Oregon · Hiking

Hares Canyon Trail

2.8 mi
round trip
1,069 ft
climb
1,335 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Clear today

Weather is good · OpenWeather · checked 11 h ago

Hares Canyon Trail is a 2.8-mile moderate hike on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Oregon, on city-managed land. The trail is an out-and-back, 5.6 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 1,069 feet. The route starts at about 806 feet and reaches a high point of 1,335 feet before returning, and the steepest stretch comes at about 2.4 miles in, where the grade reaches 13%. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Vernonia show July and August highs around 77 to 78°F with only about four wet days a month, while winter brings highs in the mid-40s and rain on 20 days a month. That station sits about 710 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The hike pairs easily with other trail and water-based outings. Williams Creek Horseshoe and Felling's Wedge, both mountain biking routes, are just 0.1 mile away, and Bailing Wire Jxt is 0.2 mile off. West Fork Dairy Creek, a canoeing route, is about 6 miles away.

Local outfitters

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  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Hares Canyon Trail

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 32°

      20 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 31°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      54° / 33°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      59° / 36°

      17 wet

    5. May

      66° / 40°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 44°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 47°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 47°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      73° / 43°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 38°

      15 wet

    11. Nov

      51° / 34°

      19 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 31°

      20 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Vernonia #2, OR, 9.5 mi away at 625 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors