One great way to spend a sunny day in Oregon is by taking a stroll along a beautiful body of water. From stunning coastal promenades to serene lake loop hikes, here are a few of the many amazing waterfront hikes in the Beaver State that are a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon:
- Wahclella Falls
flickr/ David Kingham The hike to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia Gorge is a fabulous, easy hike that leads along a beautiful river past old growth trees, mossy boulders, and more, before reaching the stunning waterfall at its climax.
- Rogue River Trail
flickr/ Anthony Olegario This epic 40-mile trail winds along the stunning Rogue River Canyon. It’s a great place to go backpacking, or to spend an afternoon hiking out-and-back. One great option for a short hike along the trail is the 3-mile hike from the trailhead to Whiskey Creek Cabin.
- Seaside Promenade
flickr/ dumatin This charming promenade in Seaside is a wonderful place to take a relaxing stroll, stopping as you wish at restaurants, shops, and of course, at the beach.
- McKenzie River Trail
flickr/ Dave H This amazing hiking (and mountain biking) trail in the Willamette National Forest follows the stunning McKenzie River for 26 miles. On the way, you’ll pass by hot springs, waterfalls, reservoirs, and more. There are lots of points where you can get on or off the trail, so you can make the hike as long or short as you’d like.
- Opal Creek Trail
flickr/ Bret Vogel One incredible way to spend a summer day is by taking a hike along Opal Creek. This beautiful trail offers amazing scenery as well as lots of great opportunities to swim in crystal-clear swimming holes.
- Eagle Creek Trail
flickr/ Souvik Das As its name implies, this amazing trail in the Columbia Gorge follows the scenic Eagle Creek Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning forests and see incredible waterfalls - one of which you will even be able to walk behind.
- Astoria Riverwalk
flickr/ Oregon State University Located on the northwesternmost tip of Oregon, the Astoria Riverwalk is an amazing 6.4-mile boardwalk and asphalt trail that runs along the Columbia River. It’s a great way to get a feel for the seaside town as well as the surrounding natural beauty.
- Cape Perpetua Hike
flickr/ Aaron Hockley This amazing coastal hike is 6.5 miles long and winds through dramatic, rugged shores and past tide pools, great viewpoints, coves, meadows, and natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Cook’s Chasm. This unique coastal trail is a great place for a summer adventure.
- Lost Lake Loop Hike
flickr/ Peter Roome Take a walk around the gorgeous Lost Lake on this incredible 3.2-mile loop hike in the Mt Hood National Forest.
Want to find out about some more great hikes in Oregon? Check out these 14 incredible hikes in Oregon that are less than 5 miles long.
flickr/ David Kingham
The hike to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia Gorge is a fabulous, easy hike that leads along a beautiful river past old growth trees, mossy boulders, and more, before reaching the stunning waterfall at its climax.
flickr/ Anthony Olegario
This epic 40-mile trail winds along the stunning Rogue River Canyon. It’s a great place to go backpacking, or to spend an afternoon hiking out-and-back. One great option for a short hike along the trail is the 3-mile hike from the trailhead to Whiskey Creek Cabin.
flickr/ dumatin
This charming promenade in Seaside is a wonderful place to take a relaxing stroll, stopping as you wish at restaurants, shops, and of course, at the beach.
flickr/ Dave H
This amazing hiking (and mountain biking) trail in the Willamette National Forest follows the stunning McKenzie River for 26 miles. On the way, you’ll pass by hot springs, waterfalls, reservoirs, and more. There are lots of points where you can get on or off the trail, so you can make the hike as long or short as you’d like.
flickr/ Bret Vogel
One incredible way to spend a summer day is by taking a hike along Opal Creek. This beautiful trail offers amazing scenery as well as lots of great opportunities to swim in crystal-clear swimming holes.
flickr/ Souvik Das
As its name implies, this amazing trail in the Columbia Gorge follows the scenic Eagle Creek Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning forests and see incredible waterfalls - one of which you will even be able to walk behind.
flickr/ Oregon State University
Located on the northwesternmost tip of Oregon, the Astoria Riverwalk is an amazing 6.4-mile boardwalk and asphalt trail that runs along the Columbia River. It’s a great way to get a feel for the seaside town as well as the surrounding natural beauty.
flickr/ Aaron Hockley
This amazing coastal hike is 6.5 miles long and winds through dramatic, rugged shores and past tide pools, great viewpoints, coves, meadows, and natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Cook’s Chasm. This unique coastal trail is a great place for a summer adventure.
flickr/ Peter Roome
Take a walk around the gorgeous Lost Lake on this incredible 3.2-mile loop hike in the Mt Hood National Forest.
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