Fall Hiking near Portland, Oregon

Adapting to the changing seasons is essential when living in the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately, the stunning autumn colors make this transition a bit easier as fall arrives. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I find summer irresistible with its wildflowers, sunny days, and warm temperatures that make alpine lakes inviting. However, as I get older, I find myself increasingly excited about the vibrant oranges and yellows adorning the trees. Here are some of my favorite fall hikes within a couple of hours of Portland, Oregon.

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Columbia River Gorge

Falls Creek Falls

4.1 Miles

849 ft. Elevation

Moderate

This is one of my all time favorite Columbia River Gorge hikes, the entire trail feels like walking through a magical forest. The moment I hear the falls my heart skips a beat! It is a perfect Fall day hike.

Panther Creek Falls

0.3 Miles

114 ft. Elevation

Moderate

Panther Creek Falls is a grand waterfall along Panther Creek. It is another short one and it's actually very close to Falls Creek Falls, if you're visiting the area they could both easily be done in one day. This trail is a bit steep but nothing too difficult.

Spirit Falls

0.6 Miles

380 ft. Elevation

Hard

The water at Spirit Falls is incredible, especially during Fall when the surrounding trees have beautiful yellow leaves plus it's a super short hike, the elevation doesn't seem like much but it's a pretty intense rocky climb... not for the faint of heart but so worth it.

Mount Hood National Forest

Trillium Lake

1.9 Miles

26 ft. Elevation

Easy

There are not enough good words to write about Trillium Lake, truly one of Oregon's gems. There is an incredible view of the mountain and the loop around the lake is a lovely walk. Trillium is great any time of year, including snowshoeing in the winter.

Umbrella and Sahale Falls

4.4 Miles

935 ft. Elevation

Moderate

If you are looking for fall color this hike is the one to pick. First, you start hiking right around Mount Hood Meadows, the very popular ski and snow resort, which is actually somewhere I recommend everyone check out once the snow has melted because the hiking trails are some of the best I've come across. The Umbrella and Sahale Falls trail has so many orange and yellow trees during fall, then with 2 waterfalls along the way what could be better?!

Zig Zag Canyon

4.7 Miles

885 ft. Elevation

Moderate

Zig Zag Canyon is a perfect hike for a crisp fall morning. One of my favorite things about hiking around Mount Hood is every single hike I've done is beautiful the entire way, the forest and the views are unbeatable. I might be biased because I fell in love with hiking in this forest but this hike specifically is one I think about often. Once you get to the Canyon it's incredible, especially with a light fog, which is why I enjoy it so much in the fall! Bonus: go early enough to watch sunrise at Timberline Lodge

Other Surrounding Areas

White River Falls

0.9 Miles

170 ft. Elevation

Moderate

White River Falls is somewhere everyone should see atleast once, this waterfall is accessible to anyone. There is a short paved trail that goes to the overlook or you can make your way down to the bottom and explore around the old mill or enjoy the water when it isn’t too cold. I absolutely love this hike any time of year, but mostly in the colder months when the frost has come. This waterfall always amazes me because you are driving through the Dalles rolling hills through farmland then all of a sudden there is a massive, gorgeous waterfall in the middle of nowhere!

Smith Rock State Park

Located almost 3 hours from Portland this is a great park to do a not so quick day trip or short weekend trip, Smith Rock State Park is so unique and full of trails, sometimes you might even see rock climbers! The neutral colors of the rock along with the occasional reds/oranges compliment the season of Autumn so well, I love visiting this time of year.

If you’re looking for more ways to embrace this coming season, check out the link below. You’ll find amazing tips and quotes from people (including myself) excited about the change!

How to Have a Soft Breakup with Summer: 9 Effortless Habits for a Cool Transition into Fall at Home