Readers can discover the Portland area’s best day hikes in ”60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland.”

This, the second edition, features six new hikes and plenty of outings close to the city. Written by Paul Gerald, ”60 Hikes” guides readers to some of the best mountain views, forests, flower-filled meadows and beaches the state of Oregon has to offer.

Each hike includes details on length, duration, difficulty, scenery, trail surface and accessibility, along with a map and nearby activities. There are also sections on good hikes for children, wildlife watching, historic trails, secluded hikes and multiple-use trails.

”Compared to the pantheon of trails in the area, 60 doesn’t seem like much,” Gerald writes. ”This corner of America is a hiker’s dream, with a wide variety of accessible, well-maintained trails and no shortage of places to find maps, gear and walking companions. But here are 60 select trails which give you a little of everything there is to enjoy around Portland …”

Gerald is a resident of Portland who’s hiked extensively in the Rocky Mountains as well as Appalachia, Alaska, Nepal and Argentina. He’s written travel articles for Northwest Airlines’ World Traveler, Dish Magazine, Nike.com and Weissmann Travel Reports.

Published by Menasha Ridge Press, ”60 Hikes” is a 219-page paperback. It retails for $15.95.

It’s available at book stores, outdoor specialty shops, by calling 800-243-0495 or at www.menasharidge.com.