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.
Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.
Where To Stay. What To Do. Where To Eat. Where To Play. The Oregon Trail Of Waterfalls Map From The Oregon Bed And Breakfast Guild Will Inspire You
Download the Oregon Trail of Waterfall map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map was created with your planning in mind. We included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat and of course, where to find some of the very best Oregon Waterfalls.
You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
