Portland and the Willamette Valley
A forested trail on Mount Pisgah (Hike 26).
The Willamette Valley contains a surprising wealth of hiking options, all of which are open year-round. Here you’ll find far-reaching views of the Cascade volcanoes, pocket groves of ancient forest, waterfalls in the foothills, and fields of spring wildflowers. Approximately 70 percent of Oregon’s population lives in the Willamette Valley, and you should expect to encounter crowds on most of these hikes. The hikes featured here are among the most well-known of these, and with good reason. Were it anywhere else, Silver Falls State Park would likely be a national park, while Pittock Mansion’s view of Mount Hood is among the most iconic in the state of Oregon. Further south, Mount Pisgah marks the southern end of the Willamette Valley, and is a popular destination for Eugene-area hikers.
The most attractive part of these hikes is that they are open year-round. I grew up in Salem, and we went to Silver Falls State Park often in the winter, a tradition I carry on to this day. In many ways, these hikes are best in winter and spring, when the waterfalls flow at their strongest and your chances of seeing wildlife are at their best. These are also wonderful places to explore during the occasional Valley snowstorm in the winter. Whenever you visit, you’ll be sure to find something you love.
21. Lower Macleay Park and Pittock Mansion
22. Powell Butte
24. Silver Falls State Park
25. McDowell Creek Falls
26. Mount Pisgah