Located right in downtown Portland, the Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion hike is popular year round. The first part of the trail is heavily wooded and follows Balch Creek. After about 0.8 miles, the trail intersects with the Wildwood Trail at the stone ruins which once served as a rest stop in the 1930s. Hikers continue along the Wildwood Trail until they reach NW Cornell Road where the trail up to Pittock Mansion lies across the road. After crossing Cornell Road the trail is rather steep up to the mansion. The mansion sits in the West Hills and is a historic symbol of the growth Portland has seen since the early 1990’s.

The Pittock Mansion is open for tours most of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the month of January. There is a small fee to tour the mansion however visitors are welcome to walk the grounds free of charge.

Along the scenic Columbia River Gorge lies the second highest waterfall in the United States. At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls drops in three steps, the first at 9 feet, the second at 542 feet, and the third at 69 feet. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the viewing point at the bottom of the falls and an easy hike to the bridge viewpoint. If you continue along the paved walkway, you will find yourself with a panoramic view of the gorge from a platform at the top of the upper falls.

Located at the base of the falls is the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was built in 1925. The building is made of every type of rock found in the gorge and contains a restaurant, restrooms, gift shop, and a US Forest Service Information Center.

Standing west of the town of Stevenson on the Washington shore of the Columbia River is the remnant of an ancient volcano. At approximately 850 feet, Beacon Rock is among the largest rocks in the world. The rock has served as a landmark for famous explorers such as Lewis and Clark, who described the rock in their travel logs. From the trailhead, a steep paved trail winds around the side of the rock providing hikers with an unparalleled view of the gorge.

Located in the Columbia Wilderness, close to Bonneville Dam, is the Eagle Creek trail. Eagle Creek is a popular destination that shows off the true beauty of the Columbia Gorge. As you wander along the trail you will pass tall basalt cliffs, mossy old-growth forests, and beautiful streams and waterfalls. After the first 1.8 miles you will come across the 30 ft Punchbowl Falls which is equipped with an area excellent for sunbathing. Farther along the trail is the 120 ft Tunnel Falls. The name Tunnel Falls refers to the tunnel that runs through the cliff side behind the waterfall. When the trail was being built, engineers blasted through part of the cliff to make room for the tunnel. Tunnel Falls is a popular turn around spot for many hikers although there are campsites further down the trail for those wishing to go farther.

A longer trip continues on to Wahtum Lake, about 13.3 miles from the trailhead.

The Dog Mountain trial is found on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge heading east. The area is accessible most of the year but is especially beautiful in the spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Hikers have the option of following one of two loops when climbing Dog Mountain. The first loop is the more direct trail which affords the nicer views of the two loops. The tradeoff however, is that the first loop is considerably steeper. Climbers are rewarded at the summit with sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge including Beacon Rock and Mt. Defiance. On clear days, the view expands to include both Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.