Government Camp, Oregon

Set out from Pamelia Lake Trailhead through dense old growth forest. You'll see giant cedars, mixed firs and stunning mountain streams carving their way thru very green forest. After a couple miles, you'll reach Pamelia Lake. This is a great place to grab a snack, water, take photos and camp if y...

This loop through the Pamelia Lake Limited Entry Area is one of the premier backpacking trips in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The trail offers sustained up-close views of Mount Jefferson and several lookout points provide panoramic views of the western Oregon Cascades. The several large back...

Camp at scenic and easily-accessible Forlorn Lakes, where the 25 campsites ($10/night) are both isolated and roomy. Sites have a picnic table and fire ring and provide access to the series of lakes, as well as the East Crater Trailhead which leads into the Indian Heaven Wilderness.Nearby, explore...

From Scott Mills Follow Crooked Finger RD NE for 13.3 Miles to the Upper Butte Creek Trailhead. The last 2-3 miles or so is gravel road with some potholes but most cars shouldn't have a problem. The path down to the falls starts near the bathrooms. A short .3 mile walk on a few switchbacks and...

This is a great little adventure for those looking to get on the water, but who don’t have time to escape the city. Paddle the loop around Ross Island for a scenic workout and a relaxing picnic.To begin your loop, put-in at Sellwood Riverfront Park – it features easy parking and sandy beach at al...

For first time rafters and those just looking to get back into some fun white water, the Deschutes is a great run and an easily accessible one at that. Guiding companies operate trips spring through late summer starting out of the quiet town of Maupin, Oregon with both half day (just river raftin...

Tryon Creek Triple Bridge Loop is a scenic approximately 3.5-mile loop with bridge crossings near downtown Portland. This trail is a great way to get outside, stretch your legs, and feel like you're away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  This trail is dog-friendly on-leash. If you're look...

Tryon Creek State Park has a fantastic, well-maintained trail system that’s a great alternative to Portland’s downtown Washington Park and Forest Park. It’s a super family-friendly area with a Nature Center that hosts kid’s events year-round. This entire area is relatively small and therefore eas...

Starting at OMSI, walk towards the Hawthorne bridge, and away from the Tillicum bridge. After about a tenth of a mile, you will see a dock and the Hawthorne bridge. Walk down on the dock, or take pictures from above. For added adventure, walk under the Hawthorne bridge and take pictures from the ...

Looking for a quick run along the water in the heart of Portland? Look no further. This relatively flat 2.6 mile loop runs right along the Willamette and features great views of the city’s bridges, river, the downtown skyline, and all of the fun people enjoying this urban park. From the Salmon S...

The Deschutes River Trail—an old smooth road really, with a mix of dirt, sand and gravel—is a great mountain bike ride or hike for beginners and experts alike. While the trail is very easy, the scenery all along the route is breathtaking.Park at the well-marked trailhead just to the left as you e...

This trail is unmarked and a little rough and rugged. The land is privately owned by Mount Angel Abbey, but they don't appear to have problems with courteous hikers. Walking out of the parking area back up the road in the direction you came from, you’ll pass one dirt trail right at the ending of ...

The International Rose Garden located in Washington Park near downtown Portland is a must stop on your visit to the Rose City. The City of Roses, as Portland is known, won't let you down. Portland is host to the largest Rose Test Garden in the U.S. The 5 acre park, with over 7,000 rose bushes, an...

While the Portland Japanese Garden is a popular place for tourists, it's also a favorite for Portland residents as it's located right in Washington Park close to trails and across from the Rose Garden. The Japanese Garden also just unveiled its Cultural Crossing expansion in April 2017, which inc...

Crowds and mosquitoes were nonexistent as we went a bit early in the season. The trails were all covered in snow, but we were able to do some way finding with a GPS and topo map. 3.5 miles in we found a dry spot next to Blue Lake and set up shop. After dropping off our gear we climbed up Gifford...

Take the train to Washington Park and hike through Hoyt Arboretum. This will bypass a few miles of Wildwood Trail, but you won't miss much. In the arboretum, the trail twists and turns through the trees, will smaller trails jutting off to the sides, through other groups of trees (each trail is a...