Places to hike in Oregon for National Public Lands Day
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Saturday is National Public Lands Day -- so what better way to celebrate than with an early autumn hike on U.S. Forest Service lands?
On Saturday, the U.S. Forest Service is offering free access to its lands across the U.S., which means you won't need to pay a day-use fee. There will also be a few celebrations and special educational activities at sites around Oregon.
Check out below for some places to hike in a U.S. Forest Service area.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
One of the jewels of Oregon and SW Washington, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a must-visit location, featuring cascading waterfalls and plenty of beautiful hiking spots. Here are a few spots on the Oregon side:
- Multnomah Falls
- Oneonta Trailhead
- Angel's Rest Trail
- Wahkeena Falls Trail
- Eagle Creek
- Herman Creek Trailhead
- Wahclella Falls Trail
However, as a note to get there, if you're coming in from Portland and other points west of the city, remember there's a significant Interstate 84 closure this weekend, but we have some tips on getting around the expected traffic.
Willamette National Forest
While there are many closures at this point in the season due to the ongoing Cedar Creek Fire and the recovery efforts from the 2020 wildfires, there are still plenty of places for hikers to head to in the Willamette National Forest.
Check out the following trails that are still open for the season
- Iron Mountain Trail
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Lower
- Proxy Falls Trailhead
- Sahlie and Koosah Falls
- Stahlman Point Trailhead
- Tamolitch Falls
- Clackamas-Breitenbush Scenic Byway
Mount Hood National Forest
Want to head to the mountains before winter arrives? Now is the time to head to Mount Hood National Forest.
Check out the following trails
- Ramona Falls Trailhead
- Paradise Park Trailhead
- Mirror Lake Trail
- Trillium Lake Loop Trail
- Timberline National Historic Trail
- Tamanawas Falls
- Old Salmon River Trail
Enjoy the outdoors!