Oregon’s rail trails are the best way to explore large parts of the Beaver State, whether you travel on bike or on foot. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches for 20 miles through some of the state’s most charming rural landscapes, and you can choose your favorite section to hike. See for yourself why this is one of the best and most intriguing hikes in Oregon!

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon’s first rail trail, and it offers plenty of beauty, both natural and man-made.

B J Imagry/flickr

The Portland, Astoria, and Pacific Railroad built a rail line here back in 1913, and trains mainly hauled lumber, though some carried passengers and other freight. The line was abandoned in 1973.

Jason Stengren/Alltrails

Most of the trail is fairly level and paved, making it perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities.

John Russell/flickr

The trail is broken into five sections, making it more manageable for a day hike. Sections are between 5 and 10 miles long. You’ll pass some quiet, pastoral farmland…

Ben Riordan/Alltrails

…and you might even run into some wandering livestock!

Anita Perron/Alltrails

One of the best features of this trail is found in the Manning to Buxton section, where you’ll cross the Buxton Trestle. Enjoy gorgeous views of the forest from this higher perch.

Eric Bultez/Alltrails

The 100-foot-tall Tophill Trestle is another popular feature of the trail. The trestle burned in a 1986 fire, but is still standing.

Robert Ashworth/flickr

No matter which section you choose to hike or bike, you’ll find plenty of beauty here.

Paul Cole/flickr

If you want to explore the entire trail from Banks to Vernonia, consider bringing your bike. You can easily complete the trail in an afternoon.

JmMaxey/Tripadvisor

One you reach Vernonia, you can continue on along to Vernonia Lake, a peaceful quiet spot that’s perfect for picnicking.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife/Flickr

For detailed information about each section of this rail trail, visit the OregonHikers website and check out the Banks-Vernonia Traverse Hike page.

B J Imagry/flickr

Jason Stengren/Alltrails

John Russell/flickr

Ben Riordan/Alltrails

Anita Perron/Alltrails

Eric Bultez/Alltrails

Robert Ashworth/flickr

Paul Cole/flickr

JmMaxey/Tripadvisor

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife/Flickr

Have you had an opportunity to explore some or all of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail? Tell us all about your adventure! Don’t forget to share your photos from your outdoor adventures with us on our Oregon Nature Lovers group on Facebook for a chance to see them featured!

If you’d like to hike another of Oregon’s rail trails, you should check out the Row River Trail. And for more of the best hikes in Oregon, be sure to bookmark this article: 14 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Oregon Should Take.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Oregon April 08, 2022 Sarah M. What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Oregon? While the above Banks-Vernonia State Trail is certainly a stunner; at 20 miles long, it’s definitely a bit much for the casual hiker. But there are plenty of short-and-sweet trails in Oregon that are wonderful for hikers of all abilities, and we share some of our favorites in this article. Among those on the list, some of our favorites include: the Lost Lake Loop Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Sweet Creek Trail in Suislaw National Forest, the Mount Scott Trail in Crater Lake National Park, and the Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In fact, speaking of the Columbia River Gorge, there are numerous scenic treks found in this resplendent region of forests and waterfalls; so many, in fact, that you could spend days exploring and not even come close to experiencing all the trails and natural features this area has to offer! What are some hikes that lead to abandoned places in Oregon? If you enjoyed the above abandoned rail trail hike, you’ll definitely want to check out this trek near Portland that leads to the ruins of a real-life witch’s castle! The Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop is a 3.2-mile trail is located just outside Portland, and is a straightforward trek all can enjoy – provided you aren’t spooked by ghost stories! The trail is located in the Macleay Park, part of Portland’s beautiful Forest Park. This lovely little preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding… as well as a real-life witch’s castle. The story behind these Oregon ruins is one of high drama and heartache, and you can read all about it in this feature article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Oregon

April 08, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Oregon? While the above Banks-Vernonia State Trail is certainly a stunner; at 20 miles long, it’s definitely a bit much for the casual hiker. But there are plenty of short-and-sweet trails in Oregon that are wonderful for hikers of all abilities, and we share some of our favorites in this article. Among those on the list, some of our favorites include: the Lost Lake Loop Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Sweet Creek Trail in Suislaw National Forest, the Mount Scott Trail in Crater Lake National Park, and the Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In fact, speaking of the Columbia River Gorge, there are numerous scenic treks found in this resplendent region of forests and waterfalls; so many, in fact, that you could spend days exploring and not even come close to experiencing all the trails and natural features this area has to offer! What are some hikes that lead to abandoned places in Oregon? If you enjoyed the above abandoned rail trail hike, you’ll definitely want to check out this trek near Portland that leads to the ruins of a real-life witch’s castle! The Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop is a 3.2-mile trail is located just outside Portland, and is a straightforward trek all can enjoy – provided you aren’t spooked by ghost stories! The trail is located in the Macleay Park, part of Portland’s beautiful Forest Park. This lovely little preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding… as well as a real-life witch’s castle. The story behind these Oregon ruins is one of high drama and heartache, and you can read all about it in this feature article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

While the above Banks-Vernonia State Trail is certainly a stunner; at 20 miles long, it’s definitely a bit much for the casual hiker. But there are plenty of short-and-sweet trails in Oregon that are wonderful for hikers of all abilities, and we share some of our favorites in this article. Among those on the list, some of our favorites include: the Lost Lake Loop Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Sweet Creek Trail in Suislaw National Forest, the Mount Scott Trail in Crater Lake National Park, and the Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In fact, speaking of the Columbia River Gorge, there are numerous scenic treks found in this resplendent region of forests and waterfalls; so many, in fact, that you could spend days exploring and not even come close to experiencing all the trails and natural features this area has to offer!

What are some hikes that lead to abandoned places in Oregon?

If you enjoyed the above abandoned rail trail hike, you’ll definitely want to check out this trek near Portland that leads to the ruins of a real-life witch’s castle! The Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop is a 3.2-mile trail is located just outside Portland, and is a straightforward trek all can enjoy – provided you aren’t spooked by ghost stories! The trail is located in the Macleay Park, part of Portland’s beautiful Forest Park. This lovely little preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding… as well as a real-life witch’s castle. The story behind these Oregon ruins is one of high drama and heartache, and you can read all about it in this feature article.