Sat/Sun April 23-June 12).

• Kings Mountain or Elk-Kings Traverse
  Drive from Portland: 50 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.4 miles | Elevation: 2800 ft | Rating: Challenging
  Here, I will talk about Kings Mountain specifically as this is more doable for moderate hikers or those wanting to challenge themselves. First to note, Kings Mountain is definitely one to push your cardio limits. From the beginning to the end, you will curse and wonder why you are summiting, but it will be worth it! Remember, one foot in front of the other. For most of this hike, you’re in the tree line and covered. The only place the summit views open up is at the top, so keep pushing! Once you have parked, there is only one trail from the trailhead so it is straight forward to navigate. If you want a more strenuous option, the trail continues: please see here for Elk-Kings Traverse. Elk-Kings Traverse is NOT for beginners and only recommended if you are comfortable with exposure and experience traversing technical routes.

• Silver Star Mountain
  Drive from Portland: 1:15 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 6.3 miles | Elevation: 2096 ft | Rating: Challenging
  Silver Star Mountain is a wonderful hike as it can be an amazing year round hike for snowshoers, 4x4ers and seasonal hikers! There is usually still snow at the top of the summit until mid-end June. This hike goes up at a steep gradient from the beginning and will get your heart pumping for the first mile. The path is always full of rocks so watch your footing. The summit is absolutely stellar.

• God’s Thumb
  Drive from Portland: 2 hours
  Hiking Distance: 3.3 miles | Elevation: 1131 ft | Rating: Moderate
  Importantly, this trail was a little tricky to find where to park so read for directions before hand! God’s thumb is one of my top 3 favorite hikes along the coast. The beginning is moderate and gets you nice and sweaty, but when you make it to the top you will feel like you’re in a whole different universe! This hike took 2.5 hours to complete, but took us about 30 minutes to even get to the trail head. Do NOT follow your GPS as this will NOT take you to the trail head but rather on private property and blocked entrances so READ the directions ahead of time.
  Importantly, the ONLY parking is here at NE Devil’s Lake Blvd… you could technically also park at the cement parking lot on the main road and then walk a half mile or so down the gravel road which is what we did. However, the NE Devil’s Lake Blvd is the official parking area, but you won’t see much signage. It’s an empty cul-de-sac. Finally, you’ll see signs for The Knoll, but there won’t be any mention of God’s Thumb until further up the hike so keep on the trail head!
  Moreover, if you complete this hike during certain sections of the year, expect mud! This hike has views of luscious grassy thumb-like cliff (hence the name, God’s Thumb) with exposed views of endless oceans and Lincoln City! When you are near the summit you will find the hike gets a bit more narrow and exposed with some crumbly scrambling at the tippy top for about 10-20 seconds, but then you will reach the summit and it will all be worth it!

• Paradise Park Hike Starting at Timberline Lodge Trailhead
  Drive from Portland: 1:10 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 12.1 miles | Elevation: 23000 ft | Rating: Difficult
  Paradise Park Hike is one of the most extensive and beautiful alpine areas on Mount Hood, and is a classic hike. Paradise Park is best known for its wildflower displays in July and August and you don’t even need to go that far from Timberline Lodge to see! Of note, often times you will see crowds starting at Timberline Lodge but thin out beyond the point of Zigzag Canyon/Zigzag overlook hike

• Zigzag Overlook Hike Starting at Timberline Lodge Trailhead
  Drive from Portland: 1:10 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 4.4 miles | Elevation: 800 ft | Rating: Easy
  Refer above.

• Cooper Spur starting at Cloud Cap Inn Parking lot or Tilly Jane Sno Park Trailhead
  Drive from Portland: 1:50 minutes
  Hiking Distance: 7.1 miles | Elevation: 2680 ft | Rating: Moderate
  At 8,510 ft, you can view the Eliot Glacier on the top of Cooper Spur. It’s the highest point on the mountain that can be reached via trail. First, This hike begins at the Cloud Cap Trailhead. It can be used year round as many people snow shoe this trail during the winter. Additionally, expect snow to still remain on the trail until end of June.

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