Oregon’s Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking the Pacific Wonderland

Ask any Oregonian, and they’ll tell you: hiking is the state’s most popular activity. With over 300 state parks, multiple national forests, wilderness areas, and iconic trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake loops, Oregon offers something for every level—from gentle forest walks to alpine summit climbs.

The state’s diverse landscapes—coastal headlands, volcanic peaks, high desert, and lush valleys—make every hike a new adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in the Cascades or exploring the painted hills of the John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon’s trails are a way of life.