Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Oregon

What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Oregon?

While the above Banks-Vernonia State Trail is certainly a stunner; at 20 miles long, it's definitely a bit much for the casual hiker. But there are plenty of short-and-sweet trails in Oregon that are wonderful for hikers of all abilities, and we share some of our favorites in this article. Among those on the list, some of our favorites include: the Lost Lake Loop Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, the Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Sweet Creek Trail in Suislaw National Forest, the Mount Scott Trail in Crater Lake National Park, and the Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In fact, speaking of the Columbia River Gorge, there are numerous scenic treks found in this resplendent region of forests and waterfalls; so many, in fact, that you could spend days exploring and not even come close to experiencing all the trails and natural features this area has to offer!

What are some hikes that lead to abandoned places in Oregon?

If you enjoyed the above abandoned rail trail hike, you'll definitely want to check out this trek near Portland that leads to the ruins of a real-life witch's castle! The Wildwood Trail and Lower Macleay Trail Loop is a 3.2-mile trail is located just outside Portland, and is a straightforward trek all can enjoy -- provided you aren't spooked by ghost stories! The trail is located in the Macleay Park, part of Portland's beautiful Forest Park. This lovely little preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding... as well as a real-life witch's castle. The story behind these Oregon ruins is one of high drama and heartache, and you can read all about it in this feature article.