Outdoor Project

Arguably the most trafficked and popular hiking trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness, the 4.2-mile stretch up to Green Lakes sees its fair share of visitors.  The heavy use is understandable, as it's a spectacular area that offers beautiful mountain views from the shores of a pristine alpine lake.

If you want a beautiful place named after you, it doesn't hurt to have a role on the Geographic Names Board, where Lewis "Tam" McArthur was the secretary from 1916-1949. Tam McArthur Rim is an excellent introduction to the less popular portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness that is accessible from the town of Sisters.

The South Sister is a spectacular introduction to non-technical mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest. The trail up ascends through a dense hemlock forest before emerging into mixed alpine terrain and red cinder scree fields. Throughout the course of the route you'll catch breathtaking views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and the Cascade Range. The trail skirts the edge of the crater rim and curves around Teardrop Lake, the highest lake in Oregon, eventually arriving at the summit.

The Hamilton Mountain Trail is a great hike on the north side of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail starts at Beacon Rock State Park, which offers nearby seasonal camping, and the hike up Beacon Rock could be added if energy remains after hiking Hamilton.  Hamilton Mountain remains a great option in the winter as the trail is typically passable year-round.

If you are visiting Smith Rock State Park and are short on time, the River Trail is a good option. The trail follows the banks of the Crooked River as it winds around the park, and it is a modest alternative to the more challenging Misery Ridge Trail.

The Misery Ridge Trail in Smith Rock State Park is an exceptional day hike that provides a full tour of one of Oregon's most iconic natural areas.  From the trailhead, the trail descends into the Crooked River Gorge, crosses the park's only bridge, and then starts the climb to the top of the park's golden rock cliffs.  As you make your way through the switchbacks, watch the ground for sunbathing reptiles, and look for golden eagle aeries on the northern cliff walls.  Once you've reached the summit, roughly 700 feet above the river, you'll have a close view of the famous Monkey Face formatio

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain is perfect for a nice, easy day tour. This area is just to the west of Skibowl, and will have snow conditions that are very similar to the recreation area. Most of the skiing area is north-facing, so the snow suffers less melting and re-freezing than other areas.

The trail up to Cascade Head is one of the Oregon Coast's best year-around hikes.  From the wildflower meadow at the top you'll catch incredible views to the south that include the 529-acre Westwind Stewardship Conservation Area and Camp, the Salmon River estuary, Lincoln City, and the Pacific.

When it comes to hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, Dog Mountain is a legendary destination, and rightly so. This Washington hike offers stunning views of the gorge and far beyond. You'll see Washington and Oregon Cascade peaks such as Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, a healthy variety of forest and alpine meadow flora, and, if you hike in middle May through early June, you’ll be presented with one of the best wildflower displays in the entire Columbia River Gorge.