Hike Yourself Into Shape: 10 Conditioning Hikes Near Portland

Paul Gerald makes a great list of hikes designed to get you back in shape. I agree with this list whole-heartedly, but they do ramp up in difficulty very quickly. You might want to do some of these hikes (or find one of similar distance/elevation gain) more than once before moving up to the next level of difficulty. Also, hikes like the Elk-King traverse and Table mountain can be technically difficult and have exposure/very real falling dangers. So, definitely do your homework before going.

Here’s the abbreviated list:

1. Angel’s Rest – Distance: 4.6 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,600’
2. Hamilton Mountain – Distance: 7.6 miles. Elevation Gain: 2,100’
3. Devil’s Rest via Wahkeena – Distance: 7.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 2,400’
4. Nick Eaton Way – Distance: 8 miles Elevation Gain: 2,600’
5. Dog Mountain – Distance: 7.2 miles. Elevation Gain: 2,900’
6. Trapper Creek Loop – Distance: 13.3 miles. Elevation Gain: 3,200’
7. Table Mountain – Distance: 10 miles. Elevation Gain: 3,650’
8. Elk-King Traverse – Distance: 11 miles. Elevation Gain: 4,600’
9. Tanner Butte – Distance: 18 miles. Elevation Gain: 4,450’
10. Mount Defiance – Distance: 11.9 miles. Elevation Gain: 4,800’