Oregon’s beauty is unparalleled, but it’s easy to take it for granted. So we challenge you to make hiking a priority, by tackling a trail for each month of the year. With so many beautiful trails around the Beaver State, the world really is our oyster when it comes to epic hikes. So we narrowed it down to 12 of the best hikes in Oregon, highlighting peak seasonal splendor and scenic views, designed to be taken over the course of a year.

  1. January: Lower, Middle, and Upper Rosary Lakes

Steve Liu/Alltrails Start the year off with a snowshoe hike through the forest. It’s peaceful and quiet here in this winter wonderland. The trail is seven miles out and back, and rated as easy. Rosary Lakes, Oregon 97733, USA

  1. February: Tamolitch Blue Pool via McKenzie River Trail

Sarah Martens/Alltrails The Tamolitch Blue Pool is a popular spot, and that’s no surprise. It’s an easy hike with a beautiful, clear blue pool. There’s enough foot traffic on this trail that you don’t need snowshoes, but you might want to bring along some traction cleats in case it’s icy. McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, USA

  1. March: Spencer Butte

Larry Haverstock/Alltrails The 1.7-mile trail to Spencer Butte is a popular hike in Eugene. If it’s not muddy, try the more difficult route up, otherwise take the easy route. You’ll love the views from the top! Spencer Butte, Oregon 97405, USA

  1. April: Rowena Plateau Trail

Brent YC Fernandez/Alltrails When its wildflowers you want, head to the Rowena Plateau. The trail is a short, easy two-mile loop, and in the spring it’s just bursting with blooms. Get ready for a full-on “Sound of Music” moment! Rowena Plateau Trail, Oregon 97040, USA

  1. May: Trillium Lake Trail

Kenny Hung/Moment Collection via Getty Images Trillium Lake is one of Oregon’s most-photographed spots. On a clear, calm day, the reflection of Mt. Hood is like a mirror, and photographers are in heaven here. The trail is an easy 1.9-mile loop. Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761, Oregon 97028, USA

  1. June: Mount Scott Trail

Kristi Hill/Alltrails The Mount Scott Trail at Crater Lake National Park isn’t usually crowded, even on a summer day. It’s a bit steep, with a 1,259 elevation change, but the views at the top are worth the effort. Mount Scott, Mt Scott, Oregon, USAMt Scott, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

  1. July: Cape Meares Lighthouse Loop

nayyef Hrebid/Alltrails Feeling lazy in the summer heat? Head to Cape Meares. The Lighthouse Loop is just a half-mile, and it includes a waterfall view, stunning ocean views, and one of Oregon’s quirkiest natural wonders: the Octopus Tree. Cape Meares Lighthouse Drive, Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr, Cape Meares, OR 97141, USA

  1. August: Tumalo Falls

Drew Parsons/Alltrails For an easy summer hike that’s perfect for the whole family, choose Tumalo Falls. It’s just a short two-mile hike to the viewing platform and back, but you can extend the adventure by taking the loop to Happy Valley (an eight-mile hike). Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA

  1. September: Neahkahnie Mountain

Brandon Sawaya/Photodisc Collection via Getty Images The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is less crowded after the tourists go home for the season, so put this one on your calendar for after Labor Day. The view from the top is iconic Oregon Coast. Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon 97131, USA

  1. October: Trail of Ten Falls

Missy Swallow/Alltrails The breathtaking 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is a favorite any time of year, but when the fall foliage is in its full splendor, it’s even better. Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA

  1. November: Salmon River Trail

Barbara Pierce/Alltrails The full Salmon River Trail loop is 25.7 miles, but there’s a short option that’s only 7.6 miles. The trail takes you along the river, and has some beautiful views. Salmon River Trail #742, Salmon Riv Trail #742, Oregon, USA

  1. December: Salt Creek Falls

joshuaraineyphotography/iStock via Getty Images The 3.5-mile Salt Creek Falls Trail is often crowded during summer months, but it’s much more quiet and peaceful in the winter. When it’s snowy, bring your snowshoes and be prepared to park at the Sno Park just down the road from the trailhead. The view of the 286-foot-tall waterfall from the platform is definitely photo-worthy. Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA

So tell us: how many of the above treks have you tackled before? What are your picks for the best hikes in Oregon? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Steve Liu/Alltrails

Start the year off with a snowshoe hike through the forest. It’s peaceful and quiet here in this winter wonderland. The trail is seven miles out and back, and rated as easy.

Rosary Lakes, Oregon 97733, USA

Sarah Martens/Alltrails

The Tamolitch Blue Pool is a popular spot, and that’s no surprise. It’s an easy hike with a beautiful, clear blue pool. There’s enough foot traffic on this trail that you don’t need snowshoes, but you might want to bring along some traction cleats in case it’s icy.

McKenzie River Trail, McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, USA

Larry Haverstock/Alltrails

The 1.7-mile trail to Spencer Butte is a popular hike in Eugene. If it’s not muddy, try the more difficult route up, otherwise take the easy route. You’ll love the views from the top!

Spencer Butte, Oregon 97405, USA

Brent YC Fernandez/Alltrails

When its wildflowers you want, head to the Rowena Plateau. The trail is a short, easy two-mile loop, and in the spring it’s just bursting with blooms. Get ready for a full-on “Sound of Music” moment!

Rowena Plateau Trail, Oregon 97040, USA

Kenny Hung/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Trillium Lake is one of Oregon’s most-photographed spots. On a clear, calm day, the reflection of Mt. Hood is like a mirror, and photographers are in heaven here. The trail is an easy 1.9-mile loop.

Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761, Oregon 97028, USA

Kristi Hill/Alltrails

The Mount Scott Trail at Crater Lake National Park isn’t usually crowded, even on a summer day. It’s a bit steep, with a 1,259 elevation change, but the views at the top are worth the effort.

Mount Scott, Mt Scott, Oregon, USAMt Scott, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

nayyef Hrebid/Alltrails

Feeling lazy in the summer heat? Head to Cape Meares. The Lighthouse Loop is just a half-mile, and it includes a waterfall view, stunning ocean views, and one of Oregon’s quirkiest natural wonders: the Octopus Tree.

Cape Meares Lighthouse Drive, Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr, Cape Meares, OR 97141, USA

Drew Parsons/Alltrails

For an easy summer hike that’s perfect for the whole family, choose Tumalo Falls. It’s just a short two-mile hike to the viewing platform and back, but you can extend the adventure by taking the loop to Happy Valley (an eight-mile hike).

Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA

Brandon Sawaya/Photodisc Collection via Getty Images

The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is less crowded after the tourists go home for the season, so put this one on your calendar for after Labor Day. The view from the top is iconic Oregon Coast.

Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon 97131, USA

Missy Swallow/Alltrails

The breathtaking 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is a favorite any time of year, but when the fall foliage is in its full splendor, it’s even better.

Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA

Barbara Pierce/Alltrails

The full Salmon River Trail loop is 25.7 miles, but there’s a short option that’s only 7.6 miles. The trail takes you along the river, and has some beautiful views.

Salmon River Trail #742, Salmon Riv Trail #742, Oregon, USA

joshuaraineyphotography/iStock via Getty Images

The 3.5-mile Salt Creek Falls Trail is often crowded during summer months, but it’s much more quiet and peaceful in the winter. When it’s snowy, bring your snowshoes and be prepared to park at the Sno Park just down the road from the trailhead. The view of the 286-foot-tall waterfall from the platform is definitely photo-worthy.

Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA

If you’re looking for some gorgeous waterfall trails in Oregon, check out this extensive list.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Oregon April 10, 2022 Sarah M. Where are some of the best under-the-radar hikes in Oregon? Oregon is positively teeming with natural beauty and splendor, but there are certain places, like Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park, that can get quite crowded as a result. If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path trails to tackle in Oregon, you’ll be pleased to learn that some are actually hiding practically in plain sight! Portland’s Forest Park is so large and secluded, in fact, that you can actually find a little bit of peace and quiet here. Hop on the 29-mile-long trail at any of its entry points, and enjoy some of the most incredible views of Rose City. We’re partial to stopping at Pittock Mansion, which offers sweeping views of downtown Portland and beyond. Over on the Oregon Coast, there’s a secret beach that takes a bit of effort to reach, but it’s well-worth it! Where is this hidden gem? The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile forested park with a rugged, steep coastline full of small sand beaches. Secret Beach is one of the corridor’s numerous beaches, but as its name implies, finding this hidden treasure isn’t easy. This little oasis is nestled on the northernmost end of the corridor, and the easiest way to access it is via the Secret Beach Trail. This off-the-beaten-path beach makes for the perfect day trip adventure. If under-the-radar waterfall hikes are your thing, these nine cascades will have you swooning! On the list, we’re partial to the hikes to Pup Creek Falls, Koosah Falls, and Upper Butte Creek Falls; this trio of cascades are all easy-access and incredibly lovely. And nestled in Oregon’s North Cascades, Upper Downing Creek Falls is a true treasure. Even though Upper Downing Creek is one of Oregon’s most majestic waterfalls, few people know it exists. The waterfall can be a bit challenging to get to, but it is truly stunning and well-worth seeking out. The one-mile, out-and-back Downing Creek Trail follows the eponymous creek, and packs a real scenic punch.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Oregon

April 10, 2022

Sarah M.

Where are some of the best under-the-radar hikes in Oregon? Oregon is positively teeming with natural beauty and splendor, but there are certain places, like Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park, that can get quite crowded as a result. If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path trails to tackle in Oregon, you’ll be pleased to learn that some are actually hiding practically in plain sight! Portland’s Forest Park is so large and secluded, in fact, that you can actually find a little bit of peace and quiet here. Hop on the 29-mile-long trail at any of its entry points, and enjoy some of the most incredible views of Rose City. We’re partial to stopping at Pittock Mansion, which offers sweeping views of downtown Portland and beyond. Over on the Oregon Coast, there’s a secret beach that takes a bit of effort to reach, but it’s well-worth it! Where is this hidden gem? The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile forested park with a rugged, steep coastline full of small sand beaches. Secret Beach is one of the corridor’s numerous beaches, but as its name implies, finding this hidden treasure isn’t easy. This little oasis is nestled on the northernmost end of the corridor, and the easiest way to access it is via the Secret Beach Trail. This off-the-beaten-path beach makes for the perfect day trip adventure. If under-the-radar waterfall hikes are your thing, these nine cascades will have you swooning! On the list, we’re partial to the hikes to Pup Creek Falls, Koosah Falls, and Upper Butte Creek Falls; this trio of cascades are all easy-access and incredibly lovely. And nestled in Oregon’s North Cascades, Upper Downing Creek Falls is a true treasure. Even though Upper Downing Creek is one of Oregon’s most majestic waterfalls, few people know it exists. The waterfall can be a bit challenging to get to, but it is truly stunning and well-worth seeking out. The one-mile, out-and-back Downing Creek Trail follows the eponymous creek, and packs a real scenic punch.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Oregon is positively teeming with natural beauty and splendor, but there are certain places, like Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park, that can get quite crowded as a result. If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path trails to tackle in Oregon, you’ll be pleased to learn that some are actually hiding practically in plain sight! Portland’s Forest Park is so large and secluded, in fact, that you can actually find a little bit of peace and quiet here. Hop on the 29-mile-long trail at any of its entry points, and enjoy some of the most incredible views of Rose City. We’re partial to stopping at Pittock Mansion, which offers sweeping views of downtown Portland and beyond. Over on the Oregon Coast, there’s a secret beach that takes a bit of effort to reach, but it’s well-worth it! Where is this hidden gem? The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile forested park with a rugged, steep coastline full of small sand beaches. Secret Beach is one of the corridor’s numerous beaches, but as its name implies, finding this hidden treasure isn’t easy. This little oasis is nestled on the northernmost end of the corridor, and the easiest way to access it is via the Secret Beach Trail. This off-the-beaten-path beach makes for the perfect day trip adventure.

If under-the-radar waterfall hikes are your thing, these nine cascades will have you swooning! On the list, we’re partial to the hikes to Pup Creek Falls, Koosah Falls, and Upper Butte Creek Falls; this trio of cascades are all easy-access and incredibly lovely. And nestled in Oregon’s North Cascades, Upper Downing Creek Falls is a true treasure. Even though Upper Downing Creek is one of Oregon’s most majestic waterfalls, few people know it exists. The waterfall can be a bit challenging to get to, but it is truly stunning and well-worth seeking out. The one-mile, out-and-back Downing Creek Trail follows the eponymous creek, and packs a real scenic punch.