Fall Hikes Near Portland

Admire autumn leaves and migratory wildlife on these popular local treks.

Updated Oct. 6, 2024 2 min read

Zelos Marchandt

Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program. Read More

Portland earns praise for its perfect summers, but fall might be the best time to experience the Northwest’s natural beauty. Emerald-leaved trees seem to catch fire in slow motion as temperatures cool, and northern breezes tease out autumnal displays of gold and red. Meanwhile, wild critters in water and on land are easily spotted through the thinning flora as they prepare for winter. Hiking is one of the best ways to drink in the region’s beauty; read on for three great fall hikes near Portland.

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

a path leads toward a large observation deck among ferns and towering trees

Hoyt Arboretum: Portland’s Museum of Trees

Hoyt Arboretum is Portland’s “living museum of trees” — and is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 12 miles (19.3 km) of hiking trails in Washington Park near downtown Portland.

a girl in a wheelchair on nature trail with a man and a dog

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities for everybody, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trails.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

person walking among tall evergreen trees in a wooden trail

Soft Hiking in Portland

A collection of accessible soft hikes perfect for leisurely strolls, low-impact exercise and lots of meandering dilly-dallying.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

A century ago, a mighty railroad curved over the hills northwest of Portland, hugging ravines and cutting across creeks. Today, 21 miles (34 m) of the dismantled railroads have been transformed into the scenic, multi-use Banks-Vernonia Trail. Six trailheads give hikers (and cyclists, joggers and horseback riders) plenty of opportunities to customize their route. Each path is lined with deciduous trees (think cottonwood, Oregon ash, red alder, big-leaf maple, and sour cherry) that display some of the most splendid fall hues in the region.

Punchbowl Falls and the Eagle Creek Trail

A 45-minute drive east of downtown Portland delivers hikers to the popular Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Autumn is a prime time to visit — not only to avoid the crowds but also to spot Chinook and coho salmon spawning near the mouth of the creek.

From the trail’s lower junction, follow the path about 2 miles (3.2 km) to one of Oregon’s most iconic sites, Punch Bowl Falls, named for the deep, bowl-shaped basin at the waterfall’s base.

On your way home, detour slightly to the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic drive that connects several family-owned farms offering apples, chestnuts and cider.

Warrior Point

Sauvie Island has so much to offer, including beaches, farms, wildlife areas, and trails that seem to go on forever. Every autumn, folks flock to the island to harvest pumpkins, take hayrides and wander through corn mazes at several local pumpkin patches.

Once you’ve had your fill of U-pick apples and fresh cider, visit the Warrior Rock Lighthouse Point Trailhead. The mostly flat path winds its way along the Columbia River and through the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. In the fall, you’ll see migrating sandhill cranes, snow geese, tundra swans, and Canada geese. After 3 miles (5 km), trekkers will arrive at the 16-foot (5 m) Warrior Rock Lighthouse, Oregon’s smallest lighthouse, on their way to Warrior Point at the island’s northern tip.