13 Best Rainy Day Hikes in Oregon [Enjoy the Outdoors Even When it Rains]

Let’s face it, living in the Pacific Northwest can get pretty tough at times, especially when all you want to do is get out on the hiking trail.

Because Oregon and Washington see a heck of a lotta rain, sometimes we just have to brave it and hit the trail, even if it means getting a little wet.

I’ve compiled a list of the best rainy day hikes in Oregon for those days when you want to get outside but the weather isn’t cooperating.

All of these hikes don’t require clear skies to see the views and are somewhat covered by tree coverage to help keep the rain off of you.

Let’s jump right in!

Best Rainy Day Hikes Oregon

If you’re looking for somewhere to get out on the trail during all of those rainy days that we have in the PNW, you’re in the right place.

Below you’ll find some of the best hikes for those not-so-nice weather days in Oregon.

1. Drift Creek Falls

Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Siuslaw National Forest

Waterfalls make the perfect rainy day destinations because you can see them even if the sky is cloudy.

Drift Creek Falls is located in central Oregon, just about 30 minutes outside of Salem.

You’ll hike through the lush rainforest, which seems to shine an even brighter green when there’s moisture in the air.

Part of the hike follows Horner Creek before it reaches the famous 240-foot suspension bridge, which is actually the tallest in Oregon.

It’s here that you’ll finally get to see the 75-foot waterfall that drops over a large mossy wall into Drift Creek.

After you’ve crossed the suspension bridge, make your way down to the viewpoint closer to the base of the falls.

2. Tamolitch Blue Pool

Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Willamette National Forest

This is another popular hiking trail in central Oregon, that offers views even if the skies aren’t clear.

It’s a nice 3.6 mile round-trip moderately challenging trail that leads you through the old-growth forest, right by evidence of past volcanic activity.

Eventually, you’ll reach what is known as Tamolitch Blue Pool, or just ‘Blue Pool,’ for short.

It won’t take you long to understand why it’s been given this name, by the gorgeous, clear blue color of the water.

Although there is technically a waterfall here, the above-ground falls are only typically seen in the spring, and the rest of the pool is fed by underground springs.

3. Trail of Ten Falls

Distance: 7.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Silver Falls State Park

As one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the state of Oregon, I only found it fitting to include it in this list of trails.

As the name suggests, you’ll get to see ten waterfalls in a matter of just over 7 miles, which is pretty spectacular if you ask me.

The tallest waterfall in Silver Falls State Park is South Falls, dropping an impressive 177 feet. You’re actually able to walk behind this one.

Since you already might be a little damp from the rain, it won’t do you any harm if you feel a bit of mist on you from the waterfalls.

A few of the falls, including South Falls, have trails that loop behind them, allowing you to walk right behind the waterfall.

4. Paulina Hot Springs

Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Newberry Volcanic National Monument

While this wouldn’t be my very first thought of a hike to do when it’s raining, it’s actually surprisingly nice!

When we visited Paulina Falls, we, unfortunately, got stuck in the rain, but still decided to make the most of the adventure.

After the short hike, you’ll reach the hot springs, which are found just on the shore of Paulina Lake.

The best part about this hike is climbing into the hot springs and relaxing in them as the cold rain water splashes your face.

This is one of the best hikes for those near Bend, because it’s just under an hour away and makes for the perfect day trip.

5. Toketee Falls

Distance: 0.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Umpqua National Forest

As another waterfall hike, the short hike to Toketee Falls is a perfect option for getting outside in bad weather.

Since it’s just under a mile, it’s a fairly easy hike that won’t take a whole lot of time to complete.

Most of the hike is through a forest, so you’re covered up for the most part.

Eventually, you’ll emerge just a bit from the forest and will be met with a viewpoint of the magnificent, teal Toketee Falls.

The contrast between the color of the water and the rock walls is just incredible, and you’ll be blown away by its beauty.

6. Tumalo Falls

Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Deschutes National Forest

If you find yourself stuck in the Bend area with nothing to do on a rainy day, then consider making a visit to Tumalo Falls.

One of the best parts of this trail is that you really don’t have to hike very far at all to see the waterfall.

It’s just a few steps from the parking lot, so you can make it a really quick waterfall visit from Bend if you prefer!

Or, if you’d like to hike a bit further, you can take the trek up the trail, following the South Fork Tumalo Creek to Double Falls, which makes it about 2 miles roundtrip.

7. Wilson River Trail

Distance: 5.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Tillamook State Forest

The Wilson River Trail is a nice option for a rainy day hike in Oregon because it just follows the Wilson River.

It’s a nice easy hike with minimal elevation gain and no spectacular views to be missed if the skies were clear.

You can enjoy the sound of the water flowing down the river next to you, and hike in as far or as little as you’d like.

There is a small waterfall along the river to look out for, and a few campgrounds further up the trail.

8. Cape Lookout

Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Cape Lookout State Park

I’ll be honest here and say that this one can be hit or miss, because sometimes when it’s raining, this trail gets very foggy and it’s hard to see anything.

Other days, it just rains and you can still see the fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The trail follows along a peninsula of Cape Lookout State Park that juts out into the ocean.

Along it, you’ll have the chance to spot whales if it isn’t raining too hard, as well as enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore.

At the end of the hike, you’ll have made it to an area with benches where you can sit and enjoy a nice hiking lunch or just relax.

Even if you can’t see the ocean views, you’ll get to enjoy the sounds of the ocean as well as the nice hike through the coastal forest.

Best Places to Hike in the Rain Near Portland

Are you located near Portland and are tired of being stuck outside when it’s raining?

Then check out these rainy day hikes near Portland that will help you get rid of those rainy-day blues.

9. Clackamas River Trail

Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Clackamette Park

Here’s another nice paved trail that winds along the Clackamas River and offers just a nice chance to get outside, no matter the weather.

Although there are no outstanding views, it’s a nice little path to experience.

You’ll start by hiking past Clackamette Cove before continuing on past the bay and coming up right next to the river.

This trail is only about 25 minutes outside of Portland, located in Oregon City, so it’s great for those days where you don’t want to drive an hour to reach the trailhead.

10. Powell Butte Nature Park

Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Varies
Location: Portland

Powell Butte Nature Park, found right within Portland’s city limits is the perfect place for hiking in the city on any day.

If you want to get out on the trails but don’t want to drive too far, then this is the perfect location for you.

While on a clear day you’ll have fantastic views of Mount Hood, on rainy days you’ll still get to enjoy the meadows and grasslands.

I would say that the nature park is better for days where it’s sprinkling, rather than downpouring because there is less tree coverage here.

But either way, it’s a nice place to get out and enjoy some fresh air within Portland.

11. Hoyt Arboretum

Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Portland

Found right within Portland, getting out on the hiking trails at Hoyt Arboretum is a great choice because you won’t have to leave the city.

There are nearly 200 acres of land and 12 miles of trails for visitors to check out, and it gives you the chance to see Oregon’s beauty without going too far.

Several of the trails are paved, and many also feature interpretive signs, so you can learn about the trees as you hike.

Although these trails aren’t your typical ‘climb a mountain’ hikes, they still provide you with a nice way to get out with a rainy day hike in Oregon.

12. Multnomah Falls

Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Columbia River Gorge

This is always such a classic waterfall to see, no matter what the weather is like because it’s so easy to get to.

Simply park in the lot, walk across the street, and take a few steps to get to the main viewpoint for Multnomah Falls.

As Oregon’s tallest waterfall, this location is usually jam-packed with people.

But if you visit when it’s raining, you may get lucky and have this place to yourself, or at least have some solitude.

If you’re feeling up for a bit more hiking, you can take the trail up to Benson Bridge or to the top of the falls.

13. Wahclella Falls

Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Columbia River Gorge

Another of the best Columbia River Gorge hikes is to the fantastic Wahclella Falls, which honestly looks straight out of a fairytale.

One of the best parts is that the trailhead for this hike is only about 45 minutes from Portland.

It’s a pretty easy hike with minimal elevation gain, following Tanner Creek for the entire hike. You’ll also see some evidence of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire.

Once you’ve hiked just under 1 mile, you’ll have reached Wahclella Falls, which drops in two tiers over a bright, mossy wall back into the creek.

You’ll be covered by trees for the majority of the hike, so this is a perfect choice for those days when the weather isn’t the best.

Can You Hike in the Rain in Oregon?

Yes of course you can hike in the rain in Oregon!

We all know that both Washington and Oregon are well known for having absolutely no lack of rainy days…

So why should we waste those days and not get out on the trail just because it means getting a little bit wet?

As long as it isn’t thundering and lightning and you’re prepared, you are good to go to get out on the trail.

What to Wear for Hiking in the Rain

Getting out on the trail when it’s raining can be a stressful thing, especially if you haven’t done it before.

Below are a few of the things that I recommend wearing when you’re on the trail to help keep you dry and warm.

☂️ Synthetic jacket
☂️ Bright colored rain jacket
☂️ Backpack rain cover
☂️ Waterproof hiking boots
☂️ Hat
☂️ Boot gaiters
☂️ Non-cotton clothing
☂️ Rain pants

Tips for Hiking in Oregon

Below are a few of my top tips for ensuring that you have a successful day on the trail in the Pacific Northwest.

• Leave No Trace: Pack out, stay on the trail, give wildlife its space, and just be a good human when enjoying nature!
• Grab your Northwest Forest Pass or Oregon state parks pass before heading to the trailhead to avoid a fine!
• Pack a rain jacket because it could rain at any moment! Plus, the mist off of the waterfalls may get you wet.
• Don’t bring valuables to the trailhead. Or, plan to pack them with you. Break-ins are common.
• Use a GPS app like All Trails to follow the trail and read trip reports before hiking.60

FAQs

Wrap-Up: Rainy Day Hikes in Oregon

With no shortage of rain in the PNW, it’s important to find ways to embrace the weather and just get outside.

Which is why I hope that this list of rainy day hikes in Oregon becomes handy for you, in planning your off-day adventures.