Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon. The 9,064-acre park is notable for its numerous waterfalls, many which lie along the park’s Trail of Ten Falls.
The Trail of Ten Falls is Silver Falls State Park’s most stunning attraction, featuring an 8 mile trail that passes by and behind some of the most stunning waterfalls on the Pacific Coast.
The popular trail through Silver Falls State Park's forested canyons visits 10 spectacular waterfalls, five more than 100 feet high. The path leads through mossy caverns behind the falls' shimmering silver curtains. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
The full loop to see all 10 waterfalls (from South Falls to North Falls) is a moderate hike of 6.9 miles, gaining 700 feet of elevation.
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Camp at Silver Falls State Park.
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Grab a famous Sasquatch Burger at Silver Falls Country Store.
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Leashed dogs are allowed in the campgrounds and parking lots, but not on the Trail of Ten Falls.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is located in the foothills of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, about 25 miles east of Salem.
The park covers over 9,000 acres and is home to numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
The highlight of the park is the Trail of Ten Falls, which is a 7.2-mile loop trail that takes you past ten gorgeous waterfalls.
About the Trail of Ten Falls
The Trail of Ten Falls is a moderate hike that takes about three to four hours to complete. The trail is a loop, with a total distance of 7.2 miles and an elevation gain of 800 feet.
The trail is well-marked and maintain but there are some steep sections and stairs, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The trail is also wet due to the mist of the falls so wear rain gear and prepare accordingly.
The trail is popular with hikers, so expect to see other people on the trail.
Trail Map and Points of Interest
Before you start your hike, make sure you grab a trail map from the park office.
The map will show you the location of all ten waterfalls and other points of interest along the trail.
Some of the highlights of the trail include the South Falls, Lower North Falls, and Double Falls.
Preparing for Your Hike
When hiking the Trail of Ten Falls, it's important to bring the right gear and prepare accordingly. Check the weather forecast and dress for wet weather due to the waterfall mist. Make sure you have a map of the trail and a fully charged cell phone.Here are some essential items to bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes for wet surfaces
Rain Gear (for mist from waterfalls)
Plenty of water
Snacks
Sunscreen
Hat or sunglasses
Map of the trail
Fully charged cell phone
Tips for Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
Here are some tips to make your hike on the Trail of Ten Falls more enjoyable:
Start early in the morning to avoid crowds
The trail is wet due to the waterfall’s mist, so wear rain gear and shoes for slick surfaces
Take breaks and rest when needed
Stay on the trail and do not climb on rocks or trees
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife
Follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash
Flora and Fauna of Silver Falls State Park
The Trail of Ten Falls is home to a variety of wildlife and flora. Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and chipmunks.
You may also see deer and elk in the park.
The park is home to a variety of trees, including Douglas fir, western hemlock, and bigleaf maple.
History of Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park has a rich history. The area around Silver Falls State Park was settled originally by the Kalapuyan First Nation, who were displaced and resettled on the Grand Ronde Reservation. The Kalapuyans used the area for hunting, as well as for spirit and vision quests.
Silver Falls State Park was established primarily due to the efforts of two men: June Drake, a photographer based in Silverton, and Samuel Boardman, the first park superintendent for the State of Oregon.
Drake and Silverton approached the Salem Chamber of Commerce in 1931 and proposed that they purchase the land around the falls in order to gift it to the State of Oregon. The plan was accepted, and in July 1933, Silver Falls was officially dedicated as a state park.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Beauty of the Trail and Waterfalls
The Trail of Ten Falls is a photographer's dream. Here are some tips for capturing the beauty of the trail:
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors
Use a tripod to keep your camera steady
Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the movement of the waterfalls.
Prepare for water due to the mist of the waterfalls.
Other Activities and Attractions at Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park offers more than just hiking. Here are some other activities and attractions to check out:
Camping: The park has several campgrounds for tents and RVs.
Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas with tables and grills.
Horseback riding: The park has several trails for horseback riding.
Swimming: The park has a swimming area at Silver Creek Falls.
Guided tours: The park offers guided tours of the Trail of Ten Falls and other areas of the park.
Why the Trail of Ten Falls is a Must-see Destination in Oregon
The Trail of Ten Falls offers breathtaking views of ten gorgeous waterfalls and is a moderate hike that is suitable for most hikers.
The park offers a variety of activities and attractions, including camping, picnicking, and horseback riding.
If you love nature and hiking, then the Trail of Ten Falls should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Oregon.
Food and Drink
Grab a world-famous Sasquatch Burger at Silver Falls Country Store.
In addition to offering the standard fare for convenience stores, Silver Falls Country Store also has a super-delicious burger shop and deli.
They serve local beers on draft as well as coffee drinks made from locally roasted beans.
Geology
The waterfalls tumble over thick, volcanic basalt which sits atop softer, older rock deposits.
The softer layers beneath the basalt have eroded with time, which has created the natural pathways that pass behind some of the waterfalls.
Here you can also see ‘tree chimneys’ which are casts that formed when lava engulfed living trees, causing them to disintegrate.
