*Make sure to check out my Silverton, Oregon Walking Tour*
Hiking Trails at Silver Falls State Park - Silverton, Oregon: I suppose any blog about Oregon is not complete without Silver Falls State Park. If you can get past the hordes of tourists and screaming kids, this is an absolutely beautiful place. I absolutely understand why it is so popular. However, its popularity takes a lot away from the experience (for me). The park is close to Salem and Portland, and while not exactly a tranquil experience, it is visually magnificent. The Trail of Ten Falls is the most popular hike. It is an easy hike that leads you past some absolutely beautiful waterfalls. You can see seven of the ten falls in 1.5 to 2 hours if you follow the Canyon Trail-Winter Trail-Rim Trail loop, which I highlighted in red on the map below (taken from the Silver Falls State Park trail guide and park map). This hike begins near the South Falls parking lot just past the South Falls Lodge. (This map will enlarge if you click on it).
Twin Falls, North Falls, and Upper North Falls can also be seen if you take a short detour off the loop towards the North Falls Trailhead (shown in yellow). The first falls you will encounter from the South Falls Lodge is South Falls at 177 ft.
It's wonderful that the trail leads you behind the falls, so you can feel mist from the torrents of Silver Creek water. Next, you come upon the Lower South Falls (93 ft) about 1 mile down the trail. Although smaller, it is almost more beautiful than the first.
If you can get past Maple Ridge Trail (shown in green on the map), the crowds will lessen. It's great that there is a small hill just before the Maple Ridge turn off that seems to deter most from continuing on Canyon Trail. Maple Ridge Trail leads back to the lodge. The next falls you will see is Lower North Falls. Lovely. OK, excuse me as I try to move around you, tourists.... I am being a bit cynical. The number of hikers does disperse after the Maple Ridge turn off leaving you with decent gaps between groups.
In order to see Double Falls, you have to walk a bit off the main trail. It's not far, but you are likely to see other people too when you get there. Sorry for the poor quality photo... had to get out of the way.
Keep going and you will encounter Drake Falls at 27 feet. There is an overlook since you cannot get too close to this from the trail. Very lovely.
Next on the list is Middle North Falls at 106 feet. The lighting was not great and the 'crowds' were, well... you know. So, I will leave this one to you to discover. After Middle North Falls you will need to hike an additional stretch on Canyon Trail that leads to Twin Falls, North Falls and Upper North Falls (shown in yellow on the map).
From Winter Trail you will encounter Winter Falls at 134 feet. Continue on Rim Trail and you will circle back to the South Falls Lodge. While the falls are not to be missed, there are other beautiful features along the trail that take your mind off the hikers bearing down on you from behind.
I've been on this Trail of Ten Falls (short loop of 7 falls) a few times and enjoyed its beauty, but personally prefer hikes with fewer people. It is definitely a beautiful place and short drive from Portland or Salem and is absolutely worth seeing if you are touring the area.
