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One of the most common questions on Oregon Hikers comes from people just beginning to hike. This is a list of beginner or "newbie" hikes recommended by Oregon Hikers members.
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[[Category:Information page]]
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One of the most common questions on Oregon Hikers comes from people just beginning to hike. This is a list of beginner or "newbie" hikes recommended by Oregon Hikers members. Drive time is from Portland.
  
 
{{NotedHikesTable}}
 
{{NotedHikesTable}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Ancient Juniper Loop Hike|3.1|120|240|Year round|On the Ancient Juniper Trail, Badlands Wilderness|Flat hike among junipers and sagebrush in the Badlands Wilderness east of Bend}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Ancient Juniper Loop Hike|3.1|120|240|Year round|On the Ancient Juniper Trail, Badlands Wilderness|Flat hike among junipers and sagebrush in the Badlands Wilderness east of Bend}}
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{{NotedHikes|Angels Rest Hike|4.6|1450|35|Year round|AngelsRest Summit4Small|One of the area's most popular hikes, this is a well-maintained trail from near river level to a 1600 foot, 270 degree viewpoint of the western portion of the Columbia River Gorge. Expect windy conditions on top, even when the weather below is calm.}}
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{{NotedHikes|Angels Rest Hike|4.6|1450|35|Year round|AngelsRest Summit4Small|One of the area's most popular hikes, this trail leads up to a 1600 foot, 270 degree view of the west Columbia River Gorge.}}
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{{NotedHikes|Babyfoot Lake Hike|2.4|360|330|Year round|Babyfoot Lake|Short hike to a mountain lake in the Siskiyous}}
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{{NotedHikes|Babyfoot Lake Hike|2.4|360|330|May-Oct|Babyfoot Lake|Short hike to a mountain lake in the Siskiyous}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Bald Hill Loop Hike|3.1|440|85|Year round|Joggers and Marys Peak, Bald Hill Natural Area|Rural hike on the outskirts of Corvallis with wildflowers and views to the Coast Range}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Bald Hill Loop Hike|3.1|440|85|Year round|Joggers and Marys Peak, Bald Hill Natural Area|Rural hike on the outskirts of Corvallis with wildflowers and views to the Coast Range}}
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{{NotedHikes|Beacon Rock Hike|1.8|680|60|Year round|BeaconRockHike2|Historic trail created by a father and son team when this was private land. The trail has been improved and rebuilt, but the original dream of a trail to the top of the volcanic rock remains intact. Handrails make this trek safe for all but the tiniest children.}}
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{{NotedHikes|Beacon Rock Hike|1.8|680|60|Year round|BeaconRockHike2|Take stairs and gangways to the top of the volcanic plug. Handrails make this trek safe for all but the tiniest children.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Big Tree Loop Hike|3.7|1380|330|Mar-Nov|BigTreeLoop2|Loop from the Oregon Caves through mountain forest and lush meadows to visit a massive Douglas-fir}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Big Tree Loop Hike|3.7|1380|330|Mar-Nov|BigTreeLoop2|Loop from the Oregon Caves through mountain forest and lush meadows to visit a massive Douglas-fir}}
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{{NotedHikes|Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike|6.6|1415|140|Aug-Sep|Crooked Creek in Bird Creek Meadows|Loop around stunning mountain meadows with views of Mt. Adams. On Yakama Nation land: open only about one month a year}}
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{{NotedHikes|Boy Scout Tree Hike|5.7|1000|360|Year round|Group of three, Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods|A whole forest full of magnificent old-growth redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park}}
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{{NotedHikes|Canyon Creek Meadows Loop Hike|7.5|1560|210|Jul-Sep|Three-fingered Jack, Canyon Creek Meadows|Through stunning wildflower meadows to the shoulder of Three Fingered Jack}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Cape Disappointment Hike|2.9|385|135|Year round|CapeDisappointmentLighthouse1|Coast headland hike to gun batteries, an interpretive center, and a historic lighthouse}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Cape Disappointment Hike|2.9|385|135|Year round|CapeDisappointmentLighthouse1|Coast headland hike to gun batteries, an interpretive center, and a historic lighthouse}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Cape Falcon Hike|4.8|160|105|Year round|CapeFalcon1|Hike out to a windswept headland in Oswald West State Park}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Cape Falcon Hike|4.8|160|105|Year round|CapeFalcon1|Hike out to a windswept headland in Oswald West State Park}}
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{{NotedHikes|Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop Hike|6.9|1310|95|Year round|DallesMountainRanch1|In spring, these open slopes on an old ranch are ablaze with wildflowers}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop Hike|6.9|1310|95|Year round|DallesMountainRanch1|In spring, these open slopes on an old ranch are ablaze with wildflowers}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Garfield Peak Hike|3.5|1115|265|July-Oct|GarfieldPeak1|Steep hike to get magnificent views over Crater Lake}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Garfield Peak Hike|3.5|1115|265|July-Oct|GarfieldPeak1|Steep hike to get magnificent views over Crater Lake}}
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{{NotedHikes|Hand Lake Loop Hike|2.9|190|270|July-Oct|Three Sisters from Hand Lake, Hand Lake Loop|A lake, a shelter, a lava flow, and an old wagon road near the McKenzie Highway}}
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{{NotedHikes|Hobart Bluff Hike|2.4|360|320|May-Oct|View to Emigrant Lake and Ashland from Hobart Bluff|Rocky summit with views in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Hoffer Lakes Hike|2.5|340|300|July-Oct|Second Hoffer Lake|Hike to a trio of lakes in the Elkhorn Range of the Blue Mountains}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Hoffer Lakes Hike|2.5|340|300|July-Oct|Second Hoffer Lake|Hike to a trio of lakes in the Elkhorn Range of the Blue Mountains}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Horsetail Falls Loop Hike|2.6|610|45|Year round|PonytailFallsWide|Low altitude loop with views of several waterfalls. You'll pass behind Ponytail Falls and cross a bridge over Middle Oneonta Falls. Consider side trips to Triple Falls and Lower Oneonta Falls.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Horsetail Falls Loop Hike|2.6|610|45|Year round|PonytailFallsWide|Low altitude loop with views of several waterfalls. You'll pass behind Ponytail Falls and cross a bridge over Middle Oneonta Falls. Consider side trips to Triple Falls and Lower Oneonta Falls.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|85|June-Nov.|RacetrackPCT11|Hike in the Indian Heaven Wilderness through huckleberry woods to an old tribal racetrack in a meadow}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|85|June-Nov.|RacetrackPCT11|Hike in the Indian Heaven Wilderness through huckleberry woods to an old tribal racetrack in a meadow}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Iron Mountain Hike|2.4|650|150|June-Oct.|IronMountain3|Prime early summer wildflower hike above the South Santiam River}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Iron Mountain Hike|2.4|650|150|June-Oct.|IronMountain3|Prime early summer wildflower hike above the South Santiam River}}
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{{NotedHikes|June Lake Hike|2.5|440|110|Jun-Nov|Secluded June Lake|Secluded lake on the slopes of Mt. St. Helens}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Juniper Gulch Hike|1.7|380|470|Year round|An array of characters, Juniper Gulch, Leslie Gulch|Admire rhyolite formations and honeycombs in the Owyhee area}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Juniper Gulch Hike|1.7|380|470|Year round|An array of characters, Juniper Gulch, Leslie Gulch|Admire rhyolite formations and honeycombs in the Owyhee area}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Little Strawberry Lake Hike|6.5|1395|345|June-Oct|East Ridge, Little Strawberry Lake|Hike past Strawberry Lake and a waterfall to Little Strawberry Lake nestled under rugged crags}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Little Strawberry Lake Hike|6.5|1395|345|June-Oct|East Ridge, Little Strawberry Lake|Hike past Strawberry Lake and a waterfall to Little Strawberry Lake nestled under rugged crags}}
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{{NotedHikes|Mirror Lake Hike|2.9|780|90|Jun-Nov|MirrorLakeAlpenglow|Family hike to a gorgeous lake with great views of Mount Hood}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Mirror Lake Hike|2.9|780|90|Jun-Nov|MirrorLakeAlpenglow|Family hike to a gorgeous lake with great views of Mount Hood}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Mountaineer Trail Loop Hike|2.7|1065|90|Jul-Oct|Timblodget|Summertime freeform, loose exploration of the trails between Timberline Lodge up to Silcox Hut. In winter, all of these trails disappear under feet of snow and people ski here.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Mountaineer Trail Loop Hike|2.7|1065|90|Jul-Oct|Timblodget|Summertime freeform, loose exploration of the trails between Timberline Lodge up to Silcox Hut. In winter, all of these trails disappear under feet of snow and people ski here.}}
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{{NotedHikes|Paulina Lake Loop Hike|7.3|430|245|Jun-Oct|On the eastern shoreline, Paulina Lake|Walk the entire shore of a lake inside a large caldera and visit hot springs}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Pool of the Winds Hike|2.2|700|60|Year round|RodneyFalls1|Hike to two waterfalls in Beacon Rock State Park}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Pool of the Winds Hike|2.2|700|60|Year round|RodneyFalls1|Hike to two waterfalls in Beacon Rock State Park}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Punchbowl Falls Hike|3.8|500|45|Year round|PunchbowlFalls02|Punchbowl Fall is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon. There's a summer swimming hole just below the falls. The hike includes sections of trail blasted out of rock cliffs. Probably not the best for small children, dogs or people with severe height phobias.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Punchbowl Falls Hike|3.8|500|45|Year round|PunchbowlFalls02|Punchbowl Fall is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon. There's a summer swimming hole just below the falls. The hike includes sections of trail blasted out of rock cliffs. Probably not the best for small children, dogs or people with severe height phobias.}}
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{{NotedHikes|Shore Acres Loop Hike|4.7|230|270|Year round|Fountain, Botanical Gardens, Shore Acres State Park|Coves, clifftop views, coastal woodland, and a botanical garden near Coos Bay}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Shore Acres Loop Hike|4.7|230|270|Year round|Fountain, Botanical Gardens, Shore Acres State Park|Coves, clifftop views, coastal woodland, and a botanical garden near Coos Bay}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Soapstone Lake Loop Hike|3.2|305|75|Year round|In the rain, Soapstone Lake|Loop around an isolated lake in the Clatsop State Forest, Oregon Coast Range}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Soapstone Lake Loop Hike|3.2|305|75|Year round|In the rain, Soapstone Lake|Loop around an isolated lake in the Clatsop State Forest, Oregon Coast Range}}
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{{NotedHikes|Tamolitch Pool Hike|4.2|350|150|May-Nov|Tamolitch Falls and Blue Pool, McKenzie River Trail|Stunning blue pool in lava flows on the McKenzie River}}
 
{{NotedHikes|The Twins Hike|6.7|1910|190|Jul-Oct|Three Sisters from Twins Saddle, Waldo Lake|Ascend a cinder cone volcano near Waldo Lake for views of the Cascades}}
 
{{NotedHikes|The Twins Hike|6.7|1910|190|Jul-Oct|Three Sisters from Twins Saddle, Waldo Lake|Ascend a cinder cone volcano near Waldo Lake for views of the Cascades}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Upper McCord Creek Falls Hike|2.0|400|45|Year round|McCordFalls1|Easy trail through handrailed cliffs to Upper McCord Creek Falls. You'll have views of Elowah Falls from above, then a chance to take another trail to the base.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Upper McCord Creek Falls Hike|2.0|400|45|Year round|McCordFalls1|Easy trail through handrailed cliffs to Upper McCord Creek Falls. You'll have views of Elowah Falls from above, then a chance to take another trail to the base.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Wahclella Falls Hike|2.0|200|45|Year round|WahclellaFallsWide|You can reach out and touch the water in Munra Falls from a footbridge. Then, after a few stairs, you'll see the remains of a 1980s landslide, before coming to Wahclella Falls.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Wahclella Falls Hike|2.0|200|45|Year round|WahclellaFallsWide|You can reach out and touch the water in Munra Falls from a footbridge. Then, after a few stairs, you'll see the remains of a 1980s landslide, before coming to Wahclella Falls.}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Warrior Point Hike|7.0|0|20|Year round|WarriorRock4|Casual water-level stroll on a closed road or an open beach to a small lighthouse on Sauvie Island}}
 
{{NotedHikes|Warrior Point Hike|7.0|0|20|Year round|WarriorRock4|Casual water-level stroll on a closed road or an open beach to a small lighthouse on Sauvie Island}}
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{{NotedHikes|West Metolius River Hike|5.3|215|180|May-Nov|The big springs, West Metolius River|Quiet hike along a serene stretch of the Metolius River}}
 
{{CloseTable}}
 
{{CloseTable}}

Latest revision as of 23:12, 27 December 2023


One of the most common questions on Oregon Hikers comes from people just beginning to hike. This is a list of beginner or "newbie" hikes recommended by Oregon Hikers members. Drive time is from Portland.


Hike Distance Elevation Change Season Drive Time
On the Ancient Juniper Trail, Badlands Wilderness.jpg
Ancient Juniper Loop Hike 3.1 miles 120 feet Year round 240 minute drive
Flat hike among junipers and sagebrush in the Badlands Wilderness east of Bend
AngelsRest Summit4Small.jpg
Angels Rest Hike 4.6 miles 1450 feet Year round 35 minute drive
One of the area's most popular hikes, this trail leads up to a 1600 foot, 270 degree view of the west Columbia River Gorge.
Babyfoot Lake.jpg
Babyfoot Lake Hike 2.4 miles 360 feet May-Oct 330 minute drive
Short hike to a mountain lake in the Siskiyous
Joggers and Marys Peak, Bald Hill Natural Area.jpg
Bald Hill Loop Hike 3.1 miles 440 feet Year round 85 minute drive
Rural hike on the outskirts of Corvallis with wildflowers and views to the Coast Range
BeaconRockHike2.jpg
Beacon Rock Hike 1.8 miles 680 feet Year round 60 minute drive
Take stairs and gangways to the top of the volcanic plug. Handrails make this trek safe for all but the tiniest children.
BigTreeLoop2.jpg
Big Tree Loop Hike 3.7 miles 1380 feet Mar-Nov 330 minute drive
Loop from the Oregon Caves through mountain forest and lush meadows to visit a massive Douglas-fir
Crooked Creek in Bird Creek Meadows.jpg
Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike 6.6 miles 1415 feet Aug-Sep 140 minute drive
Loop around stunning mountain meadows with views of Mt. Adams. On Yakama Nation land: open only about one month a year
Group of three, Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods.jpg
Boy Scout Tree Hike 5.7 miles 1000 feet Year round 360 minute drive
A whole forest full of magnificent old-growth redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Three-fingered Jack, Canyon Creek Meadows.jpg
Canyon Creek Meadows Loop Hike 7.5 miles 1560 feet Jul-Sep 210 minute drive
Through stunning wildflower meadows to the shoulder of Three Fingered Jack
CapeDisappointmentLighthouse1.jpg
Cape Disappointment Hike 2.9 miles 385 feet Year round 135 minute drive
Coast headland hike to gun batteries, an interpretive center, and a historic lighthouse
CapeFalcon1.jpg
Cape Falcon Hike 4.8 miles 160 feet Year round 105 minute drive
Hike out to a windswept headland in Oswald West State Park
CatArch1.jpg
Catherine Creek Arch Loop Hike 3.4 miles 500 feet Year round 90 minute drive
The natural rock arch is worth the trip, but there's an historic cattle corral and collapsed cabin, as well. The real highlight of this hike is the wildflower display in early spring.
DallesMountainRanch1.jpg
Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop Hike 6.9 miles 1310 feet Year round 95 minute drive
In spring, these open slopes on an old ranch are ablaze with wildflowers
GarfieldPeak1.jpg
Garfield Peak Hike 3.5 miles 1115 feet July-Oct 265 minute drive
Steep hike to get magnificent views over Crater Lake
Three Sisters from Hand Lake, Hand Lake Loop.jpg
Hand Lake Loop Hike 2.9 miles 190 feet July-Oct 270 minute drive
A lake, a shelter, a lava flow, and an old wagon road near the McKenzie Highway
View to Emigrant Lake and Ashland from Hobart Bluff.jpg
Hobart Bluff Hike 2.4 miles 360 feet May-Oct 320 minute drive
Rocky summit with views in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Second Hoffer Lake.jpg
Hoffer Lakes Hike 2.5 miles 340 feet July-Oct 300 minute drive
Hike to a trio of lakes in the Elkhorn Range of the Blue Mountains
PonytailFallsWide.jpg
Horsetail Falls Loop Hike 2.6 miles 610 feet Year round 45 minute drive
Low altitude loop with views of several waterfalls. You'll pass behind Ponytail Falls and cross a bridge over Middle Oneonta Falls. Consider side trips to Triple Falls and Lower Oneonta Falls.
RacetrackPCT11.jpg
Indian Racetrack Hike 4.6 miles 760 feet June-Nov. 85 minute drive
Hike in the Indian Heaven Wilderness through huckleberry woods to an old tribal racetrack in a meadow
IronMountain3.jpg
Iron Mountain Hike 2.4 miles 650 feet June-Oct. 150 minute drive
Prime early summer wildflower hike above the South Santiam River
Secluded June Lake.jpg
June Lake Hike 2.5 miles 440 feet Jun-Nov 110 minute drive
Secluded lake on the slopes of Mt. St. Helens
An array of characters, Juniper Gulch, Leslie Gulch.jpg
Juniper Gulch Hike 1.7 miles 380 feet Year round 470 minute drive
Admire rhyolite formations and honeycombs in the Owyhee area
East Ridge, Little Strawberry Lake.jpg
Little Strawberry Lake Hike 6.5 miles 1395 feet June-Oct 345 minute drive
Hike past Strawberry Lake and a waterfall to Little Strawberry Lake nestled under rugged crags
Mt. McLoughlin from the vernal pools, Lower Table Rock.jpg
Lower Table Rock Hike 4.9 miles 800 feet Year round. 270 minute drive
Basalt tableland above the Rogue River with rare plants and views
MirrorLakeAlpenglow.jpg
Mirror Lake Hike 2.9 miles 780 feet Jun-Nov 90 minute drive
Family hike to a gorgeous lake with great views of Mount Hood
Timblodget.jpg
Mountaineer Trail Loop Hike 2.7 miles 1065 feet Jul-Oct 90 minute drive
Summertime freeform, loose exploration of the trails between Timberline Lodge up to Silcox Hut. In winter, all of these trails disappear under feet of snow and people ski here.
On the eastern shoreline, Paulina Lake.jpg
Paulina Lake Loop Hike 7.3 miles 430 feet Jun-Oct 245 minute drive
Walk the entire shore of a lake inside a large caldera and visit hot springs
RodneyFalls1.jpg
Pool of the Winds Hike 2.2 miles 700 feet Year round 60 minute drive
Hike to two waterfalls in Beacon Rock State Park
PunchbowlFalls02.jpg
Punchbowl Falls Hike 3.8 miles 500 feet Year round 45 minute drive
Punchbowl Fall is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon. There's a summer swimming hole just below the falls. The hike includes sections of trail blasted out of rock cliffs. Probably not the best for small children, dogs or people with severe height phobias.
View to Point Mountain, Prescott Park, Medford.jpg
Roxy Ann Peak Loop Hike 3.5 miles 730 feet Year round 280 minute drive
Circle Roxy Ann Peak among ponderosas and madrones in Medford's Prescott Park
Deschutes River from Scout Camp Trail.jpg
Scout Camp Trail Loop Hike 2.3 miles 700 feet Year round 210 minute drive
Steep hike down rimrock benches to the Deschutes River; hot in the summertime
Fountain, Botanical Gardens, Shore Acres State Park.jpg
Shore Acres Loop Hike 4.7 miles 230 feet Year round 270 minute drive
Coves, clifftop views, coastal woodland, and a botanical garden near Coos Bay
In the rain, Soapstone Lake.jpg
Soapstone Lake Loop Hike 3.2 miles 305 feet Year round 75 minute drive
Loop around an isolated lake in the Clatsop State Forest, Oregon Coast Range
Tamolitch Falls and Blue Pool, McKenzie River Trail.jpg
Tamolitch Pool Hike 4.2 miles 350 feet May-Nov 150 minute drive
Stunning blue pool in lava flows on the McKenzie River
Three Sisters from Twins Saddle, Waldo Lake.jpg
The Twins Hike 6.7 miles 1910 feet Jul-Oct 190 minute drive
Ascend a cinder cone volcano near Waldo Lake for views of the Cascades
McCordFalls1.jpg
Upper McCord Creek Falls Hike 2.0 miles 400 feet Year round 45 minute drive
Easy trail through handrailed cliffs to Upper McCord Creek Falls. You'll have views of Elowah Falls from above, then a chance to take another trail to the base.
WahclellaFallsWide.jpg
Wahclella Falls Hike 2.0 miles 200 feet Year round 45 minute drive
You can reach out and touch the water in Munra Falls from a footbridge. Then, after a few stairs, you'll see the remains of a 1980s landslide, before coming to Wahclella Falls.
WarriorRock4.jpg
Warrior Point Hike 7.0 miles 0 feet Year round 20 minute drive
Casual water-level stroll on a closed road or an open beach to a small lighthouse on Sauvie Island
The big springs, West Metolius River.jpg
West Metolius River Hike 5.3 miles 215 feet May-Nov 180 minute drive
Quiet hike along a serene stretch of the Metolius River
Retrieved from "https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Beginner_Hikes&oldid=120022"
Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. All content posted on the field guide becomes the property of Trailkeepers of Oregon, and may not be used without permission.