Ramble On: 10 Easy Fall Hikes in Oregon
Michele Coppola
50plus Magazine
HIKING IS KIND OF A RELIGION IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, and particularly Oregon, where natural beauty is ubiquitous. But even if you’re not among the hiking faithful, or your body can’t make like a mountain goat these days, there are still plenty of beautiful, accessible rambles in our backyard to enjoy.
Below are 10 relatively short, sweat-worthy, but gentle-on-the-body hikes in our region to enjoy. Grab a daypack and go!
EUGENE AREA
Elk Trail at Elijah Bristo State Park
1.6-mile loop
Really, you can’t go wrong with any of the trails at this beautiful 847-acre park on the Willamette River, and all are easily accessed inside the park. This one is almost entirely flat, great for families, and dogs are welcome!
Sweet Creek Falls Trail
2.2 miles out and back from Homestead Trailhead
About an hour and 15 minutes west of Eugene in Mapleton, this off-the-beaten track hike is worth a little driving as it packs plenty of waterfalls into a mostly level hike. For a shorter stroll, start at the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead.
SALEM AREA
Valley of the Giants Loop
1.4 miles
There are few places left with this kind of majestic old-growth forest. While the trail is fairly easy, do watch for exposed roots that can trip you up. Accessing the trailhead near Falls City can be a bit of a (fun) challenge, so best to refer to turn-by-turn directions on the Oregon Hikers website: oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Valley_of_the_Giants_Trailhead
McDowell Creek Falls Loop
1.6-mile loop
If you have bad knees, this might not be your hike.
While it’s fairly short, elevation is moderate with lots of pretty waterfalls, wooden steps and platforms. Beware of slick paths from moss and waterfall spray. Find the trailhead near Lebanon at McDowell Creek Falls County Park, and take a picture of the map at the trailhead before you start.
PORTLAND/MT HOOD AREA
Forest Park-Skyline Cruise Loop Trail
2.8-mile loop
Go on a clear day to fully enjoy the views. Access the trailhead on the west side of NW Skyline Blvd near
Skyview Dr. Bring bug spray!
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
This trail is 22.4 mostly flat, paved miles of converted rail line in western Washington County, but short jaunts are possible between various trailheads that pass through woodlands, farms, over old trestles and along wetlands. Plan your route using the trail map here: stateparks.oregon.gov
Wahclella Falls
2.4 miles out & back
This absolutely gorge-ous hike right off I-84 is a must for waterfall lovers. En route to the main attraction, you’ll be cooled by spray from a smaller slide waterfall along the path. Take the Bonneville Dam exit (#40) and bear right twice to reach the trailhead.
Rowena Plateau
2 miles round trip
Another nice gorge hike with great views. Spectacular with wildflowers in spring. Take 84 east to Mosier exit 69, then travel 6 miles to Rowena Crest Viewpoint
and trailhead.
Little ZigZag Falls Trail
.6 mile out & back
Meander by the little ZigZag River to a nice waterfall
where you can climb down and wade in the water. The trailhead off Hwy 26 is 5 miles east of Rhododendron on Camp Kiwanas Road.
Trillium Lake Loop
1.8 miles round trip
Essentially flat, with a great view of Mt Hood, plus a lake for cooling off. Find the trailhead on the east side of the dam at Trillium Lake Campground, off Hwy 26 near Mt. Hood.
Before You Go
The hiking in our area is so Instagram-worthy that many trailheads are crowded on weekends. Try going on a weekday and check ahead to ensure you have any needed passes, fees or reservations.