Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian
An Oregon tradition
It’s hard to rightly call yourself a true Oregonian until you’ve taken a hike in the rain. People like to say our fondness for rainy day hikes comes from a hardy demeanor or indifference to a downpour, but the truth is that our local landscape comes alive in a winter rainstorm. Here are 10 hikes to discover that beauty for yourself.
--Jamie Hale
AP Photo/The Columbian, Al Thomas
Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls
Known for transforming into "a raging ocean" in the winter, Eagle Creek is easily one of the most magnificent winter hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Eagle Creek Trailhead leads to a number of scenic sights, but the one to take is the Tunnel Falls Hike – a 12-mile round-trip tour of some of the best the Gorge has to offer.
UPDATE: Eagle Creek is temporarily closed following the 2017 wildfire. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has a list of other recommended destinations.
Marv Bondarowicz/The Oregonian
Clackamas River Trail
Head south out of Estacada into the Mt. Hood National Forest to find the Fish Creek Trailhead, start of the Clackamas River Trail. After 3.6 miles along the Clackamas River, turn right and walk another quarter mile to see Pup Creek Falls, a 200-foot three-section waterfall. Turn around to go back or hike the remaining 4.2 miles (one way) to the end of the trail.
Molly J. Smith/The Oregonian
Opal Creek
Opal Creek offers a huge variety of wondrous sights, many of which are dazzling in the rain. You can find the Opal Creek trailhead about an hour and a half east of Salem, branching off to three different hikes. The 6.6-mile Jawbone Flats Hike and 10.5-mile hike to Cedar Flats are your best bets in the winter.
Ray Whitehouse/The Oregonian
Powell Butte Nature Park
Easily accessible, with miles of diverse trails, Powell Butte Nature Park in southeast Portland is a great way to get out into nature, without taking too big a trek to do so. There are several access points, but the main trailhead is just off S.E. 162nd and Powell, leading to four easy and moderate hikes no more than 3.3 miles long.
Randy L. Rasmussen/The Oregonian
Tryon Creek State Park
A popular Portland destination, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a gem on a rainy day. Well-maintained trails – be they paved or packed mud – make for an accessible hike through the 670-acre park. The park trailhead is just off S.W. Terwilliger Blvd near Boones Ferry Rd., leading to the 1.9-mile Outer Loop and 5.7-mile Inner Loop trails.
Terry Richard/The Oregonian
Cape Lookout
Fair-weather tourists to the Oregon Coast miss out on the sheer magnificence of a strong winter storm. One of the best spots to storm watch is scenic Cape Lookout, just 25 minutes outside Tillamook. Use either the Cape Lookout Trailhead or the Cape Lookout Day Use Trailhead to hike 5 or 9.6 miles round-tip, respectively.
Stephanie Yao Long/Staff
Oxbow Loop Hike
In a rich setting of old-growth forest, Oxbow Regional Park is a must-hike for Portlanders looking to stay close to home. Ancient trees, views of the Sandy River and a rich density of natural beauty reward those who hike the moderate 7.9-mile Oxbow Loop.
Terry Richard/The Oregonian
Silver Falls State Park
Waterfalls are among the best sights during winter in Oregon, and in that regard, Silver Falls State Park delivers in spades. You can see the park piecemeal, but why not spend the day on the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls to see the whole place at once?
Terry Richard/Staff
Wahclella Falls
Only eight miles east of Multnomah Falls, the less-busy Wahclella Falls is a gem in the Columbia River Gorge that will surely be roaring well with all the snowmelt and rain. Better yet for casual hikers, the Wahclella Falls Hike is an easy 2-mile trek that also offers a great view of Munra Falls as well.
UPDATE: Wahclella Falls is temporarily closed following the 2017 Eagle Creek wildfire. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has a list of other recommended destinations.
Terry Richard/The Oregonian
Butte Creek Falls
A small gem in the foothills of the Cascades, Butte Creek Falls offers a quick hike to two more waterfalls outside Silverton. Just northeast of Silver Falls State Park you'll find the Butte Creek Falls Trailhead, gateway to a 1.1-mile loop out to both Butte Creek Falls and Upper Butte Creek Falls.
Terry Richard/The Oregonian
More gushing falls
Our choice of waterfalls in Oregon seems endless. Check out former travel writer Terry Richard's extensive guide to local waterfalls, and our 2011 post on winter waterfall destinations.
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