1. Abiqua Falls | Scotts Mills, Oregon
If you’re looking for a place to escape, with no cell reception, a quick 2 and half mile hike, and formations that could only be made from mother nature herself… Abiqua Falls is the place for you. A 92 foot fall, secluded and tucked away for only the adventurous. Pack a lunch, blanket, water, a book, a swimsuit (depending on the time of year) and a camera. You will not regret it.
Disclaimer; this is not an easy place to find, with virtually no road markers and an extremely rough terrain to drive over, I recommend a truck/car with 4 wheel drive. 100% worth it. ALSO: Please do not start a fire. My sister and I stumbled upon this one already lit and simply enjoyed it for what it was. Never leave a human trace when exploring and admiring Oregon’s beauty.
2. Smith Rock | Terrebonne, Oregon
If you haven’t seen the movie Wild yet with Reese Witherspoon, then you probably have no idea that this breathtakingly beautiful hike is used in the background during a scene in the movie. It comes as no surprise to me, being my all time second favorite hike in Oregon, located just 20 miles from Bend. I recommend starting early and completing the Misery Ridge Loop Hike. This hike is not meant for the weak, if explored during the summer, pack plenty of water and get a head start before the crowds come. Glorious views at the top, nothing short of a workout, with rewarding sights at the top. Many take their dogs and a partner to enjoy this journey with.
3. Silver Creek Falls | Silverton, Oregon
With 10 waterfalls and more than 24 miles of walking trails, this hike might just have it all. Located just outside of Salem, Oregon, this state park is the largest in Oregon. Welcoming all people from beginners to advanced hikers. The South falls is the most visited out of them all. If you have the time, I highly recommend this hike for anyone ages 1-90. Chances are, if you go at a time where it’s not flooded with hikers, you may see deer, bats (at night) and spectacular waterfalls that you can enjoy all to yourself.
4. Angels Rest | Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Anywhere you may explore on the Gorge, I can promise you, will be a beautiful one. The Gorge is the hotspot for hikes bordering Washington and Oregon, ranging from the simplest of ones… to the tougher, mostly uphill challenges that will even leave the ‘strong and fit’ out of breath. I recently hiked Angels Rest for the first time last weekend with my sisters and even though it was fairly short (at around 5 miles in total, averaging about an hour and 20 up and back) it was harder than I had expected! It all depends on ones pace, but I was in no mood to slowly stroll along, I wanted to reach the top and soak in the views.
I would check the forecast before embarking on this hike. The view gazes over the Columbia River Gorge, and to fully experience the sights, it’s best to go on a clear, sunny day. Although, for amazing photographs, some would argue that it’s more ideal to go on a day with clouds and rain to get stunning pictures of Oregon’s spectacular beauty.
There were a ton of people at the top this sunny weekend, so plan accordingly if you want more seclusion. Regardless, sitting at number 4 for my favorite spring hike!
5. Opal Creek | Lyons, Oregon
This magical hike, just off of North Fork Rd, is a one worth checking out. The waters as blue and icy as New Zealand’s, and the air as crisp as Oregon trees and rivers constantly provide. This could easily be in my top 3 favorite hikes. There are simply too many amazing ones to correctly order! This hike is in a remote location, so it is wise to plan accordingly with food, drinks and a compass/map if you plan on doing the entire 7 mile, since cell service will likely not help you in terms of GPS availability. It is $5 for a day pass and I suggest leaving early (as you should in most all hikes). The trail is very simple, not much elevation and has a lot of history with abandoned sheds, old mining equipment and waterfalls and creeks in between. Such a gratifying hike!
6. Butte Creek Falls | Scotts Mills, Oregon
Not far from Abiqua Falls, lies a super charming, easy trail with a waterfall at the top and another promised at the bottom with a spectacular view of the autumn leaves if you go just shortly before winter kidnaps the full bodied full trees. A simple trail in only 2 miles in all it’s glory. I hiked this one alone and found it to be very relaxing and passed only two hikers on my way there and back. Definitely recommend it for a short, fun, effortless hike for countless opportunities for beautiful shots.
7. Triple Falls, Horsetail falls, Oneonta & Ponytail Falls | Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
I count these four as one since they are practically in the same trail if you continue on the Horsetail falls journey. It is an intermediate hike, can be as hard or easy as you want to depending on your stamina and pace. I chose this as my number 7 because it is located in the beautiful Gorge and is unlike anything I have experienced here in Oregon thus far.
8. Drift Creek Falls | Lincoln City, Oregon
With a 240 foot suspension bridge overlooking the falls, this short hike is definitely worth visiting. Just south of Lincoln City, this is a great, easy hike for all ages. At the very bottom of the hike, you can be feet away from the falls and feel the mist from the falls leave droplets on your face. Dog friendly and only 3 miles in duration, take advantage of a sunny day and bring a friend for this breezy one.
9. Mill Creek Falls | Prospect, Oregon
Found by accident, on a mission to see Crater Lake (failed because of the heavy snowfall), we found Mill Creek Falls along the Rogue river. Only about a half mile down from the trail, you will hear the falls and see thousands of trees and rocks surrounding a 173-foot waterfall in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Beautiful at nearly anytime of the year, close to the falls you will find an area with “giant boulders” and fresh blue rapids that will clear any mind from daily stressors. I plan on going back on my next mission to Crater Lake with a packed lunch and new tunes paired with a swimsuit and towel.
10. Spencer Butte | Eugene, Oregon
Last but not least, I have to mention my favorite college hike, Spencer Butte. The view is the tallest point visible from downtown Eugene. About 5 miles round trip, this one is easy to hike with friends, family or even alone. You can spend anywhere from an hour to 6, depending on your urgency. This hike brings back beautiful memories and offers a view of a flat, treeless, huge, lovely butte! And because I simply can’t resist, being in Eugene;
Go Ducks!!
These are my top spring hikes, I am adamantly searching for more hikes I have never explored, and with my new move to Portland, I couldn’t be more excited! If anyone needs further information on any of the hikes/trails/waterfalls, comment below and I’ll do my best to help!
And of course, if there are any I missed (because there are heaps in Oregon) I would love suggestions! Next on my list are one’s near the coast and waterfalls near Central Oregon.
Happy weekend and cheers to the beautiful state we reside in!
xx
B In Transition 
I couldn’t be more proud of you my daughter! Just let me know when you want to come see me in Mesa. You will definitely find some great hikes here. I’d love to show you Sedona! Love you, momma
Love Sedona area! I went there for a few weeks when I lived with my Australian host family, definitely coming to visit soon! Love you to mama :)
Wow,… Now I feel like I’m born in the wrong part of he world. Those trail look awesome! We need fasten and cheaper travelling.. Stunning pics btw and a great blog!
I’ll check in now and then to follow your latest t(r)ips and adventures! Perhaps some overnight hikes? Nothing more satisfying than lying in your tent after a long hike, fire in the background, listening to the waterfall..
Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed it. Definitely will have to post one on my favorite summer hikes with camping, fishing, campfires and smores very soon!!
I just love the hike to Devil’s Punchbowl at Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery in the Columbia Gorge. It is about a 3 mile round trip. So beautiful and the freezing cold water is so refreshing. To see the falls the best you have to trek the last little bit in the water.
I have yet to explore Eagle Creek which is hilarious to me because I’ve been adamantly searching for hikes on the Gorge the last few months. Hear this one is a definite must see!!
Make a long day of it. Farther out the trail are sections where the trail is carved out of the canyon wall. Tunnel Falls takes you behind the water. But that makes it a twelve or thirteen mile round trip.
If you hike no other trail in Oregon, you must hike the Eagle Creek trail from the hatchery to Twister Falls. It’s about 7 miles one way. I usually hit the trail between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM and can make it back to my car comfortably by 11:30 AM. Beautiful trail with tons of amazing waterfalls including the upper and lower Punchbowl Falls and the ever famous Tunnel Falls. Have to see it to appreciate it. There are also beautiful hikes around Mt. Hood, Sisters, Bend, Mt. Jefferson. Happy trails!!
Perfect!! Thanks so much for this, can’t wait to do this one.
Something to plan for the near future! I’m always looking for new places to hike. Abiqua Falls looks inviting!
Thanks for the post, B!
It is very worth it! My all time favorite hike so far!
Go Beavs!
Hahah okay, being from the state of Oregon, I will allow such a comment :)
Thank you for this site!!! My husband and I are gonna try a few of these!!! A nice hike also is Stahlman Pointe, Dertoit Oregon. Once you make it to the top…..beautiful.
Sorry….Detroit, Oregon….hee hee
Absolutely! Glad you like it! I will have to check out the Stahlman Pointe hike, I go to Detroit every summer for camping so definitely in my familiar area :) thank you!!
You should try Valley of the giant
Will have to google that one!
Love your blog! You are kindred spirit. Hiking, photography, writing, and into positive psychology too. Thanks for sharing. You are a great inspiration to me and even got me off the couch!
Lol.
Wow, thank you so much. This comment means more to me than you know. Glad to inspire you to get moving and thanks for inspiring me to keep writing and pursue my passion in positive psychology and writing along with my other favorite things in life (photography, hiking, etc) appreciate you!
I have started planning my next hike. Now for my daily run. Thanks!
There ya go! Love it!
Nice list! You should check out the future C2C trail. It is a rout planned from Corvallis to the coast (it comes out at Ona Beach) that is currently in the approval process with the Forest Service. There are show and tell hikes going on the next couple months where you can go on a portion of the future trail and see what it will be like. The next one is this coming Saturday leaving Corvallis at 8:00am. Email Louise for more details at patch1l@aol.com. She is coordinating the hikes.
How great is that! Thanks for the information, appreciate it!! :)
Spirit, Moon and Pinard falls….relatively unknown and easy hikes surrounded by old growth. They are beautiful! http://www.oregonhiking.com/oregon-adventures/100-hikes-in-the-central-oregon-cascades/hikes-in-the-willamette-foothills/spirit-moon-pinard-falls
Thank you for the link, checking it out now! :)
Spirit falls was our favorite of the 7 waterfalls my family visited last year. We hit it late in the day so didn’t make it up the road for the other two falls. About 7 miles near there are a couple of more falls at Trestle Creek.
Never heard of it! Thanks for the info :)
Those all look like amazing hikes! You should take a look at all the hikes along the North Umpqua river above Glide. Many are short but they are pretty nice along stops on your way to Crater Lake!
I tried Crater Lake one time during April of last year and man, it was a snowy mess and couldn’t see a thing!! Definitely checking those out when the weather gets warmer, thanks for the suggestion!!
Smith Rock State Park is not in Bend Oregon, it is in Terrebonne Oregon. These two towns are about 20 miles apart.
Thank you, just corrected it!!
Don’t forget, Jackson trail in Jacksonville Oregon, and lithia park trails in Ashland Oregon.
Oh perfect! I have yet to visit Ashland, putting that on my to do list! Thank you :)
Hike #1 is nice, but it is on private property and you should not be having a campfire down there. Leave no trace !!! Otherwise the Monks might put up no trespassing signs.
Calm down……..
I absolutely agree. I corrected my post and suggested people NOT to. I already responded to some pretty angry emails about this topic, this fire was already there when my sister and I showed up so we just appreciated it for what it was. As long as people are kind to nature and respecting the environment around them without leaving a trace, then more power to them!
Thanks for the concern :)
Thanks for editing it, didn’t want to be a jerk, at least you show respect for the falls, I always end up packing out beer cans when I go to Abiqua. Mt Angel Abbey owns the land and they have closed it before.
Absolutely, I didn’t intend any disrespect to nature at all. It’s the worst when people treat our beautiful state that way.
Adore this blog so so much thank you, fellow Oregonian hiker here! Thanks for sharing, I gotta check out these that I haven’t done so far. Yeah for Oregon, and it’s beauty!
Haha thank you!! And for backing me up too, I appreciate it :) wohoo Oregon!
Your very welcome it’s getting shared like crazy on my feed girl! Follow my blog back :) yes for rain…… Not lol!
These are so pretty I want to try all of them! You should definitely check out Blue Pool in Eugene!
I’ve seen pictures and I am so keen to see that one! Thanks for the recommendation!
Great suggestions and descriptions on these hikes. It will help me decide which ones to take my kiddos and dog along. This is the first time I have read your blog and the Sweet Creek Falls Trail near Mapleton on the way to Lincoln City from Eugene would be a good one to explore based on your likes from this post. It is loaded with waterfalls along the whole hike. This trail can be done all year long.
Thank you!! Appreciate the recommendation, I will for sure check these ones out, yay!
Sweet Creek falls is especially great this time of year when more water is coming down the creek
Great hiking ideas! One of my favorite places with amazing hiking trails is Multnomah Falls off I-84. Great view and great hiking!
Love that hike!! Such a good one to take people who have never been to Oregon! :)
Try Saddle mountain above Astoria or Table Rock up the Molalla.
Haven’t done either so will check these out!!
It is one hell of a view at table rock, and a nice one at saddle mountain if no fog at the beach.
Have you ever thought about visiting Golden and Silver Falls State Park? It’s beautiful up there.
I added silver creek falls but golden falls? Where’s that at?! :)
It’s actually all one name, one big park. It’s by Coos Bay.
How about Tumalo Falls in Bend, Oregon it has the 97 ft waterfall and a pretty simple trail :)
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/tumalo-falls-and-double-falls
I just recently hiked this one about 2 weeks ago! Was beautiful!! Good to do with family and beginner hikers as well. Good hike :)
I can’t wait to hike some of these! Also, I love the jacket you are wearing on the bridge for hike 8 (Drift Creek Falls in Lincoln City)… Do you know what brand/style it is?
Thank you! I just looked and it’s a simple, black North Face :) always take that on rainy hikes with me!
Highway 138 between Diamond Lake and Roseburg is known as the “Highway of Waterfalls”. The best ones are Toketee Falls and Watson Falls. Must see.
Toketee falls looks gorgeous! I love how many hikes Oregon has to offer. Simply amazing.
If you look at the last pic of the Smith Rock pics you can see some climbers just to the left of the gap. Most people know that Smith Rock is a place for rock climbing but a lot do not know that climbers from the world to climb there.
I also notice that all your hikes are central Oregon and north. A great spring hike is Mt McLoughlin located in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The hike is 10 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet. This is hike will take most people all day. Be careful on the way down as it can be hard to find the trail. Here is a link to the Oregon Hiking Trails web site for Mt McLoughlin.
http://www.oregontrails.com/page.aspx?id=12
Thank you for the link, will definitely check that one out. Thanks :)
I found your blog post on spring hikes on my FB page. I’ve been to eight of the 10 places. I just did Triple Falls this last weekend. In case you did not know, a landslide wiped out the trail about half way in. The detour is very steep, very rocky, and if it’s been raining, very muddy. I would suggest that only experienced hikers attempt the detour. Thanks, and good hiking to you!
Oh really?? That’s unfortunate!! Hopefully the trail will be mended again by summer. That’s so sad to hear! Thanks for the update. Happy hiking to you too!
Very beautiful hikes! The Mill Creek Falls area has 4 wonderful Waterfalls, The one pictured is actually Barr Creek Falls. Mill and Barr are very close together but its hard to see them both from one spot. On the other side of the river is Pearsony Falls. And just below the Bridge are Prospect Falls. Its one of my favorite places of all time,
Oh thank you for that!! I had never been there before and found it to be one of the most beautiful hidden places yet. Seriously gorgeous!!
http://visitmckenzieriver.com/oregon/item/tamolitch-falls-tamolitch-blue-pool/
Great post! Thanks for these suggestions. I’m new in the state and have been enjoying all the incredible hikes myself. Have you checked out Tamolitch (Blue) Pool? I also loved the hike at Cape Mears Point down to the beach and the sea caves there, as well as the dune at Kiwanda Point. Happy hiking!
Mary’s Peak. Killer view…..cool off trail hikes.
In Corvallis right? Will have to try it :)
National Falls between Crater Lake and Diamond Lake are beautiful too! You hike to the bottom of the falls.
Totally checking this one out!
you should try Table Rock out near Mollala. It’s a beautiful view on a clear day hiking to the top of table rock with many multiple mountain views. Very interesting hike as well with a variety of terrain.
I might suggest three falls that are in the same area. They are East of the Town of Dorena. I have done these a few times & they are dog friendly. Spirit Falls, Moon Falls & Pinard Falls. Pinard is my favorite.
Thank you!! Will have to try those!
I’ve heard of that hike! Will put that one on my to do list!!
Thank you for sharing! I moved to the central Oregon coast 2 years ago, but haven’t had the chance to explore much. As for your next adventures I recommend Sweet Creek falls in Mapleton and of course the hikes around Cape Perpetua. Cheers!
I’ve been to Cape Perpetua years ago and loved it!! Will have to try sweet creek falls :) thanks!
I love your list! Are there any hikes that you recommend for beginners, especially ones that can be done solo?
Tumalo falls in Bend is a really easy hike, a little bit longer at the moment with the parking area closed off but the hike is pretty flat and good for families or even alone! I loved beaver creek falls over by Abiqua Falls, super easy and short and I did that one by myself. It was simple and sweet. I would recommend most for beginners, just take your time and listen to your body when you’re tired and pack food and water!
Try Coquille River Falls in Powers, about an hour south of Coos Bay. I think there’s about 4 waterfalls and the trail leading there is easy to spot from the road. I believe you can find directions on line. We go during summer when it reaches 90’s and go swimming. It’s gorgeous!
Never heard of it! Will definitely check this one out during the summer, thanks!!
I must live way more remotely than I had realized. I always check out these lists to see if the trails by Kentucky Falls on the North Fork of the Smith River (near Reedsport) makes the list. But it never does. Ssshhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone about it………..:)
I’ve never heard of Kentucky Falls! But love the North Fork area, I won’t tell anyone ;) but will most definitely try that one out as well, thank you!
Thanks for the list! I live in Southern Oregon–check out the Umpqua River falls trails–AMAZING! Happy Adventuring!
No problem at all!! Glad you liked it :) And I will check out Umpqua river falls soon!
Some more beautiful hikes I enjoy are in the Clackamas, Mt Hood National forest.
Clackamas Falls is a wonderful hike, but the hike starts with wading across the river (this is best in the late summer around August/September) as the water is much lower but a great hike nevertheless with multiple waterfalls to be seen. Google map will help you find this one. Tip: Bring a flashlight as there’s a very long dark tunnel that takes you to the top of the waterfall. Small lunch and water is always good too.
Pup Creek Falls is another favorite one too. Check em out, you’ll love them.
Oh and if your afraid of heights you safely walk around the scary log bridge, or cross it carefully one person at a time.
Oh that’s awesome! Love the tunnel that takes you to the waterfall, that sounds amazing! Thank you for the suggestion!
If coming to the coast. There is sweet creek falls just outside mapleton. Great hike.two ways in. Bottom to falls is more rugged but longer and more beautiful. Middle hike is family-friendly. Ends at falls with a swimming hole under.
Awesome, thank you!!
U should come to northern cali. Alot of really beautiful falls. 3 yrs ago, my brother and I set off on a mission to mtn. Bike all the falls in norcal that we could find during that summer. Had a blast and have seen some magnificent falls. U should try it here sometime. If u would like to email me, i can send u a couple pics of the falls in norcal. Cant seem to get them on here. Have a nice day. Thnx. Brent
My plan is to move to San Diego in a few years so I will be looking for more hikes around that area, I am a bit biased with my Oregon hikes, but interested in the Cali one’s for sure!!
You should travel to the South Coast and visit Golden and Silver Falls in Coos County.
I’ve had a few people mention golden and silver falls, must be a good one! Thank you :)
I live up in Washington but come down to Portland often to see my sister. I think I’m going to have to do one of these hikes next time I’m down there!
There are some beautiful one’s in Washington too! The Gorge is basically borderline Oregon and Washington, definitely come check some of these out :)
Ramona Falls! It’s a gorgeous loop to hike and Ramona Falls at the midpoint is amazing, lots of photo opportunities there and back. Google it! My sisters and I went a couple summers ago, and I think there is a pretty steep (but gradual) incline, we weren’t rushing, took a picnic, took lots of photo breaks, and probably did the 7 ish mile loop in 5 hours? Beautiful! I can’t wait to go back!
Perfect! Thank you for the recommendation! Will check that out :)
Opal Creek is by far my most favorite hike ever. That said, Wahclella Falls is a short, but challenging loop, with the reward of a gorgeous set of falls along the way. Also, Hamilton Mountain, by way of Beacon Rock, is an honorable mention for Gorge hikes – technically, it is a Washington State hike, not an Oregon one. Beautiful, nonetheless.
Opal creek is amazing isn’t it!! Hamilton Mountain I’ve never been to, will have to check that one out, thank you!!
I absolutely love the pictures you have up. I used to live in Prospect and have explored my trails. Its just beautiful threw there and so many things to see . Theres a little town about 15 miles from Prospect called Union Creek, population 12 i think. Lol. Somewhere between the two theres a natural bridge made from the lava years ago that the creek flows under. I think its the only one of its kind. It’s just beautiful.
Thank you! I LOVE that area. I want to explore more of Prospect and take people there to see how gorgeous it is.
i grew up in Eugene, I always wanted to do all the different hot springs hikes, especially the remote and more secluded ones. Perhaps if you do another article… Loved this one and have done a few of them.
Hot springs has been on my to do list for years!! I will do some of my favorite summer ones down the road in another post for sure :)
Smith rock is in Terrebonne, OR. If you’re going to blog it then at least get it right. Jeez
I added that at the bottom of Smith Rock section :)
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve bookmarked this post for future travel planning.
Of course! Glad I could help for future hikes! Will post another on summer ones down the road too :)
There is a gorgeous, and little known about, waterfall outside Lakecreek. You can slide down the fall and swim. The hike is amazing too! I don’t have any pictures, and don’t remeber the name, but here is a video I found – http://youtu.be/BuZqdmf-U6w
Some of my favorite hikes, Ramona Falls is gorgeous and also Burnt Lake is a super fun hike. Both these hikes are off Lolo Pass in the Zig Zag area. Burnt lake is super fun in the summer time. Its a sweet little lake with beautiful views of mount hood and there are floating logs in the lake which you can float around on if you want to go for a swim. Also if you keep going on the trail past the lake, its another mile or so to the top of zig zag mountain which has gorgeous views of Mount Hood. Another all time favorite hike is Saddle Mountan in the coast range. This is a good, hike to do spontaneously when you wake up and its a crystal clear day. If you go on a clear day, you can see the whole coast line, the whole columbia, and the cascades too! Its the best bang for your buck hike in oregon, only 2 and a half miles to the top with the most incredible view.
Thanks for the recommendations!! I love a good hike and a place to swim so I’ll definitely check these out. Thank you :)