The best walks and hikes around Jasper
5.0
(6)
200
hikers
35
hikes
Hiking around Jasper explores a region characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and well-maintained recreation areas. The trails navigate through natural areas with varied elevation, offering routes that ascend to local summits or follow gentler paths through woodland. The network provides a range of options suitable for different fitness levels, with paths through woodlands and routes up to hill summits.
Best hiking trails around Jasper
- The most popular hiking route is Dery's South Summit, Mount Pisgah, and Beistel's East Summit Loop, a 4.8 miles (7.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 27 minutes to complete. This moderate hike involves an ascent of over 980 feet (299 m) to the summit.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Camas Crest Trail, an easy 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. The route leads through the local landscape, offering varied terrain.
- Local hikers also love the East Trailhead to Mount Pisgah Summit, a 5.3 miles (8.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Jasper is defined by trails within dedicated recreation areas, paths through woodlands, and routes up to hill summits. The trail system offers both moderate climbs and easier walks for a variety of ability levels.
- The routes in Jasper are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. More than 240 hikers have used komoot to explore Jasper's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
14
hikers
2.43km
00:57
290m
0m
Mount Pisgah via Trail #1 is a fantastic, quick ascent that delivers big on views. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike climbs 966 feet (295 metres) to the summit, offering a journey through changing terrain from shady beginnings to open, grassy fields. You'll pass through unique oak savannas that are particularly beautiful when wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, leading to the ultimate reward: 360-degree panoramic views from the top, often completed in just 56 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, but remember there's a parking fee at the Howard Buford Recreation Area. The trail is accessible year-round, though you might encounter mud during the wetter months from November to April. Dogs are welcome to join you, provided they are on a leash. Starting earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds and enjoy the views in peace.
The highlight of this trail is undoubtedly the expansive vista from the summit, where a bronze relief sculpture helps you identify the surrounding landscape, including the Willamette Valley and distant Cascade peaks. The trail follows an old service road, making for a wide, clear path, and its connection to the Mount Pisgah Arboretum at the base offers additional exploration opportunities for plant enthusiasts.
12
hikers
7.70km
02:27
300m
300m
The Dery's South Summit, Mount Pisgah, and Beistel's East Summit Loop offers a refreshing change of scenery, guiding you through open oak meadows that burst with wildflowers like camas lilies in spring. This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hiking route, with its 982 feet (299 metres) of elevation gain, provides a good workout and takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes. You'll enjoy sweeping views of the Willamette Valley and the Central Cascades from Mount Pisgah's summit, a true highlight of the journey.
Located in the Howard Buford Recreation Area near Eugene, you'll need to pay a $4.00 parking fee upon arrival. Dogs are welcome to join you, provided they remain on a leash, especially on the busier sections of the trail. Spring is arguably the best season to experience the vibrant wildflower displays, though the views are rewarding year-round.
This trail is part of the ecologically diverse Howard Buford Recreation Area, which also hosts the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, focusing on native species protection. The summit views on clear days can extend to Diamond Peak, offering a grand perspective of the region. The area's extensive trail network means you can always find quieter paths away from the main summit route.
9
hikers
11.3km
03:14
260m
270m
The Mt. Pisgah Outer Loop offers a fantastic blend of open oak meadows and forested climbs, leading to expansive views from the summit. You'll traverse gravel paths and grassy fields, with the terrain shifting as you gain elevation, making for a dynamic hiking experience. In spring, the meadows burst with wild irises and other wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the journey towards the rewarding panoramic vista from the top.
Planning your visit to the Mt. Pisgah Outer Loop is straightforward, as the area is easily accessible just south of Eugene and open year-round. While the main summit trail can get crowded, especially on sunny weekends, the broader network of trails within the Howard Buford Recreation Area allows for quieter exploration. The route is a moderate 7.0 miles (11.3 km) with 841 feet (256 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 14 minutes.
This trail is part of the much larger Howard Buford Recreation Area, which boasts a diverse trail network suitable for various fitness levels. Beyond the summit views, you can explore the 118-acre Mount Pisgah Arboretum Museum, showcasing native plant species, or seek out the rustic swings on "Swing Hill" for a picturesque sunset spot. It's a great option for those looking for a substantial hike with varied scenery and plenty of opportunities to extend their adventure.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
8.06km
02:40
400m
390m
The Mount Pisgah Summit Loop near Eugene, Oregon, offers a fantastic escape into nature with diverse scenery and rewarding views. You'll hike through mixed forests and open oak savannas, experiencing varied terrain that includes both gravel paths and steeper, unpaved sections. The highlight is undoubtedly the summit, where you're treated to panoramic 360-degree views of the Willamette Valley and, on clear days, distant snow-capped peaks like the Three Sisters mountains.
This moderate 5.0-mile (8.1 km) Mount Pisgah Summit Loop hiking route involves 1313 feet (400 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible, located just 15 minutes from Eugene, making it a popular choice for a quick but satisfying outing. Parking is available at the Howard Buford Recreation Area, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Mount Pisgah is a local favorite, known for its
1
hikers
9.30km
02:43
220m
210m
This Komoot tour, named "Meadow Road, Pasture Road, Dery's South Summit and Seavey Way," offers a diverse hiking experience that blends open meadow-like sections with more traditional forest trails. You'll navigate a moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) path, gaining 709 feet (216 metres) in elevation, which typically takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes to complete. The route provides a mix of scenery, from potential views of distant peaks and lush greenery to specific points of interest like the Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden and the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Museum, making it a good option if you enjoy varied landscapes.
Planning your visit means preparing for a moderate effort; while not overly strenuous, some sections may involve gradual ascents and uneven ground. Parking availability can vary depending on the specific starting point within the broader Mount Pisgah area, so arriving early is often a good strategy. Always carry sufficient water, and consider the time of year, as spring offers wildflowers and fall provides colorful foliage, enhancing the experience.
This route is notable for combining elements that, in other contexts, might be distinct trails, offering a unique composite journey through Lane County's natural and cultivated spaces. The inclusion of highlights like The Old Barn adds a touch of local character and history to the natural surroundings. It's a solid choice for hikers seeking a well-rounded outing that isn't just about reaching a summit but also about enjoying the journey through different environments.
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Popular around Jasper
Tips from the Community
The Friends of Mount Pisgah Arboretum was founded in 1973 when it began building trails, building bridges, removing invasive species and publishing newsletters. Wildflower and mushroom shows first took place in 1981; hiring began in the early 1980s. The Arboretum's original mission was to have international plantings, but most of the early international donations were moved from the site. This has changed to preserve the Pacific Northwest's plant communities, provide environmental education programs, and enable public enjoyment of their site. The arboretum includes 7 miles (11 km) of river trails with 23 bridges, riparian meadows, evergreen forests, a rare section of preserved oak savannah, hillside Douglas fir and incense cedar forests, a water garden, wildflower meadows, a wooded picnic area and restrooms. The White Oak Pavilion replaced the deteriorating Quonset hut in 2005.
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Spring is the beginning of life and as summer draws closer, we enter the best time for wildflowers. Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden host the Wildflower & Music Festival during late May.
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Spring is the beginning of life and as we draw closer to summer, we enter the best time for wildflowers. Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden host the Wildflower & Music Festival during late May. Enjoy walks focused on wildflowers as well as plants and animals visible on the trail.
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East of Mount Pisgah, Farmland and Vast meadows provide a gorgeous foreground for the adventure that awaits. Pleasant Hill is a rural area full of Beautiful barns and fields.
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An old red barn with a classic farm feel. Possibly built in the early 1900s, its rustic feel is a nice little gem to stubble upon while you explore the arboretum.
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Learn about local ecology, celebrate mushrooms and wildflowers, or just enjoy its diversity of habitats. With four outdoor interpretive exhibits that encourage people to learn more about the environment around them and connect with nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Jasper?
Yes, Jasper has many options for families. The area around Lac Beauvert and Lake Annette offers gentle, scenic walks. For a slightly longer but still easy outing, the Camas Crest Trail — Thurston Hills Natural Area is a great choice, providing a pleasant walk through the local landscape that takes under two hours.
What are some good moderate hikes in Jasper with rewarding views?
Jasper is renowned for its stunning vistas. For a moderately challenging day with incredible scenery, consider the Mount Pisgah Summit Trail loop — Howard Buford Recreation Area. It's a popular route that involves a significant ascent, but rewards you with panoramic views from the summit.
Are there any challenging day hikes for experienced hikers?
Absolutely. For those seeking a strenuous climb with spectacular rewards, the Sulphur Skyline Trail is a local favorite. It's a steep trail that takes you above the treeline to an exposed ridge, offering what many describe as an "ocean of mountains" view. Be prepared for a tough final push to the summit.
Can I see waterfalls on hikes in Jasper?
Yes, Maligne Canyon is one of the park's most impressive natural features, where the power of water has carved a deep, narrow gorge. A series of bridges and trails allows you to walk alongside the canyon and witness multiple waterfalls. It's an accessible and popular spot for seeing the geological power of the Maligne River.
What should I know about wildlife on the trails?
Jasper is a wild place, and encountering wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and even bears is possible. Always maintain a safe distance, never feed animals, and carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while you hike, especially in areas with dense vegetation or near streams, to avoid surprising any animals.
Do I need a pass to hike in Jasper National Park?
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park. You must have a valid pass for every day you are in the park, and it should be displayed in your vehicle. Passes can be purchased online in advance or at the park gates upon arrival.
What should I pack for a day hike in Jasper?
The weather in the Rockies can change rapidly. Always pack layers of clothing, including a waterproof jacket. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Also bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and bear spray. Even on short hikes, it's crucial to be prepared for changing conditions.
Are there any long circular hikes available?
Yes, for a longer day on the trails, the Howard Buford Recreation Area loop offers a substantial 9.4-mile (15.2 km) circuit. This moderate route provides an extended experience of the region's forested landscapes and rolling terrain.
How do trail conditions vary by season?
Summer (July-August) generally offers the best conditions with snow-free trails at most elevations. In spring and fall, higher elevation trails like Sulphur Skyline can still have snow and ice, requiring microspikes. Always check the official Jasper National Park trail report for current conditions, closures, and avalanche warnings before you go.
Are there options for multi-day backpacking trips?
Jasper is a world-class destination for backpacking. The Tonquin Valley and Skyline Trail are two of the most famous multi-day treks in the Canadian Rockies, offering spectacular scenery and a true wilderness experience. These trips require significant planning, backcountry permits, and reservations for campsites, which must be booked well in advance.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Jasper?
The trails in this region are very highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning alpine scenery, and the variety of routes available, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
Is there a less strenuous way to get high-elevation views?
Yes, the Jasper SkyTram takes you up Whistlers Mountain, providing incredible panoramic views without the long hike up. From the upper station, you can take a short but steep trail to the true summit, offering a 360-degree vista of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Athabasca Valley.
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