Discover Silver Falls State Park

By Anita Menon

Lower North Falls

Have you ever wondered how much fun one park can offer? No, not the big theme parks in California or Florida but an Oregon State Park. Well, to find out we picked the largest State Park in Oregon spanning 9000 acres of lush green forests, water falls and miles of hiking trails.

Approximately one hour and half hours away from Portland, Silver Falls State Park has 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4 mile bike path. The 8.7 mile Canyon Trail/Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek. Four of the ten water falls have an amphitheater-like surrounding that allows the trail to pass behind the flow of the falls.

Although the majority of the drive towards Silver Falls is through small towns, the last 16 miles or so is through beautiful lush temperate rain forest. We packed an over stuffed picnic basket, swim suits for our children (ages 8 and 6) and a soccer ball. We left at 9:00 am and when we got there at around 10:30 am, we parked at the South Falls Day Use area. We had a huge choice of picnic benches to claim as ours for the day but within the hour we realized that would not have been possible if we had come a bit later. The crowds started trickling in to enjoy the beautiful sunshine on a nice warm summer day.

South Falls

After playing soccer and building sandcastles on the banks of the creek, it was time for the highlighted activity for the day – the hike to see the falls. We carried our camera and a bottle of water and started the hike at the South Falls picnic area C parking lot. The plan was to do as much as we could all take and then loop back up to the parking lot. We noticed the historic Silver Falls Lodge built in 1940. It was an impressive building with high ceilings and a huge stone fire place.

South Falls

We continued towards the start of the hiking trail that brought is down the canyon and behind the South Falls. The sound of the water crashing to the mossy forest floor was loud and yet so calming. The fine spray that misted the air was cooling leaving our arms covered with tiny beads of water. Our children climbed into to explore the several nooks and crannies under the falls. There, we found descriptions of the large chimneys created by erosions which Geologists call “vesicular basalt”. After taking several pictures behind the falls, we continued our hike and came to a footbridge which would’ve taken us back up to the parking lot. But our children wanted a longer hike and so we kept going down the unpaved path that ran along the creek.

Lower South Falls

This brought us to our next waterfall which was the Lower South Falls. Although the water cascades 93 feet and is half the height of the South Falls, these falls are double the width. We hiked behind the falls and the water was much closer than the previous one. It was incredible to feel the force and power of the waterfall so close. As we continued on, we were faced with a fork in the road – the right fork taking us back up to the parking lot or the left fork that would take us to the Lower North Falls. Our children were truly enjoying the experience and wanted to keep going, so we followed the left fork.

Middle North Falls

Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake and Middle North Falls

The Lower North Falls are the lowest falls on the North Fork of Silver creek. Geologists credit this water fall to the oldest lava flow in the park. Once you cross the footbridge, there was a short side trail to view the Double Falls which are a 178 foot tiered type of falls where the lower section falls 4 times as far as the upper section. Once again on the main trail we continued past the Drake (the smallest of all falls) and Middle North Falls by which time our children started feeling tired. So we omitted the last part of the two falls (the North Falls and Upper North Falls) and headed towards the Winter Falls Trail Junction and veered right to parking area above Winter Falls. It was another mile on a wooded trail to get back to our starting point.

When we returned to our picnic bench, the children were ready to cool down and quickly changed into their swimwear and plunged into the cool waters in the swimming area. Once everyone had cooled down and recovered sandwiches, fruit, barbecued chicken, chips and lemonade sounded great to everyone. As we lazed around on blankets, I had the epiphany that as Oregonians, our idea of a fun place is not a big park that offers dizzying roller coaster rides, but a luscious 9000 acre park that offers hiking trails, views of magnificent waterfalls as well as a safe place to swim, picnic and enjoy the sunshine.

Quick facts to know before you go:

Getting there from Portland:
Take I-5 South, exit at Woodburn and follow Highway 214 Southeast through Silverton.

Fees:
There is a $3 per car fee to park anywhere inside the state park.

Parking information:
Your best bet would be to follow signs to Picnic Area C in the South Falls Day Use area.

Hiking tips:
It is a moderate hike of 8.7 miles through all the falls. It is great for beginners and families since there are plenty of side trails that will bring you back up to the parking lot. Some falls have steps so check the trail map before you head out.

Season:
Open year round. Park hours varies by season, so check their website for current timings.