When the forecast alternates between “rain” and “showers” for weeks at a time, as it tends to do in the Pacific Northwest during February and March, most people are not thinking seriously about backpacking trips from Portland. Many campgrounds and access roads are still snowed shut, trails are muddy, and you’d have to be pretty hardcore to want to camp out overnight.
However, these cold, gray days are the perfect time to plan your early spring hiking trips. Believe it or not, better weather is right around the corner, coming with moss-draped trees and fields of wildflowers. Start your prep early so you’re ready when the trails open – just as the rest of Portland is sun-drunk and eager to make the most of shoulder season. Here are six trails that are perfect for your first overnights of the year.
Lower Deschutes River Trail
Though it’s a bit of a drive from Portland, the Lower Deschutes trail is easy to access and open year-round. It stands out as a great early-season trip for testing your gear and practicing for more challenging trails, as the terrain is relatively flat – the trail hugs the river and sometimes follows an old railroad bed. Plus, the slopes hemmed in by the wide, lazy river are lush with wildflowers from March through May. It’s approximately a 5-mile hike to the campsites at Gordon Canyon.
To reach this location, take I-84 east about 90 miles to Exit 97. Continue east on Hwy 206, following signs to Deschutes River State Recreation Area; turn into the recreational area and find the trailhead parking lot at the far end, past a large campground. An overnight-parking pass is required ($7).
Clackamas River Trail
Another trail that’s open year-round, this is one of the easiest and most leisurely backpacking trips from Portland. The Clackamas River Trail winds through a cool green forest, thick with ferns and ancient trees. Keep an eye out for chanterelle mushrooms along the way. You can hike as far or as briefly as you prefer, but the best campsite is just under five miles in (a 9.4-mile round-trip).
To access this trail, take Hwy 224 about 15 miles southeast of Estacada, turn right at the sign for Indian Henry Campground, and look for the trailhead parking lot on the right, across from the campground entrance.
Salmon River Trail
A local favorite that can be surprisingly free of crowds in the offseason, this lovely riverside trail allows you to hike as far as you feel like going, with ample opportunities for stopping overnight along the way. From one end to the other, it stretches about 14 miles, but the excellent Rolling Riffle Camp is only four miles in, with many other spots available. The trail itself is soft and inviting, providing a cushiony path through a tunnel of vibrant green woods – perfect for reintroducing yourself to backpacking after months of hibernation.
The west-side trailhead remains open throughout the year, and you can typically hike as far as Rolling Riffle by March. From Portland, take Hwy 26 to the town of Zigzag. Turn right (south) on East Salmon River Road, following signs to Green Canyon Campground; drive 5 miles to a large parking area on the left, just before crossing a bridge over the Salmon River. A Northwest Forest Pass is required May-October.
Tillamook Head
While it’s true that it isn’t exactly beach weather, the Oregon coast offers hiking trails that are just as windswept and foggy in spring as at any other time. This trail, measuring 8.8 miles round-trip from the Seaside trailhead, is one of the few on the coast featuring a designated backpacking area. It typically remains open year-round (but prepare for mud).
Tillamook Head, part of Ecola State Park, rises over 1,000 feet above the water between Seaside and Cannon Beach. The trail follows a route taken by Captain William Clark, of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, leading through rainforests and past stunning viewpoints. While the trail climbs steeply from the Seaside trailhead, it soon levels out. Approximately two miles in, you’ll catch a glimpse of the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (also known as “Terrible Tilly”).
At 3.8 miles, look for a sign reading “Clark’s Point of View” – a spot Clark deemed one of the best views he had ever seen. After a short descent, you’ll arrive at the Hikers’ Camp, equipped with three sturdy log shelters featuring wooden sleeping platforms (ideal in case of rain). If you’re feeling adventurous, continue south the next morning through ancient forests and down the opposite side of Tillamook Head for views of Indian Beach, a popular surfers’ hangout.
To reach the trailhead, take US 26 approximately 70 miles northwest from Portland, then head north on US 101 to the town of Seaside. The trailhead is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, but no overnight parking is permitted there, so either arrange for someone to drop you off or find a public parking space in town and walk to the trailhead.
Ramona Falls
Some of the lower-elevation hikes on Mt Hood begin to open by early April. This popular 7-mile loop features easy walking through captivating terrain – a mix of sandy and rocky ground, meandering through a moss-floored forest of twisted trees – and rewards hikers with the stunning veil-like Ramona Falls. (One catch: you’ll need to cross the Sandy River on a fallen log. Exercise caution!) If you’re fortunate, you may find an available campsite at the falls, but there are good spots located along the trail as well.
The large parking area for the Ramona Falls trailhead is well-signposted; take US 26 east to Zigzag, then head up East Lolo Pass Road and turn right on Forest Road 1825, where a sign indicates “Campgrounds & Trailheads.”
Badger Creek
A bit of an outlier, Badger Creek is located on the east side of Mt Hood, often uncrowded and usually opening by March. This trail is suitable for all ages – a mostly flat creekside path travels through ferns, willows, Douglas firs, and ponderosa pines, with wildflowers peaking in May. The best campsite is roughly three miles in, just past a small waterfall where the creek flows over a pair of mossy boulders. However, you can follow the creekside trail all the way to Badger Lake, which is 10.7 miles from the trailhead.
To locate the trailhead, take US 26 to forest roads 43 and 48, heading toward Wamic; follow signs to Bonney Crossing Campground. The trail begins directly across from the campground entrance, immediately after crossing a bridge over Badger Creek.
Tips for Planning Spring Backpacking Trips from Portland
Always check the NOAA weather forecast, but don’t solely rely on it – bring gear suited for cold, rainy conditions. Moreover, if your gear has been stored away for a while, inspect it before your trip to ensure there are no unexpected leaks, holes, or mildew. Most importantly, remember to pace yourself – it’s perfectly acceptable to proceed slowly, especially after spending the winter cooped up indoors.
