The 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 7.2 miles, gaining 700 feet of elevation.
Start: South Falls Day Use Area
Round Trip Distance: 7.2 miles
Round Trip Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 415m / 1362feet
Elevation Change: Negligible
Surface: Snow and/or wet dirt and mud with tree roots and exposed rock in places.
Overview of the Trail
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.
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.
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.
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.
Geology of The Falls
The waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls 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.
South Falls
This 177 ft. waterfall is in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. South Falls can be seen from multiple viewpoints on the trail and is easily accessible from the parking lot.
The waterfall provides stunningly different views from different points on the trail; from above and below, and you can even walk behind it.
The power and energy generated from the falling water is nothing short of magical.
Lower South Falls
Lower South Falls is about a mile down the trail from the South Falls parking lot. This waterfall towers at 93ft.
The trail drops down almost 200 steps to pass behind the rushing waterfall.
Lower North Falls
Lower North Falls are in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park, about 1.3 miles from Lower South Falls on the trail.
It is a plunging 30 ft. (9 m.) waterfall along the north fork of Silver Creek.
Double Falls
Double Falls are a massive a 178 ft. (52.3 m.) and the tallest falls within Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park.
On The Trail of Ten Falls, Double Falls are at the end of a short side trail near the footbridge over Hult Creek.
Middle North Falls
Middle North Falls are a 106 ft. (32.3 m.) massive waterfall of flowing water.
The falls are in Silver Falls State Park, on The Trail of Ten Falls. A short-but-very-worth-it separate trail will lead you behind this waterfall.
World-Famous Sasquatch Burgers
There is no better way to end a hike than to follow-up with a big juicy cheeseburger and a crisp local beer.
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.
Pictured are the world-famous Sasquatch Burgers. Remarkably delicious.