St. Helens, Oregon

The 0.3 mile hike to University Falls seems longer than it is because you'll be stopping to take pictures every step of the way. No, you're not in an enchanted forest, you're in the Tillamook National Forest. The waterfall you're about to find, however, certainly is enchanting. From Portland, he...

The Tualatin River Refuge Seasonal Trail Loop is a peaceful and scenic trail located within the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood, Oregon, just 30 minutes from downtown Portland. This family-friendly loop opens seasonally (typically May through September) and provides visitors...

The Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail, located near Gaston, Oregon, offers a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Opened to the public in recent years, this refuge protects vital wetland and prairie habitats while providing an easy walking trail ideal for birdwa...

Portland and its surrounding suburbs are filled with trails and hidden treasures, including this stretch along the Willamette River. This road is a super popular pedestrian path and can be accessed from West Linn, the Mary's Woods and Marylhurst Development, or from Lake Oswego off of Highway 43....

As if erupting volcanoes weren't awesome enough, ancient lava flows also left behind these giant, hollow tubes as they cooled. Spend all day exploring deep underground in this 2.5 mile cave.To get there, head to the SOUTH side of Mount Saint Helens. You must pass through the town of Cougar to get...

Does camping right next to an epic swimming hole sound like a pretty good way to spend a hot summer weekend? If so, you need to add Dougan Creek Campground to your list of weekend getaways. The Dougan Falls area of the Washougal River is packed with at least a dozen deep swimming holes, but the ...

Head to Rooster Rock State Park off exit 25 on I-84 E in the Columbia River Gorge. Park at the west end of the park.There are multiple paths at the west end of the park heading south to I-84. If you go too far west, you will hit water. Pick one of these paths which lead to the edge of the freeway...

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...

The family friendly Naked Falls is just 20 minutes outside of Camas, Washington. It is a great introduction to kids of the great Pacific Northwest. It is also a great reminder for cliff jumpers that there are still great spots that aren’t too far from home. A $12 fee per car is required for parki...

The Vista House located in the Columbia River Gorge offers those looking to photograph the night sky without traveling long distance from Portland the opportunity to do so. Vista House is just far enough away from Portland's light pollution to allow you to capture enough stars on a clear night. ...

This long trail provides hikers with great views of the corridor in the Coast Range. As the trail follows public land for the most part, there are a couple sections with steady elevation gains to avoid private land: near Lees Camp and Ryan Creek. Although the trail receives some of the most rain...

The Cape Horn Trail is great for those who are short on time, but still want to get outside for something close by with great views. Located just 35 min east of Portland, the Cape Horn Trail offers a few different possibilities for you to hike. The whole loop (lower section is closed from Feb 1s...

The Worm Flow Route, starting at Marble Mountain Sno Park, is the most direct winter route up to the summit. You'll start at around 2,700 feet and begin a steady walk along the trail for 2 miles. Although the trail is fairly well marked well above the snow, you'll want to pay attention to the arr...

In the winter you will need to start at Marble Mt. Snowpark and purchase a snow park permit. The hike starts here on the eastern side. Follow the Pine Ski Trail for about 1 mile along NF-83 Road. Then follow the June Lake Trailhead up to June Lake for about 1.5 miles. You will come to June Lake a...

Monitor Ridge is the "easiest" of the routes one can take in order to claim that they have stood on top of the sleeping giant better known as Mount St. Helens. This route is heavily favored over Worm Flows as the starting elevation is not only an additional 1,000 feet higher but the overall asce...

Take a short walk to the base of Latourell Falls, where there is a small pool, so you can get up very close. If you want to stretch your legs, take the 2-mile loop outlined in the GPX below to reach the top of Latourell Falls. Latourell Falls is a beautiful and unique waterfall in the Columbia...