Oregon has an international reputation for exceptional scenic beauty and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. An extensive, statewide network of scenic trails showcases and provides access to Oregon’s outstanding natural features including rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and the Pacific Ocean. Oregon’s regional trails connect recreation sites, schools and services, provide alternative transportation routes and also highlight the state’s natural beauty.

The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) invites trail proponents to join in the vision of a statewide system of designated trails that will showcase exceptional trail experiences.

The three designated trail programs highlight different types of trail experiences.  This chart assists with identifying which designation is right for your trail:

An Oregon Scenic Trail is a non-motorized trail that provides access to outstanding scenery and lasting memories for users.  Those routes chosen for Oregon Scenic Trail designation provide access to national, state or regional scenic resources of superlative quality and splendor and articulate the essence of what is “Oregon”.    They may be a single trail or combination of trails, over one mile in length, and must be open to the public and substantially complete.  Scenic Trails lie on public lands or public rights-of-way or easements. 

The volunteer 7 member Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council reviews applications submitted by local scenic trail proponents and makes recommendations to the OPRD Commission for scenic trail designation.  Feel free to contact the Planning + Design Manager for more information on the program:

Trail Designation Handbook  

Trail Designation Proposal Form  

Current Designated Trails:

• Oregon Coast Trail – 15 sections – Clatsop, Tillamook, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry Counties

• Cape Falcon Trail (portion of Oregon Coast Trail) – Tillamook County

• Ecola Trail (portion of Oregon Coast Trail) – Tillamook County

• Cape Sebastian Trail (portion of Oregon Coast Trail) – Curry County

• Humbug Mountain Trail – Curry County

• Cape Lookout Trail – Tillamook Trail

• Saddle Mountain Trail – Clatsop County

• Dinah Moe Humm – Kiwa Butte Trail – Deschutes County 

• Sterling Mine Ditch Trail - Jackson County 

Proposed Trails Pending Designation:

• Peterson Ridge Trail – Deschutes County

• Umatilla Ridge Trail – Union County

• Phillips Lake Trail – Baker County-Public Comments Requested

Oregon Regional Trails are non-motorized trails that provide close-to-home recreation opportunities while connecting communities, recreation sites, schools and other destinations and/or to other

Trail Designation Handbook

Trail Designation Proposal Form 

Current Designated Trails:

• Bear Creek Greenway Trail – Jackson County

• OC&E Woods Line State Trail – Klamath County

• 40 Mile Loop Trail – Portland Metro Area

• Banks Vernonia State Trail – Washington and Columbia Counties

• Willow Creek Canyon Trail – Jefferson County