Jefferson County, Oregon
Looking for the best hiking in Jefferson County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Jefferson County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Jefferson County
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Government Camp, Oregon
Veda Lake Trail
4.02.5 mi / 748 ft gainThis hike starts at the Fir Tree Trailhead and is an out and back 2.8 mile round trip. It's short, but there's 660 feet of elevation gain. To start, you climb steeply then it's an easy hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the lake. The trail descends via switchbacks down to the lake for the ...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Camp at Big Lake
The crystal clear waters of Big Lake sit at an elevation of 4,600 ft. in the Willamette National Forest, on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Big Lake Campground (N 44 22.439 W 121 53.599) lies on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of the Santiam Pass near Hoodoo Ski Re...Read more -
Rhododendron, Oregon
Devil's Peak Lookout
3.02.62 mi / 600 ft gainThe Trail: This hike is one of the 2 routes that lead to the lookout, and the shorter of the two. It requires more driving to get to the trailhead than the other, but less walking, so if that sounds appealing to you, you have come to the right place! First, you'll be greeted by a dense forest w...Read more -
Clackamas County, Oregon
Tumala (Squaw) Mountain
4.74.51 mi / 1099 ft gainOn a clear day, this short, secluded hike offers breath-taking views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson, as well as of downtown Portland, Coast Range, and the Roaring River Wilderness. Begin the hike from the Twin Springs Trailhead and immediately take your fi...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Trillium Lake
4.91.89 mi / 108 ft gainTrillium Lake is a popular camp spot at the base of Mount Hood. It's known for it's scenery, abundant recreational activities, and is family friendly. Boating, swimming and fishing are quite popular on the 63 acre lake. There is a small boat ramp within the campground and a larger ramp available ...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Hike around Clear Lake
4.74 miOnce you arrive at Clear Lake, I suggest to start the relatively flat hike around the lake. You'll walk through a beautiful forest with peek-a-boo views of the stunning lake. The hike around the full lake may take a few hours, so if you're not staying the night, make sure you have enough time to ...Read more -
Deschutes County, Oregon
Skylight Cave
4.40.2 mi / -25 ft gainThe hardest part about getting to Skylight Cave is the drive. Start by coming from Sisters, Oregon, and use the driving directions below to find it. The Google Maps pin is accurate, and if you like coordinates, you can use 44°20'55.3"N 121°42'55.9"W as well. It's recommended you download an offl...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Camp at Trillium Lake
4.5The reflection of Mt. Hood on the lake makes this trip definitely worth the visit.Try to arrive during the day so you can watch the sunset. For photographers, the south side of the lake is an amazing spot to take photos, especially on a windless day. For those looking to kayak or fish, there is a...Read more -
Clackamas County, Oregon
Salmon River Trail
4.54.4 mi / 50 ft gainLargely Flat Trail4.4 Miles roundtripOld Growth ForestRiver Scouting Opportunities There are seven trailheads all off to the right of E. Salmon River Road. All are easily accessible under normal conditions. The hike meanders alongside the river, providing ample opportunities to scout the river's...Read more -
Rhododendron, Oregon
Frustration Falls
3.08.26 mi / 1854 ft gainThe hike and possible rappel to Frustration Falls begins at the Salmon River trailhead right outside of Welches, Oregon. From the trailhead you follow the trail for about 4 miles at which point you reach Canyon View (Shown in pictures 5-6 above). From the main trail this is the only view of Frust...Read more -
Linn County, Oregon
Koosah Falls Trail
5.00.86 mi / 180 ft gainKoosah Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sisters, Oregon.Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop
4.82.42 mi / 545 ft gainThis loop might be on the shorter side, but the hike is more than worth it for the scenery. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finis...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Tom Dick and Harry Mountain
5.08.28 mi / 1726 ft gainLooking to score those iconic photos of Mt. Hood? Climb the well-graded trail to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain, one of the most accessible summit hikes to Portlanders, and see where they were all taken. Starting from the busy Mirror Lake Trailhead, climb roughly 900 feet and 1.5 miles to Mirror La...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Mirror Lake Trail
4.54.09 mi / 810 ft gainI was out doing the Ramona Falls hike, and I decided that I needed to find a lake that provided me with a great view of Mt Hood. My first stop was Trillium Lake, but with that being a “drive up” lake, there were tons of people. Tons of people only means one thing…turbulent waters! As I was dr...Read more -
Foster, Oregon
Iron Mountain
4.71.79 mi / 610 ft gainGetting There There are a couple of different routes to the summit of Iron Mountain. This adventure article focuses on the shorter but more strenuous hike to the summit of Iron Mountain. To get there, drive to the upper trailhead (Trail # 3389) via Highway 20. Take Forest Service Road (FSR) 035 ...Read more -
White River West Sno-Park, Oregon
Snowshoe Pacific Crest Trail at White River West
3.4 mi / 800 ft gainPark at White River West Sno-Park. Walk to the north end of the parking lot. Start a very brief way up the White River Trail. After 100-200 feet, step off the main trail, to your left, and head into the woods for some solitude. To get to the Pacific Crest Trail, look for the blue diamond trail ma...Read more