Hikes in Oregon

Stuart Falls Trail is an off the beaten path hike in Crater Lake National Park that sees very light traffic. It’s a long, moderately difficult route that leads to a waterfall. While the trail to the waterfall is not the most inspiring, the falls are certainly worth the trip! This hike requires some route-finding skills, so we recommend bringing a downloaded GPS track with you. This route can also be used for backpacking.

Godfrey Glen Trail is a short, pleasant hike in Crater Lake National Park that sees light traffic. This quick loop is dog-friendly, so it’s the perfect option if you’re driving through the park and want to get your dog outside (most trails in the park do not allow dogs). This hike reveals an interesting canyon cliff face and beautiful views. It’s easy enough for all skill levels.

The Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail is a route that leads you through a meadow to a stream in Crater Lake National Park. This hike is short and easy enough for all ages and skill levels. We definitely recommend this one if you’re visiting in June and July when the blooms are out in full force. Hiking outside of the wildflower season offers a less enticing, but still pleasant, experience.

Crater Peak Trail is one of the longest hikes you can do in Crater Lake National Park, but it’s still only moderately difficult and can be done in a half day. This lightly trafficked trail leads to the top of Crater Peak, from where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the entire park, from the peaks to the forest and beyond. This hike is steep in places but doesn’t require any technical skill.

Lightning Spring Trail is one of the longest hikes you can do in Crater Lake National Park, leading from the carter’s edge to the PCT and back. However, you don’t need to go far on this trail to enjoy its highlights, the main one being Lightning Spring Backcountry Campsite, a very pretty place to pitch your tent. You can go as far as you like on this route before turning back. Expect light traffic and moderate difficulty.

Dutton Creek Trail is a hiking trail that starts from the Rim Village at Crater Lake National Park. This hike leads you along its namesake creek, enjoying mountain views and a peaceful forest. This route reaches its turnaround point at the PCT but it can be hiked as a shorter adventure if needed. Expect light traffic and moderate difficulty.

The Lady of the Woods Trail is a short, easy hike in Crater Lake National Park. Back when permanently changing the landscape on a hike wasn’t so firmly discouraged, a physician with an artistic flair hiked back here and carved a woman’s figure into a boulder. You can see the Lady of the Woods as well as several cabins on this hike. This hike is great for all ages and easy to follow.

Union Peak Trail leads through Crater Lake National Park to the top of Union Peak. The route is quite relaxed until the final climb to the top, which is said to be one of the steepest in southern Oregon (according to the signage at the trailhead). Don’t worry, there are lots of good handholds. This route is not a good pick for kids, and although dogs are allowed on leash, they would likely be unable to reach the top with you.

Sun Notch Trail is a short, easy hiking route that shows off the namesake of Crater Lake National Park, with a particularly good view of the Phantom Ship. It’s easy enough for all ages and won’t take long to complete, so add it onto your adventures in the park. Expect moderate traffic and remember that dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Fumarole Bay Trail is a short hike along the southwestern coast of Wizard Island in Crater Lake. If you’ve ferried over to the island and want to enjoy a particularly quiet hike, this is the way to go. The trail itself mostly just meanders along the water, but the lake is very pretty and you’ll probably not have any company as you explore. Dogs are not permitted here, but it’s a family-friendly trail.

PCT to Pumice Flat Trail is a route that connects–you guessed it–the Pacific Crest Trail with Pumice Flats Trail in Crater Lake National Park. This hike isn’t frequently used for casual day trips and it sees little traffic, but it’s definitely scenic enough to warrant a wander if you have the time. This is a moderately difficult hike.

Raven Trail travels from the Crater Lake Lodge on the edge of Crater Lake through the trees along a ridge. This trail is used for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It’s not super well marked, but it’s a pleasant trip through the woods with some areas where previous burns have opened up the views. Expect light to moderate traffic on this trail.

The Fall Creek Falls Trail is a wonderfully scenic hike in the Umpqua National Forest of Oregon that will take you to a majestic waterfall. While out on the trail, you will meander through a dense forest of hemlock, douglas fir, and sugar pine, before arriving at the 37 m tall Fall Creek Falls. While this trail is dog-friendly, your canine companions will need to be kept on a leash at all times.

The Umpqua Hot Springs Trail is a great little hike if you are looking to experience the beauty of Umpqua National Forest and also get a good soak in. While out on the trail, you will make your way across the North Umpqua River and hike through the forest, before quickly arriving at a series of clothing optional pools where you can slip into the toasty waters. Hikers should take note that parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly during the summer months; be sure to arrive early in order to secure a space.

The Toketee Falls Hike is a great outdoor excursion in Oregon that will take you to a stunning waterfall in no time. While out on the trail, you will descend alongside the banks of the North Umpqua River, eventually arriving at the 34 m tall Toketee Falls. Hikers should take note that while this trail is easy, there is a steep drop to get down to the waterfall, making it unsuitable for less mobile travelers.

The Shadow Falls Hike is a short adventure in Umpqua National Forest that will take you along the edge of Cavitt Creek to reach a charming waterfall. While out on the trail, you will navigate through the forest and listen to the sound of the rushing water, before arriving at the cascading waters of Shadow Falls. Make sure that your vehicle has a decent amount of clearance, as the road leading into the trailhead is a bit rough and rugged.

The Pinard Falls Trail is a wonderful hiking adventure in Umpqua National Forest that will lead you to a serene waterfall setting. While out hiking the trail, you will meander along a short path through the peaceful temperate rainforest setting, enjoying the views of the surrounding woodland scenery before arriving at the magical site of Pinard Falls. This route can get busy during peak hours, so be sure to plan your hike accordingly.

The Lemolo Falls Hike is a beautifully scenic adventure in Umpqua National Forest that follows the edge of a roaring river to an impressive waterfall. While out on the trail, you will make your way through Lemolo Canyon along the banks of the North Umpqua River, taking in the beauty of the forest surroundings before arriving at the site of Lemolo Falls. Make sure to bring bug spray, as there will likely be a fair amount of mosquitoes!

The Brice Creek Hiking Trail is a beautifully scenic excursion in Oregon that will take you through a wonderful woodland setting. While out on the trail, you will steadily climb uphill alongside Brice Creek, enjoying the sounds of rushing water and views of the dense forest landscape. Be sure to bring plenty of water for this hike, as the elevation gain can really sneak up on you and tire you out!

The Moon Falls Trail is a lovely little adventure in Oregon that showcases one of the many stunning waterfalls within Umpqua National Forest. While out on the trail, you will take in the natural beauty of the peaceful forest setting, before arriving at the breathtaking cascade of Moon Falls. Hikers should take note that there is spotty cell service in this area, so be sure to take this into consideration before setting out on your hike.