7 EPIC Backpacking Trails in Oregon

Oregon is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. From lush waterfall treks to magnificent coastal routes to literal mountain climbing epics.

If you’re like us and you can’t get enough of these trails, then backpacking in Oregon might be for you!

These multi-day treks will give you plenty of time to soak in the scenery, and they are a heck of a lot less crowded than some of the shorter trails around the state.

1. The Oregon Coast Trail

You can’t talk about backpacking in Oregon without mentioning the OCT. Stretching across roughly 400 miles of rugged coastal beauty, the Oregon Coast Trail is the epitome of adventurous beach destinations.

Many hikers conquer portions of the trail bit by bit, but only the daring attempt to go all the way in one go.

From the Columbia River on the northern side of the coast to the California border just outside of Brookings, there is no shortage of life-changing experiences along the OCT.

The scenery ranges from sandy shores and jagged cliffs to temperate forests and charming seaside towns.

NOTE: Thru-hikers need to remember that portions of the journey venture along paved roads and onto private property. It is important to stay on designated routes when they are clearly marked on your travels.

TIP: Ferries can make portions of the expedition easier, allowing you to bypass numerous bodies of water.

Make sure you pay careful attention when exploring the southern sections of the Oregon coast since it is more remote than the northern coast.

Although the invigorating hike is doable throughout the year, you’ll have a much easier time completing it during the summer months of June thru September due to drier weather conditions.

Additional Resources:

• Oregon Coast Trail
• Explore by section

2. Timberline Trail

One of the most legendary backpacking adventures in Oregon, the Timberline Trail provides an exciting journey around Mount Hood.

The 40-mile loop is a rigorous challenge and only for veteran hikers, but it shows off the Cascade Range at its best.

Trekkers will witness cascading waterfalls, volcanic formations, sumptuous forests, and the intimidating presence of Oregon’s tallest peak.

Steep ascents, lingering snow, challenging river crossings, and pesky bugs are among the challenges awaiting you once on the trail. Numerous washouts have occurred along the trail, and hikers should always be aware of them.

Since Mount Hood is such an iconic mountain, don’t expect this to be one of the quieter spots for backpacking in Oregon. But the views of many of the greatest Cascade Mountains make it all worth it.

Normally, hikers complete this route in four days and the Timberline Lodge provides a popular base location to begin. Camping is easily accessible throughout the trail, and you’ll even find some campsites scattered around the loop.

Additional Resources

• Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood
• US Forest Service – Mount Hood & Timberline Trail

3. McKenzie River National Recreational Trail

Distance: 24.1 miles
Type of Trail: Point to Point
Difficulty: Hard

A popular route among avid bikers, this lengthy route takes you across a multitude of natural landmarks. The hike is normally split into two or three days and the flat terrain makes it easier on the knees.

Much of the trek traverses through the forest but you’ll also pass lava fields and the tumbling Koosah and Sahalie waterfalls. The crystalline waters of Clear Lake and Blue Pool are two of the star attractions decorating the path.

This is a great multi-day trek for beginners—There are wonderful camping options available along this route, and there is also a shuttle service on various points of the route should you need it.

4. Three Sisters Loop

The volcanic landscapes of the Three Sisters Wilderness offer one of the most exhilarating routes for backpacking in Oregon.

This nearly 50-mile loop gives you spectacular views of lava fields, shimmering lakes, alpine meadows, and snow-lined peaks.

One of the best features of this trek is the endless options to wander off the main route to create your own adventure. We love Moraine Lake and Green Lakes, and if you’re up for the challenge, detour up South Sisters.

The wilderness surrounding the three towering peaks is literally a buffet of natural wonders. Stroll through spruce and pine forests, craggy riverbeds, tumbling streams, and just about any landscape you can imagine.

Crowds are a hit or miss depending on which side excursion you decide to explore, but peak season can often get busy. August and September provide fabulous weather on the trail but that usually attracts nature lovers.

There are lots of switchbacks that avoid brutally steep climbs, but be prepared for lots of rugged terrain.

NOTE: Camping options are limited, and you’ll need a permit before beginning your hike, but this is one of the best hikes in Oregon for a life-changing experience.

Additional Resources:

• Oregon Hikers – Three Sisters Loop

5. Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the United States, and much of it stretches through the Oregon wilderness.

The Pacific Crest Trail traverses through the central part of the state and takes hikers through verdant forests and beside cascading waterfalls. Don’t be surprised to spot tons of wildlife like deer, mountain lions, bears, or even rattlesnakes.

There are lots of beautiful hiking trails in Oregon forking off the PCT like the waterfalls of Cascade Locks or the near 9,000-foot Diamond Peak.

Visit numerous sparkling alpine lakes such as Waldo Lake or the otherworldly volcanic formations of Belknap Crater.

You’ll even pass through the epic landscapes of the Cascade Lakes and right on through Crater Lake too!

If you’re attempting to complete a large stretch of the PCT, there are several hiker-friendly towns that are great to restock on supplies.

The entire trail is 2,653 miles, so this isn’t just a multi-day backpacking trail in Oregon—it’s more like a multi-month and multi-state trek!

Additional Resources:

• Guide to Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
• Day and Section Hiking – PCT

6. Steens Mountain Loop

Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain on the continent and is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Oregon.

The drive alone to Steens Mountain can be an exhausting challenge but the untouched wilderness of eastern Oregon is worth the ride.

Glacial valleys, alpine lakes and aerial views of the Alvord Desert produce jaw-dropping vistas from the summit, and a walk further along the ridge offers other fantastic viewpoints from the East Rim or Kiger Gorge.

TIP: Watch the weather closely on this trek as conditions can be wildly unpredictable.

The summer months July-September provide the best conditions, and this is a wonderful time to see the wildflowers in bloom. This 59-mile Oregon trail will be sure to impress, but don’t underestimate its difficulty.

Additional Resources:

• Steens Mountain: Everything You Need to Know!
• Visitor’s Guide to Steen Mountains Area

7. Owyhee Canyonlands

The secluded wilderness of the Owyhee Canyonlands offers avid hikers some of the best backpacking in Oregon. If you’re searching for solitude, this might be the last untouched terrain in the Lower 48 states.

The isolated hiking trails through this arid desert wander through sheer canyon walls, craggy peaks, red-rock formations and raging rapids. It may be lonely but there is no better place in Oregon to connect with Mother Nature.

Whether you put your outdoor skills to the test on the Lambert Rocks Trail or saunter to the relaxing Three Forks Hot Springs, you’ll likely have the landscapes all to yourself.

Additional Resources:

• A Hiker’s Guide to Owyhee Canyonlands
• How-To: Plan a Trip to the Owyhee Canyonlands

We hope this helped you find a cool backpacking route in Oregon for your next adventure!

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