Silver Falls State Park - Exceptional Scenery with 15 Gorgeous Waterfalls

The largest and the most popular Oregon State Park, Silver Falls encompasses 9,200 acres of the stunning rainforest wilderness. Located 26 miles east of Salem, the park offers beautiful scenery - no matter the time of year. However, the spring season is the best time to see waterfalls when the water level at its highest point.

Known as “Crown Jewel”, the park is full of exceptional beauty including forested canyons, ten gorgeous waterfalls along the Trail of Ten Falls, five more waterfalls on the North and South Forks of the Silver Creek, and 30 miles of connecting to each other trails with different difficulty levels. Between the top and bottom of the trails are 1,300 feet of elevation change.

Silver Falls State Park represents the history of Oregon with the inclusion of historical sites and buildings - most of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the beginning of the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps established and developed the site as a park. Opened to the public in 1933, Silver Falls was titled by then-President Roosevelt as “Recreational Demonstration Area”. A Silverton photographer June D. Drake led a 20-year campaign to protect Silver Falls from logging companies, transforming this place into a beautiful recreation area. One of the ten falls was named after him to honor his efforts.

Nationally recognized, the Trail of Ten Falls is running by the side of Silver Creek and a steep canyon. While hiking along the seven-mile loop trail, you are able to see ten majestic waterfalls, five of them are more than 100 feet high and four of them have natural pathways behind the falls. A shorter loop begins at the North Falls parking area and trailhead. Due to the North Falls' parking area is limited, you can park your car at the South Falls Trailhead.

The 3.5-mile paved bike loop runs parallel to the Rim Trail, passes the campground, day-use and swimming areas. There are no waterfalls on this route.

The 25-mile multi-purpose trails allow mountain bikes, horseback riding as well as dogs on it. The trailhead is located on the southwest end of the park (North Falls Trailhead and the Howard Creek Horse Camp parking area).

Built in 1930, the historic South Falls Lodge and the surrounding area have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lodge features a café and free Wi-Fi.

Operated by the Friends of Silver Falls, the Nature Store in the historic South Falls Lodge sells locally crafted souvenirs.

Silver Falls Conference Center with central dining hall, meeting halls, heated swimming pool, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pit.

Accommodations include tent and RV camps, rustic log cabins, and a horse camp.

The South Falls day-use area offers picnic shelters, tables, a playground, a volleyball net, a horseshoe pit, and an off-leash area for dogs.

Ten Falls on the Trails

Double Falls - 178 ft (54.3 m)

The tallest waterfall of Silver Falls State Park, Double Falls drops abruptly 178 feet (54.3 m) in two steps.

South Falls - 177 ft (54 m)

The second tallest waterfall, South Falls is 177 feet (54 m) in height. The trail runs behind the curtain-like falls through the naturally created mossy grotto. The falls are located within a short walk from South Falls Day-Use Area.

North Falls - 136 ft (41.5 m)

North Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls. This is the large waterfall with a trail passing behind the falls through the naturally created huge cavern.

Winter Falls - 134 ft (40.8 m)

Winter Falls can be dry by the end of summer. The best time to see this waterfall in action is the winter and spring seasons. The easiest access is from the Winter Falls Trailhead.

Middle North Falls - 106 ft (32 m)

Middle North Falls is another waterfall with a trail running behind the water curtain through the naturally created cave. The waterfall is accessible from the Canyon Trail. The nearest parking is the Winter Falls parking area.

Lower South Falls - 93 ft (28.3 m)

One of the most beautiful 93-foot Lower South Falls has a cave-like area and a trail running behind the falls.

Upper North Falls - 65 ft (19.8 m)

Upper North Falls is not the tallest but one of the scenic ones with the water cascading over the basalt cliff. The waterfall is accessible by a 0.3-mile short hike from the North Falls parking area.

Twin Falls - 31 ft (9.5 m)

Twin Falls is a smaller waterfall that was named like that because the stream splits into two segments.

Lower North Falls - 30 ft (9.1 m)

Lower North Falls is not so impressive but still beautiful. The shortest hike to this waterfall is from the Winter Falls Trailhead.

Drake Falls - 27 ft (8.2 m)

Named after photographer June Drake, Drake Falls is the smallest waterfall on Trail of Ten Falls.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks

Amenities: Picnic areas, playground, volleyball net, horseshoe pit, conference center, nature store, café, ADA restrooms
Accommodations: Tent and RV camps, rustic log cabins, horse camp
Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Parking Permit for State Parks

Activities: Hiking, biking, nature viewing, swimming, picnicking
Dogs: Must be on a leash

Elevation: 1,600 ft (488 m)

Silver Falls is located: