What’s to Love: An easy 2.3 mile loop brings you past two picture-perfect waterfalls (lower and upper) with viewing bridges at each spot giving you a close-up view. On the return portion of the hike there is a spectacular viewing area that gives a great view of Rooster Rock and the Gorge. The hiking length is just right for a family outing, and the terrain is adventurous but never risky or questionable. The best part about this hike is that it’s the closest waterfall-hike to Portland. There is also a picnic area on the return trip.
What’s to Love: The hike to Tamanawas Falls is a relatively short (3.8 miles round trip) and easy hike, and the reward is a striking waterfall in a beautiful, amphitheater-like setting. There are several bridges to cross, and your kids will get a kick out of crossing them. As you get close to the falls, you’ll have to walk through a large rock/scree slide, which my son loved! This was one of the best parts of the hike for us.
What’s to Love: A great 2 mile loop-hike right in the heart of the Westmoreland area, and right in the heart of a beautiful Wildlife Refuge. Many hard-working people have transformed this entire wetland into a wonderful destination for hiking, biking, bird watching and exploring. For the most part, it is now very clean and safe. Historically, that has not always been the case (see Caveats).
What’s to Love: The fact that
What’s to Love: Cannon Trail is a *relatively* new trail in the Forest Park trail system. In my opinion, building this trail was very smart. The building of Cannon Trail helped eliminate the need to use many existing, rogue trails that cut through sensitive areas on a steep hillside. The trailhead is located off Germantown road either at Leif Erickson or the Wildwood trail parking lots. If you’re looking for a hike with a bit less traffic, this hike fits the bill.
What’s to Love: After a beautiful, 1 mile, all downhill hike you’ll end-up on one of the most breathtaking beaches on the Oregon coast. Plus, the hike back uphill is just enough to deter large crowds of people from visiting this spot. With the large cliffs, sweeping views of low dunes, and a totally wooded backdrop, this beach has it all, except 80 degree+ water. This may look like a beach right out of a Hawaiian guidebook, but the water temperature will definitely tell you it’s all Oregon. There will be plenty of room to find a lunch spot in the perfect white sand. On my first visit, my son Rhys (3 years old) and his little friend Jasmine (2 1/2 at the time) took off running all over this beach buck naked – they loved it!
What’s to Love: I have hiked all 30 miles of the Wildwood trail, as well as most of the peripheral trails throughout Forest Park. Therefore, I feel I’m in a pretty good position to expound on this incredible natural resource. Whether you’re trail running, pushing a jogging stroller, wandering aimlessly, or hiking with friends, Forest Park has a hiking option that’s just right for your family. This article focuses on a 2 mile loop-hike starting at Lower Macleay park that is a great option for families with small children.
What’s to Love: Cooper Spur is technically a climbing route to the summit of Mt. Hood. However, much of the approach is a very exhilarating hike along a rocky, narrow ridge. The hike culminates with a scramble up a scree slope to “Tie-in-Rock.” This is the place where technical climbers rope-up for the snow/ice climb to the summit. I have hiked this many times over the years, and I always get a thrill from being so close to Mt. Hood.
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