With all the rain, you may not be getting outside as much this June. I wanted to share a few of my favorite hikes near Portland to help motivate you to get back out there. I went on a hike this past rainy Sunday, and the lush forest was beautiful and rejuvenating. A good reminder to get outside, no matter the weather.
Siouxon Creek
About 1.5 hours from Portland in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this trail rambles through mossy forests and along the turquoise waters of Siouxon Creek. Much of this area was burned in the 2020 fires, and watching the forest renew itself is remarkable. Alongside the blackened root systems, abundant life emerges. And who doesn’t love waterfalls? There are several along this trail, which, though longer at 13.8 miles round trip, has minimal elevation gain, and you can go as far as you like. Falls Creek Falls is nearby, and a similar trek, but it has a particularly stunning waterfall at the end.
Siouxon Creek Trail
Coyote Wall
Coyote Wall at sunset
Also in Washington, Coyote Wall is a Columbia Gorge hike that is not to be missed. At 1 hr and 15 minutes east of Portland, you cross over into the drier side of the state and may see the sunshine, even on wetter Portland days. This time of year, you will also see wildflowers and perhaps a view of Mt. Hood. This hike is all about views, as it is a relatively wide-open landscape looking out on the gorge the whole time. And unlike Dog Mountain or other gorge hikes, I have never seen Coyote Wall crowded. Drive another 15 minutes, and you can explore Horsethief Butte, a great climbing spot with more spectacular views.
McNeil Point
McNeil Point on Mt Hood
There is still a lot of snow on Mt Hood, but I look forward to the next time we hike up to McNeil Point. This ridge line on the NW side of Mt Hood has some of the best views on the mountain. We approached the area from the Mazama Trail because we were coming from Lost Lake, but it can also be accessed from Top Spur Trailhead. The Mazama Trail now ranks among my absolute favorites, though. It begins in a rhododendron forest, passing through a vast landscape of stark white tree skeletons before ascending above the tree line and into mountain meadows. Yeah, this one is pretty much heaven.
I hope you get to enjoy it! We can’t wait to hear about it :)