Banks, Oregon

Located three miles west of McMinnville and available for public hiking and activities, Miller Woods is owned and operated by Yamhill SWCD. You may choose different trails to take.From the parking lot the trails are marked by colors to go on the 4.0 mile loop go to the meadow and follow the red m...

Beware, there is no actual trailhead! This trail (Lower Salmonberry River Hike) starts on Lower Nehalem Rd (Foss Rd) where the Salmonberry River and the Nehalem River meet. Before you cross the tracks, find parking there (but be aware of private property) and follow the train tracks into the fore...

Champoeg was the first town to be settled in the Willamette Valley and the site of the formation of the first government in the northwest. The park offers historical sites as well as plentiful camping and some short day hikes. I decided to do the Townsite loop with my family on black friday #opto...

Leach Botanical Garden is a 17-acre urban sanctuary located in outer Southeast Portland, OR, offering visitors a serene escape into nature.  Established over 40 years ago, the garden is often a surprising discovery for locals and tourists alike. It features a diverse landscape, including a four-...

Clackamette Park is known for its prime destination right off of the freeway and across from Oregon City's most popular shopping area, but it's frequented for its public boat dock, RV facilities, and handicap-accessible picnic benches. While the rest of Portland's parks freeze over or flood, Clac...

You'll never stumble upon Canemah Park unless you're really looking for it. Tucked away in the hills of Oregon City above the Locks, this residential park has a miniature-sized set of everything you'd expect in a children's park: Playground, picnic benches, bathrooms, and wide, forested trails. D...

Before officially becoming a nature park in 1987, Powell Butte was primarily known for being home to four 50-million gallon underground reservoirs. Today, the wide expanse of land is packed with miles of trails-- the perfect place for hikers, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders to get thei...

…Beaver Falls is one of those spots where if you’re looking to avoid the crowd of the Columbia River Gorge, this is another good alternative on where you could go. Not only is that a huge plus, but it’s not often you get to experience a scenic waterfall that you don’t have to put in a ton of effo...

Used often for cross country practice, the Lacamas Heritage Trail is a popular gem in Camas, Washington for all citizens. It is family and dog friendly and comes with endless scenic views of the beautiful Lacamas Lake. Parking is free and there are bathrooms at the entrance.

This is on the Round Lake Loop trail and there’s a free parking area. It’s a relatively in and out hike that is family friendly but does have some downhill scrambles. Be careful when jumping as there has been fatalities in the past but as long as you’re practicing safe swimming you’ll be okay. 

This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead t...

Located just outside of Tillamook, Oregon, Munson Creek Falls is a must do if you're in the area. Standing at almost 320 feet tall, Munson Creek Falls is one of few waterfalls in Oregon that is over 300ft tall. Because of heavy storms in the area there has been a build up of fallen trees around ...

Saddle Mountain is a pretty stellar spot if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate hike with incredible views close to Portland. The trail is a 5.2 mile round trip trail with an elevation gain of 1600 ft that starts at the Saddle Mountain Trailhead. You can actually camp right at the trail...

Getting There Get onto Highway 101. Between Tillamook and Lincoln City at the town of Beaver, turn east near mile marker 80 onto a paved road toward upper Nestucca River. Follow this scenic road 6.7 miles to the town of Blaine. Stay to the right and drive another 4.8 miles; between mile markers 1...

Hike: The hike to Pheasant Creek Falls is just short continuation of nearby Niagara Falls. After reaching Niagara Falls, continue on the trail for about another 300 feet and you'll reach the more impressive, Pheasant Creek Falls.For more detailed information including a trail map and directions ...

Nehalem Bay State Park is a great central location on the Oregon Coast to use as a base camp, whether you want to go south to explore Cape Kiwanda or go north to photograph the famous Cannon Beach. There are six loops: A-F, and only A-C are open in the winter. The only first-come-first-served are...