Oregon’s Largest State Park Has a Famous 7-mile Trail That Takes You to 10 Waterfalls

There are several reasons you might want to plan a trip to Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. If you’re a fan of the Twilight movies, you may know it as one of the filming locations. If you’re exploring the Willamette Valley, you might tack it onto your winery-filled itinerary. And if you’re someone who appreciates the beauty of a waterfall, this is one of the top places to visit in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon’s largest state park, Silver Falls is known as the home of the Trail of Ten Falls, a route that, as its name suggests, brings you to see the park’s incredible water features. “Not only do we have an amazing trail with 10 waterfalls (four of which you can walk behind), but it’s a great place to see and learn about plants and wildlife,” says Chelsea Sims, the executive director of Friends of Silver Falls. “We also have several historic buildings that are open to the public—all built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 1940s.”

Before you embark on this multifaceted journey, take note of your packing list. “Silver Falls is a temperate rainforest, and folks often come without jackets or gear for hiking in that type of environment. It’s cooler and rainier than in the valley, so it’s a good idea to layer and wear hiking boots,” Sims recommends. Comfortable walking shoes are also important because there’s no shuttle service—so keep that in mind when parking and planning out your route. 

You might also want to think twice about bringing dogs to Silver Falls. “Many visitors bring their dogs and want to do the Trail of Ten Falls and are disappointed that pets are not allowed in the canyon,” says Sims, noting, however, that there are some pet-friendly trails as well as an off-leash play area in the park.

Ready to plan your waterfall-filled adventure? Read on to discover the best things to do in Silver Falls State Park and the best time to visit. 

What to Do

If you’re traveling to Silver Falls State Park, which requires visitors to pay a $10 day-use parking permit, chances are the Trail of Ten Falls is at the top of your to-do list. A combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail, the moderate route is a 7.2-mile loop with unparalleled views of waterfalls along the way.  The waterfalls, which range from 27 to 178 feet, are named as follows: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls.

It’s also possible to just hike the Canyon Trail section, which takes you behind some of the waterfalls—an experience you don’t want to miss. “Beyond the Canyon Trail, we have some more accessible waterfall trails now,” notes Sims. “The new North Rim Trail has a beautiful viewpoint of North Falls, which Friends of Silver Falls funded a few years ago. If you’re looking for a quieter hike, the Howard Creek Trail is a great three-mile loop that passes a nice wetland.”

Before or after your hike, Sims recommends swinging by the Nature Store near South Falls. “Our volunteers are eager to help visitors with park information, and we’re open every day, year-round,” she says. “We have a unique selection of goods—lots of books, local art, apparel, games, toys, etc. All proceeds go back to the park through educational programming and park projects.” You can also grab lunch at the South Falls Café inside the historic South Falls Lodge, a hand-cut stone and fir log structure built in the 1940s.

Additionally, you can check to see which educational programs are on the calendar during your visit, as Sims says they’re “fun and free ways to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources.” Those visitors who are a bit more adventurous can book a canopy climbing adventure with Tree Climbing at Silver Falls.

Best Time to Visit

“The park is open year-round, but some of the best times to come are in the spring and fall,” says Sims. “Spring is typically when the waterfalls are at their peak, and the park is a great place to see wildflowers.” If you have a keen eye for flowers, you may spot snow queen, Oregon sunshine, the early blue violet, and orange honeysuckle, among other blooms. 

While summer tends to be a popular time to visit, Sims notes the park is “prone to overcrowding” this time of year. There are also a couple of factors that make it a less desirable time for hiking. “The waterfalls are at their lowest,” she shares, adding that, when paired with the heat, “the elevation gain coming out of the canyon can be difficult, especially if you don’t bring enough water.”