Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

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Oregon’s famous Multnomah Falls is especially gorgeous when it’s partially frozen.

Credit: D. Paul Angel via Flickr

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

It’s well worth braving the elements for these beautiful walks.

Updated May 11, 2024 3 min read

Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

In Portland, hiking isn’t an occasional summer activity — it’s a way of life. On any given winter weekend, thousands of locals lace up their waterproof hiking boots, zip rain jackets over their down vests and hit the trails. Ready to join them? These Portland-area paths are perfect for all-weather adventures.

In Portland

Hoyt Arboretum

Home to more than 2,000 tree and shrub species, Hoyt Arboretum is tucked into the west side of Washington Park, only 2 miles (3.2 km) west of downtown, and is easily accessible by bus or light rail. As you stroll along 12 miles (19.3 km) of hiking trails, look for seasonal highlights like evergreen holly, corkscrew hazel, blooming wintersweet and budding magnolias. Stop inside the arboretum’s visitor center for free maps and guides to all the glorious flora.

Macleay Park

This is Portland, so, naturally, you can take public transit straight to a trailhead! Part of Northwest Portland’s sprawling, 5,100-acre (2,063.9-ha) Forest Park, this lush woodland area is open year-round. Hike from Lower Macleay, passing a unique WPA-era structure (known to locals as the “Witch’s Castle”) and the Portland Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, to century-old Pittock Mansion for panoramic views of the city and a fascinating local history lesson. Don’t expect a leisurely stroll — the path climbs 600 feet (183 m) to the top.

Mt. Tabor Park

On sunny winter afternoons, legions of locals stretch their legs at Mt. Tabor Park in residential Southeast Portland. An extinct volcano dotted with open-air reservoirs, the park offers several wide, winding trails to the summit and two playgrounds where little ones can burn off any extra energy. Looking to burn a few extra calories yourself? The series of stairs found at the Southeast 69th Avenue & Southeast Yamhill Street entrance is better than a StairMaster.

Hiking Around Portland

Find perfect hikes and walks for every situation, setting and time of year.

More Outdoors

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.

Soft Hiking in Portland

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

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.

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.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

Winter Walks in Portland

Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.

Near Portland

Multnomah Falls

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Oregon’s highest falls, located 30 miles (48.3 km) from Portland and popular year-round. A short climb to the Benson Bridge awards visitors with picture-perfect views of the 620-foot (189-m) Multnomah Falls, while more ambitious trekkers can climb all the way to the top. Dress warmly for the waterfall’s spray and cross your fingers for a cold day — the falls are even more beautiful when they’re partially frozen.

Before you head out, check with the United States Forest Service (USFS) for the most up-to-date information on alerts, conditions and trail closures.

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

A quick 25-minute drive from downtown delivers adventurers to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,856-acre (751.1-ha) wetlands sanctuary southwest of Portland. A 3.7-mile (6-km) graded gravel trail entices bird-watchers to brave the elements. During winter months, up to 50,000 waterfowl can be spotted on a single day.

Salmon River Trail

Experienced hikers highly recommend the Mount Hood National Forest’s Salmon River Trail, about an hour east of Portland, where majestic old-growth forests transform into a winter wonderland. Frozen ferns, icy eddies and towering Douglas firs provide spectacular scenery. Multiple access points allow for hikes as short as 1 mile (1.6 km) or as long as 8 miles (12.9 km). Pro tip: If you’re planning a longer hike, bring shoe chains or spikes to prevent any slips.

Where to Go

Learn more about outdoor destinations you can explore right inside the city.

More Parks

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

Washington Park

Beyond picnics and verdant strolls, Washington Park offers up a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, an arboretum, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all lined by one of the largest urban forests, Forest Park.

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.