Oregon Hikes Pt. 1

There is an insurmountable number of hikes the great state of Oregon offers. From local parks to the PCT, high desert to coastal mountains, you’re bound to find a hike within twenty minutes of wherever you are. This link leads to a myriad of viewpoints in Oregon. I use that website to find future hikes I want to go on.

South Sister Trail Marker

Over time, I’ll write more posts about places you can hike in Oregon (and Washington, Idaho, and Northern California, too). Here are a few of my favorites- each from a different region- to get your Oregon hiking list started!

South Sister

South Sister, also known as Charity, is a mountain in the Cascade Range. Standing at 10,358 feet tall, South Sister is one of three sister peaks. This section of the cascades has a rich history of volcanic eruptions, so definitely hike this and the surrounding mountains if you’re into geology.

South Sister is located in Deschutes National Forest. You need both a wilderness permit and a recreation pass. The pass is for parking. The parking pass is $5 on-site, so make sure you bring cash! You’re also able to use other recreation passes such as the America the Beautiful annual pass. Wilderness permits are available starting June 15 through October 15. For South Sister, you especially need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit from recreation.gov. Links are below:

• South Sister day-use wilderness permit

• South Sister overnight wilderness permit

Hiking Info

• Difficulty: hard

• The trail starts at Devil’s Lake Trailhead. If you want to get an extra early start, you can camp at Devil’s Lake Campground. Make sure you have the proper permits for that.

• According to AllTrails, South Sister from Devil’s Lake Trailhead to the summit and back is 11.6 miles. However, I somehow managed to hike around 15 and I have no idea how. Be prepared for extra mileage.

• Elevation gain is 4,986 ft. The way up to the summit takes a drastic incline after the false summit.

• The ideal hiking period is June to October (which is permit season).

Gear

Maddie and Me at the summit! Views of Middle and North Sisters

• bring tons of water. 90 oz. minimum, probably more

• breakfast

• lunch

• snacks

• hiking poles

• sunscreen

• any other essential hiking gear
  

South Sister is a physically demanding hike. It definitely kicked my butt and I need to hike it again to redeem myself. This is one of those that you should train for and give yourself some leeway time for finishing. Unless you’re an expert hiker, add about two hours at least to your expected trip time to account for stops, stretching, getting lost, snacking, taking a break at the false summit, hiking up to the real summit, and hanging at the top of the mountain. Can you tell I’m writing from experience? South Sister truly is one of the most rewarding hikes that traverses multiple landscapes, geological features, and views of the surrounding Cascade peaks.

Marys Peak

This gorgeous summit is the tallest peak on the Oregon Coastal Range. It’s filled with tall trees, wildflowers, switchbacks, mud, and lots of pups to pet as you pass. The trail is located in the Siuslaw National Forest. Marys Peak is also technically a “Scenic Botanical Area,” which makes for a delightful hike come wildflower season starting around April/May depending on the year, and going throughout summer. The drive out to the peak is also spectacular, with rolling green hills and fields full of farm animals. It honestly feels like driving through the Irish countryside. Absolutely spectacular. The mountain itself stands at 4,097 feet tall, giving a panoramic view that includes the Pacific Ocean, the Coastal Range, the Willamette Valley, and the Cascades. That’s all on clear days, but even on those snowy ones, it’s just an overall lovely hike and area.

Admiring the trees at Marys Peak

Hiking Info

There are a couple of different ways to hike Marys Peak. You can get to the summit via East Ridge Trail or North Ridge Trail. I’ve hiked East Ridge and loved it. The access point is Conner’s Camp trailhead, also called Marys Peak East Ridge Trail Head (go figure). The North Ridge Trail begins at Wood’s Creek Trailhead and is longer than the East. There is also a day-use site by the summit that you can drive up to enjoy the view. Up towards the top, there are other trails that connect the East and North Ridges.

• Difficulty: easy to moderate

• East Ridge is roughly 6 miles out and back, but there are 12 miles of trails (not including out and back)

• Season: May through October

• Parking pass is $5

• Find directions to Connor’s Camp Trailhead here

Gear

Since it’s a fairly easy hike, you just need a day pack with water and snacks! You can also snowshoe, cross-country ski, and mountain bike.

Find the official USDA brochure for Marys Peak here.

My friend Cailyn preparing for the snowy trek to the top of the peak

Silver Falls State Park: Trail of Ten Falls

The Trail of Ten Falls is a deceiving name. There is an abundance of breathtaking falls that far surpasses just ten. But honestly, if you go and just see the first fall, Silver Falls, the trip is worth it. The 7.2-mile loop follows a river through a canyon, behind booming waterfalls, moss walls, and through forests of billowing trees. It’s all very mystical. I feel like I draw the comparison often, but it really is like stepping into a fairytale.

Trail of Ten Falls is just east of Salem, OR. It’s part of Silver Falls, which is an Oregon State Park. Within Silver Falls State Park, there are tons of trails- 35 miles worth. There’s a parking fee for day use or you can get an Oregon State Parks Pass.

Hiking Info

• Difficulty: easy to moderate

• Loop style route

• Trails can get super slippery

• Open year-round, but the falls flow heavier when the snow is melting

• Find directions to Silver Falls Day Use Area here.

Gear

Like Marys Peak, this is an easy-to-moderate day-use trail; gear is minimal. You’ll likely need:

• Rain jacket

• Layers

• Snacks

• Water

• Hiking poles (optional)

Note: pets are not allowed on the Canyon Trail.

Enjoy this historic, marvelous, magical place. Stand next to the waterfalls for an extra moment. Take it all in!

Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach and Heceta Lighthouse

The Pacific coast elicits a sensation of pure wonderment. This hike in particular holds a special place in my heart. Hobbit Trail is one of the very first hikes I ever did out in Oregon, close to a year before I even moved out here. It’s a decently popular hike and takes you to multiple spots: Hobbit Beach and Heceta Head lighthouse. There are paved trails at Heceta Head lighthouse, and you can park there, too. Part of the hike is a walk on the beach, which adds to the joy of this trail. The trail can be fairly short if you just take the trailhead to the beach, or you can complete the loop and hike 6.6 miles.

Younger Tiff and Doone out to find hobbits

Since you’re in the area, you might as well check out Heceta Beach, which you’ll be able to see from the lighthouse. You can park here, too, and add to your hike! I try to stop at Heceta Beach whenever I drive the 101. It’s the perfect little cove to watch the sunset!

Hiking Info

• Difficulty: easy to moderate

• Directions to Hobbit Beach Trailhead: coming north on the 101, it's about 0.5 miles from Heceda Head lighthouse entrance. There's a small trail sign that indicates you're there! It's usually packed, so if you see cars, you're in the right place!

• Additional parking is located at the lighthouse for a full loop trial. Find directions here

Gear

This is a day hike, so pack accordingly. You’ll also be on the beach! The Oregon coast is chilly, even in the summer. Consider bringing:

• Sunscreen

• A kite

• Snacks

• Water

• Layers

• Sandals for the beach

• Binoculars for birding

Sunset at Heceta Beach

This short n’ sweet list covers hikes from the Cascades, the Willamette Valley, the Oregon Coast Range, and the Oregon Coast. This barely skims the surface of your Oregon hiking possibilities, but it’s a great place to start! Happy trails!