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.

3. McCall Point Hike, Mayer State Park

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.

4. Misery Ridge Trail, Smith Rock State Park

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.

7. Sweet Creek Trail, Suislaw National Forest

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.

8. Abiqua Falls Trail, Santiam State Forest

(Editor's note: Abiqua Falls Trail is closed indefinitely due to fire damage. Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry's website for updates.)

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).

9. Mount Scott Trail, Crater Lake National Park

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.

11. Mount Howard, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

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.

12. Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls

(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.

13. Mirror Lake, Mount Hood National Forest

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?

If you like historic hikes, check out these Oregon hiking trails that lead to some incredible pieces of history.