The Merriam's shrew is the smallest shrew in Oregon. This brownish shrew has a short, truncated skull and is medium dark-brown on the dorsum and pinkish white on the venter; the tail is sharply bicolored in the same tones as the body with dark and light portions about equal.

In Oregon, it has been found in Grant, Harney, Lake, and Wasco counties. It occupies drier habitats and is reported to be associated with sagebrush-bunchgrass habitats.