Gaston, Oregon

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...

Cape Lookout is a two-mile long peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean from Oregon's rugged coastline. The park features more than 170 campsites, yurts, rustic cabins, and a day-use area, all located a short walk from the beach. There are roughly 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to mode...

The North Trail at Cape Lookout State Park in Oregon is a challenging (hilly) route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Start at trailhead along Cape Lookout Road. There are 3 trails available, North, Cape Lookout, and South trails.  Follow signs for the North trail. The trail drops stee...

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...

Minto-Brown Island Park Tail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Salem, Oregon.

You have a couple different options on how to access this hike (North and South trailhead) also if you would like to hike the loop trail or out-and-back option. Driving directions for this hike isn't to difficult, heading south on highway 101 drive 16.6 miles past the exists for Cannon Beach and ...

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Cloverdale, Oregon.

Cape Kiwanda is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route. It offers sea stack rock formations, beautiful beaches, sand stone cliffs, and if you are lucky enough, amazing wildlife. It is the home of the Pacific Dory Fleet.If you are early enough, you can catch the fisherman coming and going in the mys...

This hike can be done as either a loop or an out-and-back beginning from either the North or the South trailhead, both located off Route 101. If opting for the loop you will have to walk ~1 mile on the highway to connect back to your starting point. Since we were hiking with our kids we wanted t...

Cape Falcon is one of two major hikes within Oswald West State Park, fifteen minutes south of Canon Beach on the Oregon Coast. Park in the lot at the trailhead off Highway 101 and head in. After a half a mile or so you’ll come to a junction with options for “The Beach” or “Cape Falcon”. Go right ...

The beach in Oswald West State Park is one of the more secluded beaches on the Oregon coast. Most tourists tend to stay by Canon Beach and Seaside, Oregon, so this little gem gets much less traffic.The parking lot is right on the highway with plenty of parking, a bathroom, and a drinking fountai...

It is located just off the side of highway 101 north of Manzanita and south of Cannon Beach. To get here, you need to just pull off into the Oswald West parking lot on the ocean side of the freeway. From here, It is just a short walk through the old growth forrest covered in dense green moss wher...

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...

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 to ...