Want to know what are the best hikes in Oregon? That’s a tricky question as there are many incredible places to hike in Oregon and each has its own unique charm.
So, after much thought, we’ve created a list of the three best hikes in Oregon based on specific interests. There are many, many, more but consider these a starting point for your next adventure then visit the Hike and Bike Oregon category on our blog for more adventures.
Best Oregon Hike for Photography: Mary’s Peak
Marys Peak, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range and the most prominent peak to the west of Corvallis. Throughout the year, Marys Peak offers something special in every season. In spring, waterfalls tumble down its slopes, and wildflowers blanket the meadows in vibrant color, attracting butterflies. Summer continues the floral display with warm, clear days perfect for hiking. Come autumn, the peak provides sweeping views of the valley dressed in fall foliage. And in winter, it becomes a snowy retreat for snowshoeing and skiing—just a short escape from the milder climate of the Willamette Valley. On a clear day, from Marys Peak you can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette.
Best Hike in Oregon for History Buffs: Fort Stevens
This 4,300-acre park near Astoria, Oregon, is one of the nation’s largest campgrounds and a must-see destination for history buffs. It has much to offer, including beach-combing, a freshwater lake, trails, wildlife, and a historic shipwreck. Fort Stevens was built near the end of the Civil War to protect the Columbia River. It is also the site of a military installation once used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River from Confederate ships. The fort was in service for 84 years — up until World War II. Learn more here.
Best Hike for Bird Watching: Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex
If you’re into bird watching, grab your binoculars and head to the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex.
- Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex provides protection for historically abundant oak savanna, native prairie, riparian forest and wetland habitats
- Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge near Dallas, Oregon
- Located near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam Rivers, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
- With habitats ranging from wetlands to upland oak savanna, the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for a diverse array of birdlife, mammals and plants.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
