Fall Hikes Near Portland
Admire autumn leaves and migratory wildlife on these popular local treks.
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.
Hiking Around 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.
Explore Local Wildlife
Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon)
The Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) is a great starting place for hiking Forest Park and (of course) bird-watching.
Bird-Watching in Portland
Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area’s dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.
Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes
Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.
Outdoor Events
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