Silver Falls State Park is hands down one of the best state parks in Oregon!
Chances are you’ve heard of Silver Falls State Park from someone who couldn’t stop talking about the waterfalls you can walk behind.
It’s true! There are over 10 waterfalls, and you can walk behind 4 of them. There are also miles of hiking trails, a top-notch visitor’s center with a cafe, campgrounds, and even cozy cabins.
Long story short: Silver Falls State Park is one of Oregon’s gems. In our opinion, everyone should visit (all you need is one day).
Lucky for you, after more visits than we can count on two hands, we’ve gathered our knowledge and tips here for you.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Silver Falls State Park so that you can experience the most epic Silver Falls trip possible!
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Silver Falls State Park: Overview
Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park and certainly one that holds a special place in the heart of many Oregonians (including us!).
The main draw is the high density of jaw-dropping waterfalls that are scattered around the park (and there are 4 of the best waterfalls in Oregon you can walk behind).
Over 24 miles of hiking trails wind through the lush forest, passing by peaceful creeks and fast-moving waterfalls (including some of the best waterfalls near Portland).
The crown jewel of many visitors for Silver Falls is the legendary Trail of Ten Falls, a 7-ish mile loop that passes by (you guessed it) 10 unique waterfalls.
Not into hiking? No problem! There are so many excellent views close to the parking lot (including one of the best waterfalls) and there are even horse trails and a bike path.
The South Falls day use area has a rustic lodge (worth checking out), cafe, and picnic areas near the creek.
For overnight stays, cozy up in a variety of cabins or rough it at the well-maintained and highly rated campground.
Now that you have the big picture, let’s get into more details.
How to Get to Silver Falls State Park
Silver falls is located near Silverton, Oregon and is accessible from many locations in the Willamette Valley.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Salem and typically 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland.
| Starting location | Driving distance | Typical drive time (no traffic) |
| Silverton | 13 miles (21 km) | 20 minutes |
| Salem | 26 miles (42 km) | 40 minutes |
| Portland | 55 miles (89 km) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Eugene | 85 miles (137 km) | 1 hour 30 minutes |
The park is open year-round and is worth a visit at any time of year. There are no dirt roads but there can be snow and ice in the winter.
Tip: You’ll probably want to type in “South Falls Day Use Area” to your GPS.
Map of Silver Falls State Park
Use this interactive map we made to get your bearings. You can also expand it in a new window.
The park has two main day-use and parking areas: South Falls (on the South Fork Silver Creek) and North Falls (on the North Fork Silver Creek).
Tip: For more helpful maps, scroll to the bottom of the Oregon State Parks Silver Falls webpage.
Hiking and Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
There are at least 10 waterfalls within the park boundaries, making this one of the most concentrated groups of waterfalls in the state.
The waterfalls vary in size and grandeur. The most impressive are sure to leave you in awe, and the others still have a present yet subtle beauty.
For Abby and I at Rooted and Roaming, it’s the wow-factor of several of these waterfalls that makes us truly excited each time we revisit the park.
Oregon Trail of Ten Falls
You’ve probably heard of the legendary Trail of Ten Falls. That’s because it is one the best hikes in Oregon and we consider it the best way to experience Silver Falls State Park.
It is a 7 mile (or so) trail that passes by (and under) 10 unique and impressive waterfalls. If that wasn’t cool enough, four of these waterfalls you can walk behind!
The trail is relatively flat, with only about 800 feet of elevation gain over the entire length.
Head’s up: There are always some muddy and slippery spots behind the falls. Also, There are some low rock ceilings behind the falls (watch your head!).
Regarding starting point and directionality, we recommend parking at the North Falls parking lot and doing the loop counter-clockwise.
That way, you can refuel partway with a snack or coffee at the South Falls Cafe and warm up in the lodge if needed.
Bonus tips: Lower North Falls, Middle North Falls, Lower South Falls, and South Falls are our favorite! They also happen to be the 4 that you can walk behind.
Other Hikes to See Waterfalls Silver Falls State Park
While the Trail of Ten Falls is the best way to see all the main waterfalls, there are some other shorter hiking options.
The short loop version of Trail of Ten Falls is 5 miles and still passes 8 of the 10 waterfalls.
If a shorter hike sounds nice, consider the South Falls and Maple Ridge Loop, which is about 2.5 miles and sees South Falls and Lower South Falls (both of which you walk behind).
Another option is the 3 mile loop on the north side which passes 3 waterfalls. For this loop, we definitely recommend extending another quarter mile or so to see Middle North Falls.
There are a few other shorter hikes from the North Day Use Area which bring you to North Falls and Upper North Falls.
Long story short, there’s tons of different options for hikes from short strolls from the parking lot to full day excursions.
You can see a trail map when you get to the park if you want to be more spontaneous.
Our Recommendations for Single-Day Itineraries
With so many waterfalls and various places to park it can be tough to know which ones to see.
If you’re short on time, we recommend parking at the South Falls day use area and seeing South Falls (the largest) and the lodge/cafe. You can walk behind South Falls and explore this area in under an hour.
Ideally you have at least half a day. This gives you a lot of options. One option is to see both South Falls and Lower South Falls (two of the best in our opinion).
Another option is to see South Falls then drive over to the North Falls area and see North Falls and Upper North Falls.
For a full day, you can’t beat the Trail of Ten Falls. For non-hikers, consider spending more time at both the South Falls and North Falls day use areas.
Bonus tip: There is a very small parking lot near Winter Falls. One fun and short hike is from this parking lot to Middle North Falls and back.
To summarize: Prioritize South Falls, but also check out North Falls and even the entire Trail of Ten Falls if you can.
Lodging and Camping at Silver Falls State Park
An overnight stay at Silver Falls is a great way to give yourself more time to explore everything this park has to offer.
You have three options for an overnight stay:
- Silver Falls Campground (campsites, cabins)
- Smith Creek Village (cabins, cottages, and lodges)
- Somewhere outside the park
Silver Falls Campground
The campground at Silver Falls is a fantastic way to become more immersed in this beautiful natural area.
The reservable sites are generally large and private. There are open field spaces and a playground.
There are 48 sites with electrical hookups and water and 43 tent sites with water located nearby.
At least 18 sites are open year-round. In the colder months especially, the 14 heated cabins are a great way to stay cozy.
Overall, this campground is very highly rated and quite popular. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance.
Bonus tips: Summer weekends become booked out quickly. We suggest being proactive and reserving a site 6 months before. Get familiar with reserving a campsite and be prepared to reserve the date you want.
Smith Creek Village
Located within the park but managed privately, Smith Creek Village is perfect for those who would prefer sleeping in a real bed with a roof over their head but still be close to the magic of Silver Falls.
Amenities include heated cabins and cottages, bike rentals, hot showers, dog-friendly trails and lodging, and a coffeehouse/grill (which is a cozy place to hang out).
It’s truly a special treat to have a well-managed accommodation option located within the densely forested backcountry of Silver Falls State Park.
There are dog-friendly rooms but also some rooms cleaned to hypo-allergenic standards.
Bonus tips: Keep in mind they typically require a two night minimum for peak season weekends. Don’t overlook the off-season though; these cabins can be seriously cozy when it’s cold outside (some have wood-burning stoves).
Staying Outside the Park
The campground and Smith Creek Village can be quite popular and more often than not there will be no openings if you do not book months in advance.
While this is the unfortunate reality, there are some options for staying near Silver Falls.
There are some campgrounds along Highway 22 to the south of Silver Falls. Unfortunately, the drive to get into the park is longer from this side.
Regarding accommodation, there are a few options in Stayton (just over 20 minutes from Silver Falls), including the highly rated Gardner House Cafe and Bed and Breakfast.
Silverton, about 20 minutes to the north of the park, also has some great lodging options. Silverton is also a fun small town to spend an hour or two exploring.
Best Time of Year to Visit Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls is worthwhile to visit during any time of the year. However, there are some things to consider when planning your visit.
First and foremost is the weather. Summer is often pleasantly warm and sunny but can also get uncomfortably hot.
Fall can be a great time to see the fall colors (which can be a pretty stunning display if you time it right).
Winters are usually cold, rainy and even snowy, but can also be cozy if you’re staying in a cabin and less crowded.
That said, we recommend visiting in the spring. This is when the flows are highest as a result of rainfall and snowmelt. As a result, the falls are raging and at their most impressive.
Also, the wildflowers and bright green budding leaves are welcomed signs of warming weather and add to the overall ambiance.
Fees and Permits
A day-use permit is required to park. You can purchase the permit onsite or purchase an Oregon State Park Annual Permit online. You can also purchase an annual permit at many Oregon State Parks.
Know Before You Go
Head’s up: Pet’s are not allowed on some trails.
Pets are not allowed on the Canyon Trail or on the connecting trails of Winter Trail, Maple Ridge Trail and Twin Falls Trail. However, they are allowed on other trails.
The South Falls day-use area is a great space to hang out. The spacious lawns, barbecues, and creek-side picnic tables are a suburb for enjoying a nice day outside. There’s also an off-leash area for dogs and a playground for the kids.
Although the waterfalls and hiking are the main draws, don’t pass up the cafe at the South Falls lodge. There is great hot chocolate, sandwiches, and other food and beverages. There’s even a nature store and a theatre!
The lodge itself often has a super cozy fire during colder months. There’s also an information area with some interesting local knowledge about the park.
Consider bringing a rain jacket, even if there is no rain forecast. As you may know, rain is commonplace in this part of Oregon. Also, it does get misty when you walk behind and nearby the waterfalls.
Take some time to acquaint yourself with the park layout and plan out your visit based on the amount of time you have.
Important: Check the official Oregon State Parks Silver Falls webpage before you go for any closures or other notices. There’s also lots of helpful information if you still have questions.
Friends of Silver Falls is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this special place. The host events and programs as well as publish informative articles that are worth checking out.
Extra Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Expect crowds and trail traffic jams on weekends with good weather. Go on a weekday if possible.
- Try to visit in the Spring when the falls have the highest flows and are the most impressive.
- Try to book a campsite for summer 6 months in advance when the dates first become available.
- Check out the South Falls lodge and cafe (especially to warm up in the colder months).
- Definitely do the Trail of Ten Falls if you can.
- If you’re coming from Portland, consider spending an hour or two exploring Silverton on your way home.
- Be careful not to bonk your head on some of the low rock when passing behind the waterfalls (speaking from experience: it’s not fun).
- Be careful of slippery mud and wet rocks especially under the falls. It’s helpful to have a good pair of hiking poles and some solid hiking shoes.
Bonus Video of Silver Falls State Park
Check out this video we made the last time we visited Silver Falls! It shows Logan hiking the Trail of Ten Falls loop on a drizzly spring day.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article about Silver Falls State Park helpful and informative. If so, feel free to bookmark it or share with a friend who you think should visit this special place.
You may also be interested in more waterfalls near Portland.
At Rooted and Roaming, we are dedicated to providing you with accurate and informative information to help you level up your adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re interested, we have other articles about things to do in Portland and the Willamette Valley and adventures in the PNW.
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As always, be sure to leave no trace when you visit. Happy roaming!
