One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Oregon is by hiking. There are tons of amazing hiking trails all over Oregon, many of which are under 5 miles long. Wander through canopied forests, feel the cool breeze of a mountain summit, or watch the sunset over the ocean. Here are 14 of the best short hikes in Oregon that are astoundingly beautiful.
**Editor’s note: Due to the devastating wildfires in 2020, some of these trails may still be closed. We recommend checking each hike’s AllTrails or NPS page before embarking on your adventure.
1. Chimney Rock Trail, Prineville Reservoir State Park
This gorgeous 2.7-mile hike leads you along the Crooked River Canyon to the amazing Chimney Rock. The landscape is out-of-this-world beautiful. To learn more about the Chimney Rock Trail, visit the AllTrails webpage.
2. Elowah Falls, John B Yeon State Scenic Corridor
(Editor’s note: The trail to Elowah Falls is closed indefinitely due to a rockslide. Check the Oregon State Parks website for updates on reopening.)
Elowah Falls is an amazing waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. Trek 2.4 miles out and back through the forest to see this amazing natural wonder. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
This beautiful hike is located up high in the Columbia River Gorge between Hood River and The Dalles. This 4.8-mile trail boasts gorgeous views as well as amazing wildflowers in the spring and summer. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
Misery Ridge Trail is one of the most amazing hikes at the incredible Smith Rock State Park, and it’s only 2.2 miles long. However, it is rated as hard, so keep that in mind before you decide to go. Preparation and proper footwear are key to a hike like this, but it will certainly be quite the outdoor adventure in Oregon. To learn more, visit the AllTrails webpage.
5. Lost Lake Loop Trail, Mount Hood National Forest
Lost Lake is a serene, secluded lake in the Mount Hood National Forest that reflects the mountain in it’s picturesque waters. If you are looking for easy hikes in Oregon, this is a wonderful easy 3.1-mile trail that loops around the lake so you can view it from 360 degrees. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
6. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Coridor
The Natural Bridges Cove is a stunning feature of the Oregon Coast located in the Samuel Boardman State Park at the end of a fabulous 0.7-mile trail. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
Located in the Suislaw National Forest, this lovely trail follows Sweet Creek for 1.8 miles past multiple cascading waterfalls. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
The beautiful Abiqua Falls is located in a natural basalt amphitheater at the end of a lovely hike that’s less than one mile long (though it requires a bit of scrambling over logs and uneven ground).
Located in the Crater Lake National Park, the Mount Scott Trail offers fantastic views of Crater Lake and the surrounding scenery. This hike is 4.2 miles long, quite difficult and steep, and can be quite windy at the top. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
10. Plaikni Falls Trail, Crater Lake National Park
This lovely 2-mile trail is located near Chiloquin. The hike traverses gorgeous scenery and leads to the majestic Plaikni Falls. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
For a unique adventure in the Wallowa Mountains, ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of Mt Howard, where you’ll find an easy 2 mile loop trail and astounding views of the surrounding scenery. Visit the AllTrails U.S. Forest Service webpage for more information.
(Editor’s note: Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls Trail is closed indefinitely due to a landslide. Visit the U.S. Forest Service webpage for updates.)
This 4.7-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the lovely Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge to the scenic Punchbowl Falls. You can continue along this same trail to reach a number of other waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
Located in the Mount Hood National Forest is the beautiful Mirror Lake. In the warmer months, be sure to check out this lovely, reflective lake, accessible by a 4.2 mile round-trip hike. Visit AllTrails for more information.
14. Wahclella Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Wahclella Falls is one of my personal favorite short hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. This lovely trail leads you through the forest alongside a majestic creek, over wooden bridges, and past amazing moss-covered boulders, caves, and ethereal cascades. Along this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail, you’ll find the roaring Wahclella Falls. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.
How many of these trails have you hiked? What do you think are the best short hikes in Oregon?
Address: Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Address: I-84, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
Address: Smith Rock, Oregon 97760, USA
Address: Mount Hood National Forest, Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon 97028, USA
Address: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Address: Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon 97390, USA
Address: Santiam State Forest, Lyons, OR 97358, USA
Address: Mount Scott Trail, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Address: Plaikni Falls Trailhead, Oregon 97604, USA
Address: Mount Howard, Oregon 97846, USA
Address: Columbia River, Columbia River
Address: Mirror Lake, Oregon 97049, USA
Address: Wahclella Falls Trail, Oregon 97014, USA
THE OIYS VISITOR CENTER
BEST SHORT HIKES IN OREGON
May 01, 2021
Melissa M
What are some easy hikes in Oregon?
Oregon has some of the most beautiful, scenic hiking trails in the country, some of which are easier than others. If you are looking for some easy hikes, head to our post, 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Oregon. This list includes several waterfall hikes along with a coastal hike and one that leads through some otherworldly landscape at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
What is there to do for outdoor adventure in Oregon?
If you love the great outdoors then you may enjoy spending some time at Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge located in Merlin. Here you can go fishing, white water rafting, go hiking, or sit by the pool and relax. They have a restaurant on-site and accommodations include the lodge, cottages, and cabins. It’s a resort that’s made for outdoor enthusiasts.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Oregon?
Head to the Oregon dunes to view dune lakes, a natural wonder found in very few places around the world. These rare coastal lakes vary in size and even color and are an important part of the coastal ecosystem. Learn more in our previous coverage.
