Portland One Night Wilderness: Your Guide to Overnight Adventures

As a longtime resident of Portland, OR, and an avid thru-hiker and backpacker, I have personally turned to One Night Wilderness: Portland for years to find a quick escape from the city and life.  Portland residents are very fortunate, in less than 45 minutes from town, one can immerse oneself in the wilderness of the PNW, whether it’s the Coast Range, Cascade Foothills, or the Columbia River Gorge.  Drive a bit farther and you can access wilderness areas along the PCT, giant volcanic peaks, the coast, and the desert – it’s a buffet of ecosystems for hikers and outdoor lovers.

FarOut x AdventureKEEN

Packing for an overnight trip

Herman Creek is a favorite among my thru-hiker friends in Portland; it’s a quick 45-minute drive to the trailhead from Portland that puts you right into an old-growth forest of Western Red Cedars, Doug Firs, and Hemlocks.  Given its lower elevation, this hike is generally one of the first overnight hiking spots to melt out and be accessible in the springtime.  The trail climbs its way up out of the gorge away from the Columbia River and has great camping options along the way—my favorite spot to camp is in the Big Cedar Swamp area.  I often spent more than a few nights here over the years, and I am frequently rewarded with the hoots of owls during the night as I drift off to sleep.

Silver Star Mountain is an excellent destination for a climb, offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood.  I have often used Silver Start Mountain as a training ground for bigger hikes later in the season, as its steep terrain and proximity to home make it an excellent option for preparing for more challenging hikes.  In June and July, the wildflowers and bear grass put on a fantastic show for hikers.  Silver Star Mountain is also located on the Chinook Trail, a National Recreation Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, which I was fortunate enough to be part of a team of three that completed the first thru-hike of the trail back in 2014.  Good news for hikers, the Chinook Trail Association and Washington Trails Association have been working hard to improve the access road to the upper trailhead, so a big high-clearance 4×4 is no longer required.

Ramona Falls is located on Mt Hood, just a few miles from the Zig Zag Ranger Station, a quick hour from home.  The hike takes you through the forest over the Sandy River and into a grove that houses the spectacular cascading Ramona Falls.  This spot features a large, flat camping area, excellent access to water, and is also situated along the Pacific Crest Trail and Timber Line Trail, so you may encounter a few thru-hikers if you spend the night.  Ramona Falls is a classic PNW hike with big trees, clear water, and a stunner of a waterfall. What more could you ask for in a quick one-nighter?