Tackling some of Oregon’s hiking trails is a multi-day adventure, but if you don’t have the stamina for a backcountry excursion, there are several easy and beautiful hikes, perfect for wiling away a few hours. Here are some of our favorites, as well as a few we hope to conquer in the near future.
Easy Hikes in Bend Oregon
Deschutes River Trail- Awbrey Reach
- Distance: 3.9 miles out and back
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Deschutes River Trail: Leashed dogs are welcome. Off leash areas are available.
This section of Deschutes River Trail is not only an easy hike in Oregon, but it is also easy to get to. Located on the outskirts of Bend, this trail packs a punch when it comes to views.
The trail follows the Deschutes River and is constructed on top of the buried Tumalo Irrigation Canal. The center section of the trail rises above the river to follow along the canyon rim. From this viewpoint, there are views of the Cascades, the Deschutes River, and the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve.
The trail is well graveled and maintained. There are a few small inclines, with many sections of the trail being flat. This is an out and back style trail but can be shortened by not completing the entire path. If you are looking for a longer hike though, the Deschutes River Trail wraps all throughout Bend, and can be followed for miles.
Also, parking is available at the other end of the trail at Sawyer Park. Parking here is limited, but it does give you the opportunity to bring two vehicles for your party to park one at each end and drive back, rather than walking the entire length back.
Highlights of the Deschutes River Trail- Awbrey Reach
- Panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Cascades
- Well maintained trail
- Easy to access with convenient location near Bend
Pilot Butte Nature Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Seasons: Year round, but the road to the top is closed in the winter
Are dogs allowed on the Pilot Butte Nature Trail: Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as the leash is no longer than 6 feet.
The Pilot Butte Nature trail brings you up the side of and to the top of an extinct volcano. Along the hike you will find many native plants to the area. Numbered signs along the trail correspond to information found on this helpful educational guide.
The hike itself may be a bit steep, but it is only a mile to the top. The trail itself does not lead straight up the cone, but rather in a circle around it, to help reduce the effort of the climb.
Once at the top, you will be greeted by 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades and the city below. Signage and plaques scattered along the top explain the geography and history of the extinct volcano and the people who have lived in this area in the past.
On the way back down, you have the choice of using the trail again, or simply walking down the road; just beware of car traffic.
The views can also be enjoyed by driving to the top if you prefer. However, you decide to visit this location, it is one of the best easy hikes in Oregon.
Highlights of the Pilot Butte Nature Trail
- Panoramic cityscape and mountain views
- Can be driven if need be
- Educational material is present to teach about the natural history of the area
Easy Hikes near Salem, Oregon
McDowell Creek Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the McDowell Creek Trail: Leashed dogs are welcome.
The McDowell Creek Falls trail leads to not only one, but two stunning and unique waterfalls. The trail also winds through moss covered trees which provide a great canopy of shade during summer hiking, or rain cover during winter hiking. This hike is one of the easy waterfall hikes in Oregon, so you will not want to miss it.
The first Waterfall, the Royal Terrace Fall, is a two-tiered waterfall that reaches 120 feet high. A bridge crosses the river just under the falls and provides a great photo op.
The second waterfall, Majestic Falls, is adorned with a wooden boardwalk and staircase for easier access. While Majestic falls is lacking in height at 39 feet, it is not lacking in beauty.
The hike itself is relatively easy. There is a slight incline from Royal Terrace Falls to Majestic Falls, if you take the bridge route. At the end of this route, you will have to traverse a tall stone staircase back down. There are handrails for assistance though.
The other option is to climb up the staircase at Royal Terrace Falls and then follow the trail down to Majestic Falls. The choice is yours!
This trail can also be treated as an out and back style trail by hiking from Royal Terrace Falls, taking the bridge path to the Majestic Falls and then heading back the way you came.
All in all, McDowell Creek is one of our favorite easy hikes in Oregon.
Highlights of McDowell Creek Trail
- Two waterfalls
- Well maintained gravel trails- great for year-round usage
- Tree cover for hot summer days
Minto Brown Island Park- Red Osprey Loop
- Distance: 2.34 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed at Minto Brown Island Park: Leashed dogs are welcome. Off leash areas are available.
Minto Brown Island State Park is the ideal location for easy hikes in Oregon. This location is littered with many hiking trails that you can string together to hike for as long, or as short as you’d like!
We hiked the Red Osprey Loop through open fields, a forested area and along the Willamette River. The red loop gave us varying views and things to look at and is entirely flat.
All Trails in the park are either paved or well-maintained gravel pathways. Mud is limited in the winter, making this a great wintertime hiking location.
Minto Brown Island Park is one of the ultimate locations for easy hikes in Oregon. The entire park covers 1,200 acres with 10 different hiking trails of varying lengths.
Also, inside the park you will find opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and swimming. The park also contains a playground and a thirty acre off leash dog park.
Minto Brown Island Park Highlights
- Ten different easy hiking trails, in varying lengths
- Additional activities
- Off leash dog park
- Willamette River views
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Oregon
Tokatee Falls
- Distance: .8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Tokatee Falls Trail: Yes
When it comes to easy hikes in Oregon, there is nothing better than one that ends with a waterfall. Tokatee falls ends with one of my favorite waterfalls in Oregon. The fall is two tiered, with the first fall pooling into a small pond at the top of the second fall.
Below the falls, the crystal clear water tumbles through rocky terrain, creating a stark contrast against the greenery surrounding the river. From a treetop viewpoint, you can not only see all this, but really experience it.
The beginning the of Tokatee Falls Trail begins with a penstock, a large wooden pipe which carries water from the hydroelectric plant and helps regulate the amount of water that is allowed to cascade down the falls.
After standing in awe at the large penstock for a bit, the trail traverses stone and regular staircases before coming to a landing directly above the falls. From here, many flights of stairs will lead you to the treetop viewing platform.
When it comes to the best easy hikes in Oregon, Tokatee Falls is a contender just for the view alone.
Tokatee Falls is a short hike, but not for those that have issues with stairs. The trail has stairs along most of it. In winter months, the trail is still opened, but snow is not cleared off. The stairs quickly become icy and very slippery.
Shellburg Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Shellburg Falls Trail: Yes
Shellburg Falls is a lovely short hike only 27 miles from Salem, Oregon. The falls remind me of some seen inside Silver Falls State Park. The water seems to launch off of a rockface, and crash to the river below.
Just like in Silver Falls, you can access behind the falls, inside a large cavern. The hike itself is easy but showcases the flora of this part of Oregon. You will see ferns, moss covered trees, and wildflowers.
The trailhead was located on Fern Ridge Road. Parking was limited, and the hike required crossing private land. With crowds visiting the falls increasing, parking became an issue, as well as visitors exiting the trail to trespass on the private land.
Shellburg Falls was planned to close temporarily in October 2020 to move the trailhead to a better location. Unfortunately, the trail is currently closed due to the wildfires that ravaged the area in the summer of 2020.
Highlights of Shellburg Falls
- Easy, short hike
- Picturesque waterfall
- Perfect for families with small children
Easy hikes in Eugene Oregon
Spencer Butte Hike
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Tokatee Falls Trail: Yes
This hike is famous when it comes to easy hikes in Oregon. Most residents of Eugene have been to this butte many times. It is a fan favorite.
The Spencer Butte Hike begins in a forest of fir and maple trees that reach high up to the canopy. The ground is covered in moss and ferns. The whole trail gives off that unbeatable fresh Earth smell.
Soon the trees open up and you are on the summit. Here, looking down will show you views of the city, with a far off look at the three Sisters mountains. In between, you can see the Willamette Valley spread out below you.
When at the trailhead, there are two trails, the main one, and a secondary, steeper one. The elevation gain of this hike can be quite great, so to keep it easy, the main trail may be for you.
Both trails converge at the top, and many hikers opt to take the steeper trail during the descent, as it is a bit more direct back to the parking lot.
While hiking Spencer Butte, be sure to stay on the trail to avoid the poison oak that grows plentiful in this area.
Highlights of Spencer Butte Hike
- Expansive views of the Willamette Valley and the Three Sisters
- Close proximity to Eugene
Pre’s Trail
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Tokatee Falls Trail: Yes
Pre’s Trail, located inside the Alton Baker Park was constructed to commemorate the University of Oregon runner Steve Prefontaine, who is remembered as a legend.
The trail is completely flat, with only 23 feet of elevation change throughout the entire trail. The trail is wide, unpaved, but well maintained. It even stays usable during the wet winter months.
While on the trail, you will enjoy views of the Willamette River, Autzen Stadium, forested areas, and open green fields. You will also see many others jogging, walking, biking, or just enjoying the area.
The main loop covers 4.4 miles, but connectors crossing the center connect smaller loops to lessen length if you prefer. The green loop is 1.4 miles, the yellow loop is .6 miles, and the red loop is 1.7 miles.
Inside the park, you will also find a dog park, disk golf course, and many access points to enjoy the river.
Pre’s Trail Highlights
- No hills to climb
- Can be shortened or lengthened
- Close proximity to the city of Eugene
- Additional activities available
Easy Hiking Trails in Portland, Oregon
Hoyt Arboretum- 1 Hour Loop
- Distance: .9 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed at Hoyt Arboretum: Yes, leashed only.
Hoyt Arboretum is full of wonderful easy hikes in Oregon. With 12 miles of maintained trails, you can hike for 20 minutes, or all day.
The hour loop encompasses 1 mile of trail and varying views. The trail begins in a forest of spruce trees from around the world, then opens up to the Wedding Meadow. A redwood deck viewing area can also be found on this trail.
The trail sees little elevation change, making it the perfect easy and enjoyable stroll just minutes from downtown Portland.
Highlights of Hoyt Arboretum
- Varying trail length options
- Opportunity to learn about trees and ecology
- Well groomed trails
- Close to Portland
Smith and Bybee Lakes Hike
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Smith and Bybee Lakes Hike: No dogs allowed.
Smith and Bybee Lakes are a part of the biggest wetlands park inside of a US city. The park is a wonderful place for easy Oregon hikes. Inside, you also have the opportunity to see much of the area’s natural wildlife.
The trail covers almost the whole park by combining some of the shorter trails together. While on the trail you will walk along the lakes and through fields of cottonwoods and dogwoods.
Be sure to stop often and watch the water for the opportunity to see wildlife. Many visitors report of seeing turtles, beavers, ducks, geese, white pelicans, blue heron, bald eagles and more. Along the trail you will find a few gazebos that are perfect for wildlife viewing.
The trail itself is almost entirely flat and easy to navigate. The trail is open dusk to dawn year round. Bicycles and dogs are not allowed. It is also asked that all visitors stay on the trail to ensure the safety of the local flora and fauna that call the park home.
Highlights of the Smith and Bybee Lake Hike
- Opportunity to see local wildlife
- Minimal elevation changes
- Close to Portland
- Great for families
Sweet Creek Falls
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Sweet Creek Falls Trail: Yes, leashed Dogs are Welcome.
Sweet Creek Falls definitely deserves to be on the list of easy hikes in Oregon. This hikes takes you to four small waterfalls. Many of them have wading pools, making this a great hike with children.
The Sweet Creek Falls trail winds through the temperate rainforest of the Oregon Coast where a variety of plant life grows. Fallen trees give new life to smaller trees growing out of them, and everything seems to be covered in moss. The beauty is something you can only see on the Oregon Coast.
One section of the trail has a metal walkway butted up to a rock cliff face with the river running below. This location is a favorite for photographers, adventurers and children.
However, many dogs find the metal grate surface painful to walk on. For example, I ended up having to carry my Australian Shepherd the few hundred feet across it. Luckily, she only weighs 35 pounds.
At the very end of the hike, you are greeted by the final, and largest waterfall. The fall is a two-tiered plunge with a large swimming pool at the bottom. A short and steep trail leads to a viewpoint of the top of the fall, which can be skipped without missing any of the beauty of this easy hike.
Begin at the Homestead trailhead to have access to the entire hike. This trailhead is the busiest, but we found the further up you walk, the less people there are. The trail does have a slight incline on the way out.
This trail is also not heavily maintained or groomed. The trail is littered with tree roots and uneven ground.
Highlights of the Sweet Creek Falls Trail
- Four waterfalls
- Areas for swimming/ wading
- Great for children
Drift Creek Falls Hike
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: Out and back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed on the Drift Creek Falls Trail: Yes, Leashed.
The Drift Creek Falls trail is one of our easy hikes in Oregon that begins just like many others. You first find yourself winding through fir trees with moss covered bark and damp ground. After walking for a bit with a slight decline, the trail flattens out.
Soon the trees begin to thin out, and you can hear water rushing. A large structure appears in the distance. Tall wood beams with cable cross braces reveal themselves to be a suspension bridge, right in the middle of a forest.
The Drift Creek Falls Suspension bridge is the crown jewel of this easy Oregon hike. The bridge sits 100 feet above the rushing water below. A large waterfall is the main view from the bridge. On a hot day the slight spray from the water would be very refreshing.
The trail continues across the bridge and down to the bottom of the falls. Here, there is the opportunity for photographs, picnicking, and fishing.
The trail ends at the bottom and requires you to retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. On the way back, there is a gradual, yet steady incline. The trail can get a bit slippery and muddy in the winter months. The trail is not groomed so there are often tree roots and uneven surfaces.
Highlights of Drift Creek Falls Trail
- Unique suspension bridge experience
- Waterfall views
Easy Oregon Hiking Trails with Sights You Won’t Believe
Painted Cove Trail at the Painted Hills
- Distance: .3 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round, although winter conditions may affect the road
- Are dogs allowed on the Painted Cove Trail: Yes, on leash
The Painted Hills are decorated in bright colors from millions of years of layered ecological history. The bright reds, oranges, yellows, and blacks are a clue of what the ground went through in the past but create a stunning place to visit in the present and future.
The Painted Cove trail is a .03 mile jaunt that weaves through some of these Mars-like hills. The trail begins as a boardwalk, which is ADA compliant, to allow a chance for all to visit.
The boardwalk section puts you up close and personal with the hills and their clay like structures. You’ll also get the chance to see all the sings that remind guests that stepping off the pathways can permanently damage this unique landmark.
After the boardwalk ends, the trail becomes dirt and climbs up a slight incline. At the top of the small hill, you will see more painted hills, and get a top-down view of the ones you just passed by.
As quickly as it began, the trail loops back to the parking lot. This trail is extremely short, easy, and full of views.
The trail has one small incline but is well groomed and easy to walk through. The parking area can be quite full on weekends. So, try to go early. The good news is, if it is full, there is a guarantee people will be leaving shortly with the brevity of the hike.
Highlights of the Painted Cove Trail
- Up close and personal with the Painted Hills
- Wheelchair accessible
Trail of Ten Waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park
- Distance: 10.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Type: loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Are dogs allowed at Silver Falls State Park: Yes, on leash.
This trail may be very long, but with minimal gradual inclines and good footing, it may be worth your time. The trail meanders through a forest of the Willamette Valley to showcase all there is to offer.
On our last trip on this trail, we enjoyed salmonberries from the sides of the trail as we viewed tall fir trees, wildflowers along the river, and wildlife enjoying their home.
The Trail of Ten Waterfalls may not be the easiest on this list of easy hikes in Oregon, but it is worth it. You will see 10 different waterfalls that all have their unique charm to offer.
The trail itself is heavily trafficked, especially on summer weekends, but is easy to navigate with plentiful signage. The hike is easy level, just requires some endurance.
Highlights of the Trail of Ten Waterfalls
- Opportunity to see 10 waterfalls
- Views of wildlife
- Clean and pleasant restroom facilities
