Silver Falls State Park

The Silver Falls State Park in Oregon features a spectacular temperate rainforest with a trail system that passes ten magnificent waterfalls.

The park is worth visiting in all seasons, yet the falls are most dramatic in winter, spring and early summer when water runoff is at its peak.   A small day-use fee is required.  There are also 4-miles of paved bike trails at Silver Falls Park.  Information on bike trails can be obtained at the Day Lodge in the South Falls Day use Area.

Directions to Silver Falls

Silver Falls is located 1.5 hours drive south of Portland.  The closest town is Silverton, just 20 minutes away from the park. 

Hike the "Trail of Ten Falls" loop

The 8.7 mile "Trail of Ten Falls" loops around Silver Falls State Park, providing great vantage points of all ten waterfalls.   The hike winds along creeks and sheer ledges, through ravines, and across bridges, beneath a towering canopy of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock.   The mist-laden forest floor is rich with maiden hair fern, sword fern, lichen and moss. 

Discover shorts walks from the 3 trailheads

If you don’t wish to hike the entire 8.7 mile loop, all ten waterfalls can be accessed from much shorter hikes at each of the three day use/trailhead areas:

1. South Falls Day Use Area:   Your starting point is the rustic Day Lodge built in 1941, where you can purchase refreshments and obtain a park map.   The magnificent 177-foot “South Falls” is a short distance from the lodge and the most impressive waterfall in the park.  If you hike for an additional mile, you’ll reach the 93-foot “Lower South Falls”.   It’s a phenomenal experience walking behind each of these waterfalls and witnessing powerful walls of water.  When you return to the Day Lodge, don’t forget to visit the popular swimming and picnic area at Silver Creek.
2. Winter Falls Trailhead:   A 2.5 mile loop will take you along 5 waterfalls;  “Winter Falls”, “Middle North Falls”, “Drake Falls”, “Double Falls” and “Lower North Falls”.  At 178-feet, “Double Falls” is the tallest in the park, cascading over 2 levels. 
3. North Falls Trailhead:   Two waterfalls are just a short distance from the car park; “Upper North Falls” and “North Falls”.  North Falls is the more spectacular of the two.

Cabins & camping at Silver Falls State Park

The Silver Falls State Park has log cabins, camping grounds, two ranches (bunkhouses that can accommodate 75 people each) and a conference center with 4 group lodges and 10 cabins.  Reserve a campsite or cabin.

Inns & resorts at Silver Falls State Park

The small township of Silverton is located 20-minutes from the park, and the two primary accommodation options include the Oregon Garden Resort, and Silverton Inn.  The "Oregon Garden Resort" is adjacent to the 80-acre Oregon Garden. This charming lodge has plenty of amenities including a restaurant, lounge, and external pool and hot tub.   The lounge is a hub of activity each evening, with a bar, live music, board games, and a roaring fireplace in winter.  The luxury rooms are situated near the lodge in a series of bungalows, and are very reasonably priced.  The "Silverton Inn" is located in the heart of downtown Silverton, and has close proximity to lovely gift shops and coffee houses. 

Restaurants

Visit an authentic German restaurant at the Bavarian themed township of Mt Angel, just miles from Silverton.  The “Glockenspiel Restaurant” has a traditional Glockenspiel Tower directly above the restaurant, with performances on the hour. 

Other things to do near Silver Falls State Park

Nearby activities include:

• Enchanted Forest Theme Park | Salem - 28 miles west
• Mission Mill Museum | Salem Oregon - 25 miles west
• Salem - 25 miles west
• Oregon Garden - 19 miles northwest
• Aurora - 35 miles north

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