The best city hikes and walks in Mt. Hood National Forest

The Taylor Lake via Riverfront Trail offers a delightful, easygoing experience along the Columbia River in The Dalles. This 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking route features a mostly paved, gradually sloped path, making it highly accessible for all ages. You'll enjoy consistent river views as the trail meanders through trees and past the Taylor Spring wetlands, eventually leading to the tranquil Taylor Lake, which is a perfect spot to pause before heading back. With only 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, this trail is a fantastic choice for a leisurely outing that takes around 52 minutes.

To plan your Taylor Lake via Riverfront Trail hiking adventure, head to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, which serves as the trailhead. This convenient starting point offers amenities like restrooms and water, ensuring a comfortable beginning and end to your walk. The trail's easy difficulty and well-maintained surface mean you can enjoy it year-round, though checking local conditions is always a good idea.

This family-friendly trail is notable for its high accessibility and educational elements, including interpretive signs along the way that highlight the natural environment. While you'll be immersed in riverside scenery and catch glimpses of the Columbia River Gorge mountains, the trail also offers a unique blend of nature with occasional views of nearby industrial buildings, providing a real-world context to the landscape.

The Washougal River Greenway Trail is an easy, pleasant hike that follows the Washougal River, offering diverse scenery from riparian forests to repurposed gravel quarries. You'll enjoy views of the water and surrounding wetlands, with the highlight being a prominent steel-and-wood pedestrian bridge that crosses the river, providing excellent viewpoints. This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route has only 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 29 minutes, making it a quick and rewarding outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is very accessible and generally flat, with many paved sections. It's an ideal spot for families, those with strollers, and dog owners. Be aware that during heavy rain or snowmelt, some wetland areas can become wet or flooded, so checking local conditions before you go is a good idea.

Beyond the scenic river views, the trail is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot ducks, herons, eagles, and various smaller birds, as well as butterflies and dragonflies. Depending on the season, you'll see fields of wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage, and on clear days, even Mount Hood in the distance. This trail offers a gentle escape into nature right on the eastern edge of Camas.

The Dalles Riverfront Trail offers a unique hiking experience along the Columbia River, distinct from the lush western Gorge. You'll traverse a mostly flat, paved path, enjoying expansive views of the river and the Columbia Hills, with the high desert's muted colors contrasting against the sky. The route, a moderate 7.9-mile (12.7 km) hike with just 136 feet (42 metres) of elevation gain, winds past natural areas, hidden coves, and a significant Lewis and Clark campsite, particularly as you approach the scenic western end near the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Expect a journey that blends natural beauty with historical intrigue, taking approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes.

When planning your visit, remember that the trail is quite exposed, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and ample water, especially if you're hiking during the warm summer months. Parking is readily available at locations like the Discovery Center and Riverfront Park, providing convenient access to the route. Restrooms and benches are spaced along the trail for your comfort. For a different perspective, consider a winter visit, which offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles.

This trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty, industrial glimpses, and rich historical significance, marking a key point on the Oregon Trail. It's also remarkably accessible, making it a family friendly option suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Beyond the trail, you can easily access downtown The Dalles, with its historic shops and brewpubs, including Oregon's oldest bookstore, offering a perfect way to extend your day after your hike.

The Dalles Riverfront Trail is a surprisingly long and varied journey along the Columbia River, offering continuous views of the water and the Columbia Hills. You'll traverse a mostly flat, paved path, encountering a mix of natural areas with secluded coves and a beautiful pond, historical markers like a Lewis and Clark campsite, and even glimpses of modern industry. The muted browns and greens of the high desert provide a striking contrast to the vivid blue river, making for a unique visual experience.

This 15.5-mile (24.9 km) hiking route is rated difficult, primarily due to its length, and takes approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes to complete, with a minimal 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain. The trail is largely ADA accessible and family-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You'll find amenities like restrooms and benches at various points, including Riverfront Park.

Beyond the scenic views, the trail is rich in historical significance, passing sites that were crucial on the Oregon Trail and offering insights into the Columbia River's past. It connects the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to The Dalles Riverfront Park and extends towards The Dalles Dam, providing access to downtown The Dalles with its shops and brewpubs. This blend of natural beauty, history, and urban connection makes it a notable trail in the region.