Explore Central Oregon’s Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are located in northeastern Oregon’s John Day National Fossil Beds Monument, home to over 40 million years’ worth of fossils, providing vast insight into the Age of Mammals.
Best Oregon Coast Day Hikes
The hikes listed here are my favorites on the Oregon Coast, including trails to secluded beaches, through coastal rainforests, to summits with panoramic views.
Best Day Hikes in Oregon’s North Coast Range
Oregon’s Coast Range is often overlooked by hikers, but the trails here are some of my favorites. I love the massive ferns that fill the forest understory, and the moss and lichens add to the rich green scenery.
Best Day Hikes in Southwest Washington
This selected list of Southwest Washington hikes includes trails through old-growth forests, subalpine lakes, volcanic blast zones, and summits with panoramic views.
Best Mount Hood Day Hikes
With nearly 1,000 miles of trails in the region, hikes in the Mount Hood area range from lower elevation rambles in temperate rain forest with waterfalls and streams, to high altitude trails with alpine meadows and rocky ridges.
Best Day Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its waterfalls, lush forests, and wildflowers – and a vast trail network for hikers to explore this diverse landscape.
Best Hikes at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is located in the high desert of Central Oregon. An internationally renowned location for rock climbing, the park also has plenty of trails for hikers who want to experience the majestic rock scenery.
Spring Wildflower Hikes Near Portland
Winter's rains are followed by spring wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest. These hikes showcase everything from open meadows filled with flowers to woodland wildflowers next to rivers and streams.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
The Pacific Northwest is known for having a plethora of waterfalls. These hikes – located within two hours of Portland – are best done in the winter through spring when the water levels are higher, although any time of year is a good time to hike to a waterfall.
Best Hikes at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama (12,000 ft.) exploded about 7,700 years ago, leaving a caldera that eventually filled in and formed the lake. These four hikes feature the best of the park's unique scenery.