How to find hiking partners in Portland
Portland has a 5,000+ acre forest inside city limits and the Columbia Gorge 45 minutes away. Here's how to find people to hike with, plus trails that work well for a first hike with someone new.
Updated November 2026
Finding people to hike with in Portland
Portland makes hiking easy. Forest Park starts a few blocks from Northwest 23rd, and the Gorge is under an hour away. Finding people to go with is the harder part, especially if you’re new, work odd hours, or your friends would rather hit a brewery than a trailhead.
The groups below hike several times a week and welcome newcomers. And if you want a partner for one specific trail, post it in Ridgemate and we’ll ping you when someone nearby wants to do it too.
Hiking groups in Portland
These groups are run by locals and are free or low cost. Check each group's page for its next hike, since schedules change.
The Portland Hiking Meetup Group
A 12,600+ member Meetup group with several hikes a week, from gentle 4-mile forest walks to long alpine loops. Beginners, experts and new transplants are all welcome.
Mazamas
Portland's mountaineering nonprofit runs hikes that are open to members and non-members, and most are free. Its Street Rambles leave the Pearl District every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm and are an easy way to start.
Good trails for hiking with someone new near Portland
Busy, well marked trails with clear parking are the easiest place to meet a new hiking partner for the first time.
Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion
Follows Balch Creek past the moss-covered Stone House, then climbs to a viewpoint over downtown and Mount Hood. Close in and always busy, so it's an easy place to meet.
Angel's Rest
A steady climb to a big view up and down the Gorge. Parking is tight, so plan to arrive before 8:30am on weekends.
Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum
Trails through the arboretum and up to Pittock, close to the MAX. Good for a short after-work hike.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Shaded forest trails along a creek, just minutes from the city. Several loops let you keep a first hike short.
In summer, a timed use permit is required to park at the I-84 Multnomah Falls lot. Check the Oregon Department of Transportation's waterfall corridor permit page before a Gorge trip in peak season, and expect mud on Gorge trails in the wet months.
How to find a hiking partner in Portland with Ridgemate
- Post the hike you want to do. Pick a trail (or paste an AllTrails link) and a day, or mark it as anytime.
- Go about your week. When someone nearby wants to hike the same trail around the same time, you both get a ping.
- Plan it in the group chat. Sort out the meetup spot and the carpool, then go.
Ridgemate is free on iPhone. Women and non-binary hikers can choose to match only with each other. It's new in Portland, so the more people post the hikes they actually want to do, the faster matches happen.
Meeting a hiking partner for the first time
- Pick a popular trail for the first hike and meet at the trailhead rather than carpooling.
- Tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back.
- Agree on pace, distance, and a turnaround time before you start.
- Carry your own water, food, layers, and a charged phone, even on a short hike.
- If the vibe is off at the trailhead, it's fine to call it. A good partner will understand.
Portland hiking FAQ
What's the biggest hiking group in Portland?
The Portland Hiking Meetup Group has more than 12,600 members and posts several hikes a week. Mazamas hikes are also open to non-members, and most are free.
What's a good first hike with someone new in Portland?
Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion in Forest Park is about 5.4 miles with a creek, the Stone House and a city view at the top. It's popular, close to downtown and easy to meet at.
How do I find someone to hike the Columbia Gorge with?
Post the trail and day in Ridgemate. When someone nearby wants the same trail around the same time, you both get a ping and a group chat opens to plan it, including the carpool.
Do I need a permit to hike in the Columbia Gorge?
In summer, the I-84 Multnomah Falls parking lot requires a timed use permit. Rules change by season, so check the Oregon Department of Transportation's permit page before you go.
Find someone to hike with in Portland
Post the trail you've been wanting to do. We'll ping you when someone nearby wants in.
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