Dirt Alert: 3 Fantastic In-Town Hikes in Portland, OR
The secret is out! Oregon is full of natural beauty. The best part? You don’t even have to leave Portland to experience it. No matter where in Portland you are, there’s a nearby park where you can get your nature fix.
These are three of my favorites for hiking or trail running. Mt. Tabor and Powell Butte are shorter hikes while Forest Park has over 80 miles of exploration worthy trails, service roads, and fire lanes.
1. Mt. Tabor
The Basics
Trailhead: Multiple including Mt. Tabor Visitor Center
Mt. Tabor Maps
Mt. Tabor Hikes on AllTrails
Must Do
Get your heart racing by climbing the 282 stairs from the bottom of the park to the top. Watch (or join) fit locals as they lunge, jump, and do running repeats up the stairs.
Photos of Mt. Tabor
2. Forest Park
Trailhead: 19+ Trailheads. Click to view them.
Forest Park Maps
Forest Park Hikes on AllTrails
Must Do
Hike lower Macleay Trail to Pittock Mansion. Enjoy a bubbling stream, forest, and some climbing to the scenic Pittock mansion ground where you can view the city, and on a clear day Mt. Hood and other Cascade Mountains. Try to go early or late in the day if you want to avoid crowds, this hike’s beauty has gained it a lot of popularity.
Photos of Forest Park
3. Powell Butte
The Basics
Trailhead: Multiple including Powell Butte Nature Park Visitor Center
Powell Butte Map
Powell Butte Hikes on AllTrails
Must Do
Check out the mountain viewer on the butte that points out surrounding geography mountain ranges like Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Tabor.
Photos of Powell Butte
Gear Check!
Even though these Portland, Oregon hikes are in-town hikes, don’t forget these basics:
Trail shoes (boots, hikers, or joggers), ideally with water resistance or water proofing. It rains a lot in Portland which means even when its not raining wet, muddy ground is common. My go-to trail shoe brands are: KEEN and Brooks for trail shoes.
Waterproof jacket. Again, it rains a lot in Portland. Go lightweight so you can tie it around your waste or stash it during rain breaks. Northface makes great waterproof jackets like these ones.
Water Bottle, or Hydration Backpack. Particularly for longer treks, particularly in summer when it can get downright H-O-T. I am loyal to Camelbak for hydration packs.
Share the beta! Do you have a favorite Portland hike that’s not listed? Drop it in the comments below, and maybe I’ll see you on the trail one of these days!
Pick Your Favorite & Pin It for Later
