Oregon is full of impressive hiking opportunities. From mountaintop vistas and secret waterfalls to otherworldly deserts and dramatic coastlines, the Beaver State never fails to amaze. For those who love the great outdoors but don’t necessarily have an entire day to commit to the trail, we’ve comprised a list of short hikes in Oregon that just about anyone can enjoy. The following kid-friendly hikes in Oregon will provide a variety of landscapes, natural attractions, and unforgettable scenery.

So, without further ado, here are 10 easy hikes in Oregon that will lead you to extraordinary places:

1. Sweet Creek Falls Trail, 2.2 miles
flickr/ Rick Obst
Take the lovely Sweet Creek Trail for a fabulous, short, family-friendly day hike. The trail winds along the beautiful Sweet Creek and leads past numerous small waterfalls. Considering that it's one of the best hiking trails in Oregon, this path can be crowded at times. It's best to visit during the weekdays or early in the morning.
2. Proxy Falls, 1.25 miles
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
Take a short, peaceful loop hike to this amazing 200-foot waterfall located just off the McKenzie Pass Highway. This scenic trail can get quite muddy at times, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear when you visit.
3. Mount Howard Summit Tour, 2 miles
Melinda Allen / AllTrails
One amazing way to experience the Wallowas is taking a stroll along this amazing loop trail at the summit of Mt Howard. To get there, take a ride on the phenomenal Wallowa Lake Tramway, which will take you to the top of this epic mountain. Once you're there, there are a few different trails you can choose between, including the 1.9-mile Summit Tour trail, which offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and expansive scenery.
4. Tokettee Falls, 0.8 miles
flickr/ LDELD
Located east of Roseburg, this amazing waterfall is truly unique. Hike along a short, lovely trail to get a good look at it. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on for another half mile or so to reach Watson Falls. The short length of this trek makes it the perfect kid-friendly hike in Oregon.
5. Steelhead Falls, 1.2 miles
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Located on the Deschutes River, the gorgeous Steelhead Falls can be reached on a leisurely half-mile hike. It's a great destination for a hot summer day, as there is a wonderful swimming hole there to take a dip in. The scenery surrounding this quiet desert river is sure to impress.

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6. South Falls, 1 mile
flickr/ Max Rae
This short, wonderful hike is located in the spectacular Silver Falls State Park. The popular loop trail takes you through some stunning scenery to reach the majestic South Falls. The journey back can be a bit strenuous for some, so be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip.
7. Wahclella Falls, 2 miles
flickr/ Ian Sane
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this wonderful hike is breathtakingly beautiful every step of the way. Wander across wooden bridges and along a shimmering stream past numerous small waterfalls, moss-covered boulders, and more before reaching the thunderous waterfall at the end. If you can, be sure to hike this trail early to avoid the crowds. And don't forget to bring your camera!
8. Painted Cove Trail, 0.25 miles
flickr/ Ben Amstutz
Located at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the amazing Painted Hills are ribboned with short, scenic trails that will lead you through the stunning, otherworldly landscape. The Painted Cove Trail is one of the many awesome, short trails in this area of Oregon. It'll take you along a 1/4-mile boardwalk through deep red hills that will make you feel like you're walking on mars.
9. Cape Falcon, 4.8 miles
flickr/ Robert Shea
This gorgeous trail on the coast winds along a beautiful ridge and passes old growth spruce trees, a creek, meadows, and a small waterfall before reaching an amazing lookout at the tip of Cape Falcon. While it's a bit longer than the other trails, the scenery along the way will reword every minute of your effort.
10. Tamanawas Falls, 3.6 miles
flickr/ Bret Vogel
This lovely, family-friendly hike in the Mt Hood National Forest will lead you on a scenic adventure through an emerald green forest to this stunning hidden gem waterfall.

What are your thoughts on these short and easy hikes in Oregon? Have you enjoyed any of them? We’d love to hear all about your experiences; be sure to share them with us in the comments below!

For other must-do hikes in Oregon, you should check out these 16 trails in Oregon that will lead you to unforgettable places.

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More to Explore

Easy Hikes In Oregon

Beth C. | May 08, 2020

Are there any other easy hiking trails in Oregon?

Fortunately, easy hiking trails in Oregon are not hard to come by. As you can tell by our curated list of 10 short and scenic trails, the Beaver State offers a variety of trails for everyone to enjoy. Additional trails to consider include the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop, Angel's Rest Hike, Trillium Lake Loop Hike, and Natural Bridge Cove. All of these trails are under 5 miles and promise spectacular scenery.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Oregon?

There are few things as rewarding as introducing little ones to the spectacular landscapes of Oregon. If you're wondering what the best kid-friendly hikes in Oregon are, there are several to choose from. Three of the most popular kid-friendly trails include the trail system at Smith Rock State Park, Silver Falls State Park Nature Play Area, and Latourell Falls Trail.

What are the best short hikes in Oregon?

It's no secret that one of the best ways to experience Oregon is by hiking. Many people often wonder what the best short hikes in Oregon are and the good news is there are countless treks to choose from. In fact, some of the best hikes in Oregon are less than five miles in length. In addition to the trails we've outlined above, you might consider trying McCall Point Hike, Chimney Rock, or Lost Lake Loop. For more inspiration, be sure to check out these 14 Incredible Hikes Under Five Miles.

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Featured Addresses
Tamanawas Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
Cape Falcon, Oregon 97102, USA
Painted Cove Trail, Mitchell, OR 97750, USA
Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
NW Steelhead Falls Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Toketee Falls, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA
Mount Howard, Oregon 97846, USA
Proxy Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
Sweet Creek Rd, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA
Punchbowl Falls, Oregon 97031, USA