Don’t miss the fall foliage on display at our favorite Portland hiking trails.

Yellow, red, orange, purple… The leaves this time of year are radiant, aren’t they?

As Portland residents, we may be biased, but we can’t get enough of these colorful gems and awe-inspiring views they bestow on us each fall. But the window of opportunity is fleeting so it’s best to soak it in – and fast. Enter: Portland’s hiking trails. 

Here are our must-see spots for fall hiking in Portland, Oregon. 

Forest Park 

With 5,200 acres of urban forest, Forest Park is truly a wonder in the fall. It features more than 80 miles of pathways perfect for hiking, jogging or walking the trails with your dog. Plus, Forest Park is easily accessible from both of VIDA’s locations: Portland and Beaverton!

Three of our favorite trails include:

  • The Wildwood Trail: This path runs for 30-plus miles from Vietnam Veterans Memorial/Oregon Zoo in Washington Park to the northwest end of the trail at Newberry Road. Throughout the trail, you can see major sights, including the Pittock Mansion (the highest point of the trail!), Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum and Mount Hood. 
  • Tolinda Trail to Waterline Trail: This path starts at the bottom of Germantown Road and continues up in three legs. It intersects with both the Leif Erickson and Wildwood Trails on its way to the Water Tower at the top of the mountain. It’s a medium-intensity up-and-back trial with an open meadow reward at the top!
  • Lower Macleay Trail Head: This trailhead offers several loop hikes with beautiful views of Balch Creek. The short, less than 1-mile trail, will take you to the Witch’s Castle for some spooky fun. 

Silver Falls State Park

Located in Marion County, Silver Falls State Park is a great spot for hikes near Portland. And it’s known as the hidden gem of Portland for a reason. You’ll experience stunning natural areas, including waterfalls along the pathways. Plus, you can also go mountain biking and horseback riding on their trails. 

Check out these trails for breathtaking views: 

  • The North Rim Trail: This brand new trail is one of the shortest in the park – only 1 mile! – making it the perfect destination for families or dates. This trail passes a viewpoint of the North Falls, a must-see waterfall.   
  • Trail of Ten Falls: This moderately challenging loop – with both a shorter 5-mile option and a longer 7-mile option — is a great year-round trail. On your hike, you’ll catch many falls, mushrooms, moss, ferns and more. Hiking boots are highly suggested for this trail!

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the downtown Portland city limits. This area boasts 8 miles of hiking trails and more than 10 mapped foot trails that range from 0.1 mile to 1 mile. Throughout the trails, you can find eight bridges and a boardwalk over wetlands. 

We suggest you check out these hikes: 

  • Maple Ridge Trail to Middle Creek to Big Fir to Old Main: This 1.2-mile trail will bring you near High Creek and Tryon Creek.
  • Old Main to Red Fox to Cedar Trail to Middle Creek to Maple Ridge: The 2-mile loop offers sights of several creeks, trips across bridges and ends at the Nature Center.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

One of the best waterfall hikes can be found at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This canyon, which is 4,000 feet deep, stretches over 80 miles across the Pacific Northwest. This site has more than 30 trails to choose from. 

Check out our favorite and the most scenic: 

  • Wahclella Falls Trail: This 2.4-mile hike ends with a wonderful view of the Walclella Falls, a 350-foot waterfall. On the way there, you’ll see streams, bridges, dams and so much more. 
  • Latourell Falls Loop Trail: This 5-mile hike just outside of Corbett treks through Talbot State Park and features several waterfall views (Latourell Falls is the third tallest waterfall in the Gorge!) and a beautifully forested loop trail.

VIDA Coworking is located close to downtown Portland, which is close to these sites for your next fall hiking adventure. Learn more about the coworking space by booking a tour today!