Best Oregon Day Hikes
Reviving your senses with a day hike in Oregon will energize and refresh your soul. Oregon’s terrain is laced with over 800 hiking trails – even more if you are backpacking or biking. Whether you crave solitude or the company of fellow hikers, day hiking in Oregon offers colorful scenery, diverse wildlife, mountains and valleys, the ocean, placid lakes, wild rivers, impressive waterfalls and mild weather. You will find something for everyone, anywhere in Oregon.
Because Oregon is so rich in day hike possibilities; listed below is a guide to six of the best day hikes in Oregon. So, start early to make the most of your day, hike and enjoy.
Best Day Hikes for Kids
Hobbit Beach Trail
A secret Hobbit Trail leads to a secluded Hobbit Beach on the Oregon coast and not many know about it. This woodland grotto truly looks as though mythical creatures might pop out at any moment. The trail winds through a thick forest of trees that drip with bright green moss.
Intertwining tree branches create tunnels to walk through, captivating your imagination, before opening onto the sandy beach. Hobbit Trail is less than a mile long and is an easy descent to Hobbit Beach. As you emerge onto Hobbit Beach you’ll have plenty of privacy, room to run, rocks to climb and the beautiful Pacific to dip a toe into.
The trailhead is hard to find…because it’s a secret. Look for the cars parked off highway 101 about two miles south of Carl G. Washburne State Park, north of Florence.
Metolius River Trail
The wild Metolius River headwaters flow from the ground at the base of Black Butte. A viewing platform allows you to view the mountain river coming right out of the earth. The Metolius River Trail wanders downstream revealing an exciting array of wild flowers, song birds, native trout and natural springs.
The mischievous yellow-pine chipmunks will entertain you while you hike. After 2.5 miles of dramatic river scenery you will come to Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. Meander among the display ponds and feed the fish; don’t forget your quarters. Metolius River Trail is nine miles west of Sisters.
Best River Day Hikes
Rogue River Trail
The Rogue River Trail is 40 miles long but the best day hike starts at Grave Creek trailhead to Rainey Falls, 3.3 miles round trip. Grave Creek to Blossom Bar on the Rogue River is designated as wild and scenic, meaning no motorized boats allowed; the scenery is stunning.
You’ll start at Grave Creek boat launch; either side of the river is accessible; the north side trail is well groomed, while the south side trail is a little rougher. The south side trail takes you to the best view of the spectacular main chute of Rainey Falls, a class V rapid. Sit on the rocks, enjoy the sun, watch the rafters and kayakers and feel the pure power of white water. Grave Creek trailhead is 30 miles west of Grants Pass.
McKenzie River Trail
The best day hike portion of this trail starts at Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls and back again for a 2.6 mile round trip. Extend your hike north from Sahalie Falls another 1.5 miles to Clear Lake. Clear lake is the headwaters of the exuberant McKenzie River and is a great place to picnic, canoe and snorkel, if you like cold water.
This hike will impress you with the forceful splendor of Koosah and Sahalie falls, while the majestic old growth forest will humble you. Give yourself time to enjoy. The McKenzie River Trail at Koosah Falls is 68 miles east of Eugene on Highway 126.
Best Day Hikes With a View
Cape Lookout
This hike is lush old growth forest meets the ocean. Weave through old growth forest of fir, spruce and hemlock, and then take the Cape Lookout Trail which follows the cape headland to a viewpoint of spectacular ocean views, a 5 mile round trip.
If you hike in the spring, you will be rewarded with abundant wild flowers, eagles nesting, lazy harbor seals on the rocks below, sea birds bobbing in the surf and the thrill of watching the semi-annual migration of grey whales, feeding and resting in the cape. Binoculars are a must for this hike. Cape Lookout State Park is 13 miles west of Tillamook.
Smith Rock
Smith Rock day hike offers challenging hiking terrain. This is a 3.6 mile loop on rock trails and steep climbs that expose you to breathtaking views of craggy basalt cliffs, in colors of ochre, dark reds and golden browns. The cascade mountain range spreads proudly west of Smith Rock.
Rock climbers from all over the world come to climb Monkey Face. This distinct pinnacle is so named for the way the top of the pinnacle resembles the face and head of a monkey. Climbers can ascend the long neck to reach a cave that forms the mouth of the monkey. The climbers are fun to watch while you hike around the pinnacle and down along the Crooked River.
Wildlife is everywhere; cliff swallows and birds of prey nest in the cliffs and if you are lucky, you might see a den of coyote pups across the river. Smith Rock state park is located in Terrebonne, 6 miles north of Redmond.
Water and appropriate hiking shoes are necessary for any of these hikes. Some hikes may require day use fees. Restroom facilities may or may not be available, plan accordingly.
The best day hikes in Oregon are plentiful, but these six will give you a great place to jump start your reason to rejuvenate, ponder, and renew your spirit of adventure.
