While Oregon is beautiful in every season, there is no denying that autumn is a particularly magical time of year. As the air gets crisper, leaves across our state burst into rich yellows, deep golds, and fiery reds. If you have already taken our Oregon fall foliage road trip, the next step may be to go on a fall hike. Here are some of our favorite short and sweet trails in the Beaver State that truly shine during autumn – truly, these might just be some of the hands-down best hikes in Oregon.

1. Sweet Creek Trail (Mapleton)
Sweet Creek Road, Sweet Creek Rd, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA
Flickr/Bonnie Moreland
There are plenty of beautiful sights to behold along this 1.9-mile hike. You'll pass by dozens of little waterfalls as you make your way to the grand finale: Sweet Creek Falls.
2. Little Blitzen Gorge (Steens Mountain)
Little Blitzen River, Oregon, USA
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
The Little Blitzen Gorge has no shortage of fall color. While the trail is 9 miles in total, the first 3 miles make for a nice day hike. It begins just off Steens Mountain Loop Road at the Little Blitzen Trailhead.
3. Trillium Lake Loop Hike (Government Camp)
Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761, Oregon 97028, USA
Flickr/Rene Rivers
This nice little 1.8-mile hike is flat, easily accessible, and features scenic views of Trillium Lake and Mt. Hood. Trillium Lake Loop Hike is a delight and a half!
4. Wildwood Trail (Portland)
Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR, USA
Flickr/R0Ng
The Wildwood Trail is one of the most fantastic places to hike in Portland. The well-marked trail stretches for more than 30 miles through Forest Park, but you can easily break it up into shorter, more manageable distances. One of the most popular parts is the climb to Pittock Mansion, which leads to an incredible view of the city.
5. South Falls (Sublimity)
South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
Flickr/David Berry
This magical 1.1-mile loop hike is one of the most popular routes at Silver Falls State Park. To reach the majestic waterfall, start from the large parking lot at the Silver Fall Day Use Area.

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6. Neahkahnie Mountain (Northern Oregon Coast)
Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon 97131, USA
Flickr/Thomas Shahan
Breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast and Tillamook Bay can be found at the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain. While this trail is only 3 miles long, there are several steep sections and a total elevation gain of 900 feet.
7. Spencer Butte Trail (Eugene)
Spencer Butte Trail #2, Oregon 97405, USA
Bryon Hetrick/Flickr
Located just outside of downtown Eugene, the Spencer Butte Trail is a fairly easy 1.7-mile loop trail. While the hike is stunning at any time of year, it is particularly amazing during the autumn season.
8. Shevlin Park (Bend)
Shevlin Park Road, Shevlin Park Rd, Bend, OR 97703, USA
Trip Advisor/pglaw
This quiet and relaxing park has plenty of gentle trails that are perfect for beginning hikers. The 4.8-mile Shevlin Park Loop Trail will take you along the banks of Tumalo Creek and to gorgeous views of the Hixon Crossing Covered Bridge.
9. Abiqua Falls Trail (Scotts Mills)
Abiqua Falls Trailhead, Crooked Finger Rd NE, Scotts Mills, OR 97375, USA
Flickr/Bret Vogel
One of Oregon's most spectacular waterfalls awaits you at the end of this one-mile trail. Note: The trailhead can be a bit hard to find. Check out this guide on Oregon Hikers to get help configuring it.
10. Baskett Slough Hike (Dallas)
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 10995 OR-22, Dallas, OR 97338, USA
Sheila Sund/Flickr
If you're looking for a leisurely day hike, look no further than this easy 1-mile trail. The hike takes you through the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, a popular bird-watching area.

What’s your favorite Oregon trail to hike during the fall months? What would you call the best hikes in Oregon – especially for autumn colors? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Want more short and sweet hikes? Check out some amazing Oregon hikes under three miles long you’ll absolutely love.

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Best Hikes in Oregon

Tori Jane | July 31, 2022

What are the most amazing easy hikes in Oregon?  

Oregon has a reputation for being amazingly beautiful, and we think hiking is one of the best ways to explore it. Some of the hiking trails in Oregon are pretty challenging, but there are plenty of amazing, easy hikes in Oregon that are sure to blow your mind, too. Head out to the Columbia Gorge and do the breathtaking Multnomah Falls hike. It’s 2.4 miles long and leads to one of the hands-down most amazing waterfalls in Oregon. It’s incredibly picturesque and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular (more about popular hikes in Oregon in a moment). We also love the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail, which is along the Oregon Coast (and short and sweet). If you’re looking for the most amazing views in Oregon, look no further than that trail.  

What are the most popular scenic hikes in Oregon?  

With more than 2,800 amazing hiking trails in Oregon to pick from, you might find it easier to simply begin with the most popular. Oregon is a place that seems made for hiking, with some of the most beautiful places in the United States being right here. Among the most popular scenic hikes in Oregon are crown jewels like the above-mentioned Multnomah Falls hike, as well as the 7.4-mile Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. It’s rated as moderately challenging and takes hikers past a multitude of waterfalls. Everyone also loves the Tamolitch Blue Pool in Willamette National Forest, which is accessible via the 3.6-mile McKenzie River Trail.  

Where are the best kid-friendly hikes around Oregon?  

In this case, we’ll define a kid-friendly hike in Oregon as one that’s both rated as easy and is two miles long or less. Luckily for us, there are plenty of amazing hikes in Oregon that fit this description (more than 600), and they’re perfect for families with kids. Some of our favorite family-friendly hikes in Oregon include the Wahclella Falls Trail, located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It’s 1.9 miles long and believe us when we say this is one of the most incredible waterfalls in Oregon. We also love the Toketee Falls hike in Umpqua National Forest; it’s under a mile long and beyond delightful. 

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