If you love waterfalls, then visiting Silver Falls State Park is a must do when exploring the state of Oregon! It’s home to one of the most waterfall-packed hikes in the country. Not only is there great hiking, there are also plenty of other great things to do in the park. From picnicking to camping, hiking and just general exploring, you’re sure to find something here for you.
Whether you are visiting for a single day or for multiple days, we have you covered. We’ll go over all you need to know about Silver Falls State Park, including a bit about the history, how to get here, what things you’ll want to do during your stay, what to do near the park and the best time of year to visit.
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK HISTORY
Silver Falls State Park was created through millions of years of volcano activity and continuous water erosion. This area actually used to be covered by ocean waters giving way to the land you see today 15 million years ago. Today the waterfalls travel through lava flows onto softer rock below, continuing the erosion process.
Silver Falls State Park was established in 1933. Over the years though, there have been multiple attempts to make it into a National Park. It was first attempted in 1902, but rejected due the damage the area had sustained from logging. More recently, the park was put on the list for consideration in 2008, but the bill never passed.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was assigned to the area in the 1930s to build park facilities, including the current Concession area and Youth Camp.
Today the park contains 9200 acres and is managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Over 1 million visitors come to the park each year!
FUN FACTS ABOUT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
- Some of the tables and chairs in the lodge today are original to the park. Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, these are made from myrtle trees.
- Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon!
- There have been a few movies and TV shows filmed here, including the moving “Just Before Dawn” and “The Hunted.”
- The area was inhabited by several tribes ahead of modern settlement. The Kalapuya and Molalla tribes used this area for hunting, fishing and gathering. Artifacts are still found here in the park today.
THINGS TO DO IN SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Silver Falls State Park map, courtesy of Oregon State Parks
While most of the things to do in Silver Falls State Park revolve around seeing the waterfalls, there are also a few other things to do when visiting the park. Our recommendations include the following:
South Falls Day Use Area
Be sure to head to the South Falls Day Use area and check out the South Falls Lodge. This is one of the few buildings remaining from the logging town. The lodge was finished in 1941 by the CCC and quite beautiful! It was built by hand and is a must see.
This is also where the main parking area is in the park and a small restaurant.
The South Falls Day Use area is also the place to go if you just want to check out the view of South Falls.
North Falls Day Use Area
The North Falls Day Use area is smaller than the South Falls Day Use area. Services are limited to pit toilets, a picnic area and playground. It also serves as a trailhead option for the Trail of Ten Falls.
Hiking
Silver Falls State Park is great for hiking, and it’s the main attraction for those visiting the park. Even if you just head out on one of the short trails for less than 30 minutes, it’s well worth it. For a full review of hikes in the park, including trail maps, trailhead directions and more, check out our article on the Best Hiking Trails in Silver Falls State Park. Our quick recommendations include:
- Trail of Ten Falls (moderate, 7.2-miles (round-trip), 1180 ft. elevation gain). This is the premier trail in the park. It heads around the rim of the canyon and takes you to 10 waterfalls!
- South Falls and Maple Ridge Loop Trail (moderate, 2.6-miles (round-trip), 400 ft. elevation gain). This is a shorter version of the Trail of Ten Falls, getting to South Falls and Lower South Falls before turning back.
- Buck Mountain Loop (moderate, 8.0-miles (round-trip), 1045 ft. elevation gain). Great for mountain biking or hiking, this trail doesn’t have amazing views but will get you a long, peaceful walk in the forest.
Picnicking
What better way to spend time outdoors with your travel companions than a picnic! You can picnic at the South Falls Day Use area, or the North Falls Day Use area. Of course you can always do what we do and find a spot along the side of a hike or road to stop and have a picnic in peace!
Biking
There are a few options for biking in Silver Falls State Park. There is a paved, 4-mile trail that travels from the South Falls Day Use area to the east. It makes a loop near the Winter Falls Trailhead. This is a great option for families in particular, as it’s not too long but also very scenic. You won’t see any waterfalls on this route, but you can count on seeing lush woods and plenty of greenery! The bike trail also travels down to the campground. Just be careful when crossing roads or driving near traffic in the South Falls Day Use area.
Mountain biking is also quite popular, and there are about 35 miles of trails that are open to mountain bikers. A popular area is in the south of the park at the 214 Trailhead. You can ride a bike on most of the trails in the park, with the exception of the Nature Trail and the Trail of Ten Falls. Just be respectful of the trails as always and be prepared for mud!
THINGS TO DO NEAR SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Oregon is full of amazing places to visit, and Silver Falls State Park is close by to a few other great spots to check out. While in the area, our recommendations include:
- Check out Shellburg Falls Recreation Area. This is a great spot for camping (though the campground is small and space is limited) and there are some great hikes to the falls.
- About 50 minutes to the east is the Detroit Lake State Recreation Area. Here you can camp right on the lake, which is great for swimming and boating.
- Feyrer Park is about 20 minutes to the north of Silver Falls State Park. Here you’ll find a day use area, swimming and camping.
- Though not too close, you are just a 2.5 hour drive from the coast and such amazing places to go as Ecola State Park. The Oregon Coast is something to behold, and if you haven’t been then make sure it’s on your list of places to visit when you are in Oregon!
HOW TO GET TO SILVER FALLS STATE PARK AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION
Silver Falls State Park is located in northwest Oregon. While not hard to get to, it is off the beaten path. It’s just east of Salem, OR.
- Here are directions from Portland, OR to Silver Falls State Park. The drive is about 55 miles, but will take you about 75 minutes with traffic and the slower roads as you near the park.
- Here are directions from Bend, OR to Silver Falls State Park. The drive is about 2.5 hours but is very scenic.
ENTRANCE FEES AND REQUIRED PASSES FOR SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
A day-use permit is available for purchase inside the park. The permits are only for one day. Annual passes are also available.
WHERE TO STAY IN SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Smith Creek Village Cabins: Cabins and Cottages are available at Smith Creek Village. The services are rustic, but the location is incredible. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your cabin well in advance.
Silver Falls State Park Camping: There is one campground in Silver Falls State Park. It’s moderate in size and open year-round, but spots fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve early. You can read about camping in and around the park more in our article on Camping in Silver Falls State Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Silver Falls State park is a great place to escape the summer heat. Though some of the hikes are a bit long, the waterfall spray is amazing. Combine that with the shade of the surrounding forest and you are in for a great spot to go in the summer. That being said, if you want to see the waterfalls flowing at their peak, then visiting in April or May are the best times.
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK WEATHER
The temperatures in the park are moderate, if not on the cool side. Highs rarely get above 83 F in the summertime, and usually are in the 70’s. Lows generally stay above freezing in the winter, and stay in the lower 50’s in the summertime.
Expect plenty of rain in the area (the waterfalls have to get their water!), with the largest amount of rain coming in the winter months.
Average high and low temperatures in Silver Falls State Park
VISITING SILVER FALLS STATE PARK IN THE WINTER
Visiting Silver Falls State Park in the winter is a great experience! Crowds are light, so you’ll have a lot more quiet on the trails. Waterfalls are flowing, and you may even see some frozen water at the bottom of the falls. Be sure to bring shoes with good traction, and microspikes, if there is any ice in the park. You may also need four-wheel drive if you come through the park when there is snow.
ARE PETS ALLOWED IN SILVER FALLS STATE PARK?
Pets are allowed in Silver Falls State Park. They must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls.
RELATED INFORMATION ON SILVER FALLS STATE PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- We have two other articles on the park that you definitely want to check out, including Hiking Trails in Silver Falls State Park as well as Camping in Silver Falls State Park.
- Upon returning from your travels, send us a few photos and we’ll create a custom, vintage travel poster, where we take a photo that you send to us and turn it into an amazing travel memory!
