Beginner Hikes

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.

Hike	Distance	Elevation Change	Season	Drive Time

Angels Rest Hike	4.6 miles	1450 feet	Year round	35 minute drive
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.




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




Beacon Rock Hike	1.8 miles	680 feet	Year round	60 minute drive
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.




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




Cape Falcon Hike	4.8 miles	160 feet	Year round	105 minute drive
Hike out to a windswept headland in Oswald West State Park




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.




Garfield Peak Hike	3.5 miles	1115 feet	July-Oct	265 minute drive
Steep hike to get magnificent views over Crater Lake




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




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.




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




Iron Mountain Hike	2.4 miles	650 feet	June-Oct.	150 minute drive
Prime early summer wildflower hike above the South Santiam River




Juniper Gulch Hike	1.7 miles	380 feet	Year round	470 minute drive
Admire rhyolite formations and honeycombs in the Owyhee area




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




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




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.




Pool of the Winds Hike	2.2 miles	700 feet	Year round	60 minute drive
Hike to two waterfalls in Beacon Rock State Park




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.




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




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




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.




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.




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.

Beginner Hikes

Beginner Hikes

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide