Silver Falls State Park and Your Guide to Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon and is a remarkable haven known for its breathtaking waterfalls. Nestled near the town of Silverton, this expansive park spans over 9,000 acres and attracts more than 1,100,000 visitors annually with its picturesque scenery and rich history dating back to its original inhabitants, the Kalapuyan First Nation. Its establishment in 1933 through the efforts of June Drake and Samuel Boardman marked the genesis of a sanctuary that now offers a myriad of activities ranging from hiking, biking, and camping to horseback riding, fishing, and photography.
As a revered destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park beckons hikers to its famed Trail of Ten Falls—a journey through a lush canyon showcasing a collection of thundering waterfalls. This guide explores the essentials of hiking this iconic trail, and the additional activities that make Silver Falls State Park an unmissable experience for those keen on exploring the great outdoors of Oregon.
The Thrilling Life and Times of Oregon's Original Daredevil, Al Fausett
Al Fausett, born in 1879, is a name that resonates with adventure and courage, as his ventures awarded him the title of Oregon's Original Daredevil. His unique exploits, primarily involving daring jumps over Oregon waterfalls in the 1920s, spotlighted him as a pioneer in the realm of extreme sports. Fausett, hailing from Monroe, Washington, not only captured the public's imagination with his waterfall-jumping stunts but also showcased his ingenuity through the innovative crafts he built himself for these perilous endeavors.
Fausett's life was a blend of ambition, showmanship, and a relentless pursuit of fame that led him to defy death on multiple occasions, turning the waterfalls of Oregon into stages for his death-defying acts. Despite his aspirations for riches and recognition, Fausett's financial successes remained elusive, contrasting sharply with the legacy he left in the world of adventure sports. This article aims to peek into the thrilling life and times of Al Fausett, exploring his most notorious stunts, the challenges he faced, and the indelible mark he left on the spirit of daredevilry.