We're taking a small group from our scouting troop out to Washington State in a few weeks for a mission trip. Long story, but most of our group is able to fly out on a Friday and a couple have to wait until Saturday. This is going to give us about 6-8 hours to kill that Saturday before we pick them up from the airport, and were looking into a few sites to go for a quick hike. Our troop leader has tasked my son with deciding on what adventure to take. He had a few recommendations, so I wanted to ask here to see if anyone has been to any of them and if you'd recommend any over the others. Also if you have other places you've been and think some teenage boys would enjoy, please let me know.

Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Forest Park were the ones he had found online. Proximity to Portland is most important, as we have to be back at the airport around 3-3:30 that afternoon to pick up the rest of the group. Looking at maps, they all look fairly close, but in my mind we don't want to go too far out of the way and deal with traffic considering the schedule. Both of the falls are east of PDX, and Forest Park is west of there, so not knowing traffic patterns or other issues, I'm thinking we'd rather hit both of the falls as they are closer together and not double back to try to go to Forest Park.

We're planning on seeing Mount Rainier later in the week, so that wouldn't be necessary on this day.

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Posted by taybalkom

Portland, OR

Member since Sep 2010

23 posts

Posted on 5/5/26 at 4:58 pm to TU Rob

There isn’t a ton of traffic going east into the Gorge, but it can back up coming back into Portland depending on the day of week and time of day. Multnomah Falls will be a zoo and has timed entry, as an FYI. It is gorgeous, of course. I love Latourell falls, you get an immediate waterfall at the start of the hike with another further up the trail and it’s a good distance overall. Forest Park on the west side of town is pretty but mostly just walking in the woods with no obvious view/reward. Plus, driving back through town can be tough with traffic.

Mount Tabor is a good urban hike, if that’s something y’all are interested in. Views of town at the top and a varied trail system through forests and around old reservoirs. Powell Butte is less crowded and on a clear day you get good views of St. Helens and Mt. Hood.

Overall I do recommend the Gorge, it is truly spectacular even after the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. I hope this helps some!

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Posted by usc6158

Member since Feb 2008

39070 posts

Posted on 5/5/26 at 6:27 pm to TU Rob

Go to the Gorge and the waterfalls. Forest Park is amazing for being directly in the city, but the Gorge is special.

The Gorge to the airport is close. 30-40 mins.

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Posted by kciDAtaE

Member since Apr 2017

17598 posts

Posted on 5/5/26 at 7:53 pm to TU Rob

quote:
Multnomah Falls

Trailhead isn’t far from the airport.
It’s a short but wonderful hike.
If the group is moving fast, there are other paths to explore.

Given your time restrictions and size of group, I suggest this.

As always, arriving early for parking helps. The lot fills by 9am.

ETA..my wife and I did all of the hikes you referenced last July. We started Multnomah Falls before 8am and complete before noon with some extra exploring.

The rest are nice as well but you will be staring at your watch the entire time and stressing…don’t stress. Take the lay-up

This post was edited on 5/5/26 at 7:57 pm

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