Beginner Hikes
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
Revision as of 16:03, 1 January 2009 by Stevefromdodge (Talk | contribs)
One of the most common questions on Portland Hikers comes from people just beginning to hike. This is a list of beginner or "newbie" hikes recommended by Portland Hikers members.
| Hike | Distance | Elevation Change | Season | Drive Time | |
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| Aldrich Butte Hike | 3.2 miles | 1070 feet | Year round | 60 minute drive | |
| During World War II, this was a road to a military lookout over Bonneville Dam. Today, it's a hike on an abandoned road including a former beaver dam created lake, now grown into a marsh and spectacular views of the Columbia River and the town of North Bonneville. | |||||
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| Angel's 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||
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| Catherine Creek Arch Loop Hike | 2.0 miles | 200 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||
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| 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 | |||||
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| Timberline Lodge Hikes | 2.0 miles | 1000 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||
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| 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. | |||||