• Silver Falls State Park swimming is possible in the designated swimming area
• The park is well-known for its scenery, gorgeous waterfalls, and Ten Falls Trail
The largest state park, Silver Falls, is known for its scenic landscape and 10 gorgeous waterfalls, connected by the 8.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls. The park is popular among visitors who are eager to explore all corners of the lush forest and canyons, as well as to take memorable photos of the beautiful waterfalls.
During the summer heat, after hiking and exploring, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a designated swimming spot in the South Falls Day Use Area. Swimming is not supervised.
A small dam across the Silver Creek formed a swimming hole.
The swimming area is not deep, no more than two to three feet in some places. The water is cool, and the bottom is sandy. The beach along the swimming area is made up of asphalt, so it is hard to walk barefoot, but there is an extended grassy picnic area next to it.
Picnic shelters and tables, a playground, a volleyball net, a horseshoe pit, and an off-leash area for dogs are located nearby.
Upper North Falls and Double Falls are the only waterfalls with allowed access to the water. Other waterfalls are closed to public access from 300 feet above and below the falls.
Silver Falls State Park Camping, Lodging & Vacation Rentals
Silver Falls Campground nearby has tent and RV camps, rustic log cabins, and a horse camp.
For more comfortable accommodations, there are plenty of choices in Salem.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays in Salem
Silver Falls State Park Swimming Hole | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Picnic areas, playground, volleyball net, horseshoe pit, conference center, nature store, café, ADA restrooms
Activities: Swimming, hiking, nature viewing, picnicking, camping
Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Parking Permit for State Parks
Elevation: 1,230 ft (375 m)
Silver Falls State Park Swimming Hole is located:
- 5.7 miles southeast of Mill City
- 38 miles east of Salem
- 84 miles southeast of Portland.
Swimming hole rating: 3 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light
Depth: Shallow
Beach: Asphalt, grass
Water T° (summer): Cool
Video
Adventures Nearby
Directions to South Falls Parking
From I-5,
- Take exit 253 onto OR-22 toward Detroit and Bend
- Follow OR-22 to exit 7 and then take exit 7 for OR-214 toward Silver Falls
- Turn left onto OR-214 N/Silver Falls Hwy SE and follow 16.5 miles to the destination
- Follow Silver Falls Tour Route.
Phone: 503-873-8681 x 31