Mapleton, Oregon, offers some of the best hiking trails for enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here are the top trails in and around Mapleton, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking scenery:
Sweet Creek Trail
– Difficulty: Easy
– Rating: 4.7/5
– Distance: Varies, with multiple segments leading to 11 waterfalls over 3 miles
– Features: This family-friendly trail is perfect for waterfall enthusiasts, offering a relatively flat path through lush forests and alongside Sweet Creek. The trail is divided into four segments, each starting from a different trailhead. The Homestead Trailhead offers the longest hike, while starting from the other trailheads can shorten the trip. The trail is known for its beautiful cascading waterfalls, mossy rocks, and a canopy of Douglas fir, Alder, and Bigleaf maple trees.
Kentucky Falls Trail
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Rating: 4.7/5
– Distance: 3.72 miles out-and-back
– Features: This trail takes hikers through a stunning old-growth forest to two spectacular waterfalls, Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls, which are located close to each other. The trail offers a serene experience in the heart of Oregon’s natural beauty, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and a moderate hiking challenge.
Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls Trail
– Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
– Distance: 2.58 miles out-and-back for Alsea Falls Trail & Green Peak Falls Trail; 4.2 miles out-and-back for a hike to both Alsea and Green Peak Falls
– Features: These trails offer an easy day hike suitable for families and dogs. The trails lead to two beautiful waterfalls and serve as a swimming hole on hot days. The area also has a picnic spot, making it perfect for a family outing. The Alsea River adds to the scenic beauty of the hike.
Pawn Trail
– Difficulty: Easy
– Rating 4.5/5
– Distance: 0.7 mile loop
Enjoy this quick hike near Mapleton, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 19 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Pioneer Trail
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Rating: 3.6/5
– Distance: 0.6 mile loop
The Pioneer Trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 20 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Beaver Creek Falls Trail
– Difficulty: Easy
– Rating: 4.5/5
– Distance: 1.2 mile out and back
This is an easy route, it takes an average of 35 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
About Our Area Trails
Mapleton’s hiking trails are renowned for their natural beauty, ranging from easy walks suitable for the whole family to more challenging hikes that reward adventurers with stunning waterfalls and serene forest settings. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk in nature, Mapleton has something to offer.
Citations:
[1] https://www.alltrails.com/us/oregon/mapleton
[2] https://www.theoutbound.com/united-states/oregon/mapleton/hiking
[3] https://yelp.com/search?cflt=hiking&find_loc=Mapleton%2C+OR+97453
[4] https://www.alltrails.com/us/oregon/mapleton/forest
[5] https://www.theoutbound.com/united-states/oregon/mapleton
[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=n1ZXRdabEJM
