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Best difficult hikes in Oregon
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Best difficult hikes in Oregon

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Oregon.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Oregon Coast Trail

Clatsop County, Oregon · star 4.6 (16) · 646.3 km · Est. 23 days

2

Difficult

Oregon Desert Trail

Deschutes County, Oregon · star 4.6 (11) · 1230.4 km · Est. 46 days

3

Difficult

Pacific Crest Trail - Mount Adams To Mount Rainier

Hood River County, Oregon · star 4.8 (12) · 226.9 km · Est. 10 days

4

Difficult

Steens Mountain Gorge Loop

Harney County, Oregon · star 4.4 (8) · 38.7 km · Est. 2 days

5

Difficult

Mount Tabor - City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 Loop

Multnomah County, Oregon · star 4.5 (13) · 3.0 km · Est. 49 min

6

Difficult

Timberline Trail Loop

Clackamas County, Oregon · star 4.0 (9) · 63.8 km · Est. 3 days

7

Difficult

Timber Gulch Trail

Malheur County, Oregon · star 4.7 (14) · 1.8 km · Est. 37 min

8

Difficult

Teardrop Pool and South Sister Climber Trail

Deschutes County, Oregon · star 4.5 (13) · 18.6 km · Est. 6 hrs 13 min

9

Difficult

South Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail via Neahkahnie Mountain Road

Tillamook County, Oregon · star 4.3 (12) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 42 min

10

Difficult

Separation Creek Loop

Lane County, Oregon · star 4.6 (12) · 66.1 km · Est. 3 days

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Reviews for difficult hikes in Oregon

Lauren Lake avatar

Oregon Coast Trail

Lauren Lake · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Nice mix of beach and roads. Shops and restaurants every day. Remote beaches all to yourself. Negatives: walking shoulder of highway 101, sections are dependent on tide timing.

Lara Metzger avatar

Oregon Desert Trail

Lara Metzger · reviewed over 6 years ago

star star star star star

Pearl Wilson avatar

Pacific Crest Trail - Mount Adams To Mount Rainier

Pearl Wilson · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Fabio Dupont avatar

Steens Mountain Gorge Loop

Fabio Dupont · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Monroe Carroll avatar

Mount Tabor - City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 Loop

PlateauExplorer78 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Oregon

What is the climate like for hiking in Oregon?

Oregon's climate varies by region and season. The coastal areas are mild and wet in winter, offering beautiful, foggy hikes. Inland, winters can be cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains, ideal for snowshoeing. Summers are generally warm and dry, perfect for hiking in forests and along rivers. Visit the Oregon Metro site for local weather updates.

Do I need a permit to hike in Oregon?

Permits for backcountry hiking or overnight stays in Oregon's wilderness areas can be obtained from the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Contact them or visit the Recreation.gov website to secure permits ahead of your hike.

Is wild camping allowed in Oregon?

Wild camping in Oregon is generally permissible on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands, away from developed campgrounds. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations on the BLM or USFS websites before setting out.

Are there mountain rescue services in Oregon?

For mountain rescue in Oregon, hikers should call 911 in an emergency. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management coordinates with various organizations like Mountain Wave Emergency Communications. Always leave your hiking plan with someone. Visit Mountain Wave's website for further information.

Are there dangerous plants in Oregon?

Oregon's diverse landscape offers a range of flora. Coastal areas flourish with Sitka spruces and salal, while the Cascade Range features Douglas firs and Western Hemlocks. Eastern Oregon's high desert is rich with sagebrush. Check out Oregon Flora Project for more detailed information.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Oregon?

From the dense forests to the high desert, Oregon's fauna is abundant. Watch for elk, deer, and black bears in woodland areas. Insects such as mosquitoes can be persistent, especially near water. Learn more about local wildlife from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/north-america/united-states/oregon/ and https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/IPPM/InsectsSpiders/Pages/IdentifyInsect.aspx

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