Guide to Hiking and Camping in Silver Falls State Park and the Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park is one of the many gems of Oregon. If you are looking for some of the best waterfalls near Portland and in the entire Pacific Northwest, look no further. This park is well known for containing ten waterfalls, each more impressive than the last, and all visible from a single trail, the Trail of Ten Falls. In Spring, in particular, it is a sight to see the waterfalls full and thundering to the river. Spend a weekend camping and hiking in Silver Falls State Park for the perfect Oregon adventure!
Getting to Silver Falls State Park
Getting to Silver Falls State Park from Portland, Oregon is easy. It is only a little more than an hour’s drive from Portland, making it the perfect day trip. Drive South on the I-5 towards Salem, then travel East on 22 and 214 to enter from the West side of the park. If entering this way, there is a great pull-off with a viewpoint over the surrounding countryside.
Alternatively, you can exit I-5 early, head directly south towards Silverton, and continue onward to enter from the Northside of the park.
Like any popular Pacific Northwest hike, if visiting on a weekend during peak season, plan of getting to the park early. South Falls has a large parking lot, but it will still be a lot more enjoyable in the morning with fewer people on the trail.
Parking at any of the trailheads requires a $5 entrance fee per vehicle. Pay stations are available at the North and South Falls Trailheads, but not the Winter Falls Trailhead.
Trail of Ten Falls
- Length: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,404 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Dogs are only allowed on the Rim Trail section, but not the entire Trail of Ten Falls
- Trailhead Location: North, South, or Winter Falls Trailhead
The Trail of Ten Falls hike is the main attraction in Silver Falls State Park. The appeal is in the name itself, 10 waterfalls can be found on this loop hike! This amazing nature trail can be started from three locations- North Falls Trailhead, South Falls Trailhead, and Winter Falls Trailhead. South Falls is the largest of the trailheads and where you can also find the cafe, gift shop, and tables for a picnic.
The whole trail is 7.4 miles long, the majority of which is a loop with two small side trails, 0.3 and 0.1 miles long. This total trail has a little over 1200 feet of elevation and is rated as moderate.
South Falls & Lower South Falls
Starting at South Falls Trailhead, the first few waterfalls you will encounter are South Falls and Lower South Falls. South Falls is less than half a mile from the trailhead. At 177 feet tall it is one of the most impressive in the park, and well worth the visit on its own. If you don’t want to walk all the way down to the falls there is also an easily accessible lookout point, just past the Nature Store. However, if you can go down to South Falls you will be able to walk 180 degrees behind it and admire it from all angles.
At 1.2 miles into the trail, you will reach Lower South Falls. This is another waterfall you can walk right behind and feel the mist spray your face from the 93-foot tall waterfall.
Lower North Falls & Double Falls
After Lower South Falls you will walk another mile along Silver Creek and gradually ascend up to Lower North Falls. This is a shorter waterfall, but still impressive in width and with a bridge spanning the creek right before the falls. There is a great photo spot right before the turn to the bridge where you can capture or admire the waterfall.
Right after Lower South Falls, there is a small side trail to Double Falls. This trail is only 0.1 miles each way and worth the detour. Double Falls is only one of a few falls on the trail you can walk right up to the base of, and at 178 feet tall it is the tallest waterfall in the park!
Drake Falls & Middle North Falls
Just a little after the tallest falls in the park is Drake Falls, the shortest waterfall in Silver Falls. There is a small platform here where you can take a break and watch the falls.
About a quarter of a mile after Drake Falls is Middle North Falls. Middle North Falls is also quite impressive and has a short side trail that leads behind the falls. This trail is not always open, but you can still see the falls from a viewpoint if the hike is closed.
Junction, Twin Falls, & Winter Falls
After Middle North Falls and at the 3.0-mile mark is the trail junction. If you turn here you can turn this into a 5.6-mile loop if starting from South Falls Trailhead. You will cross a bridge over North Fork Silver Creek and hike half a mile to Winter Falls. Winter Falls can get quite dry in the summer months, so depending on the time of year there may not be much to see.
If you do continue on the entire Trail of Ten Falls you will hit Twin Falls 0.3 miles after the junction. There is a side trail near this fall that leads to the North Falls Group Camp if you are staying at the campsite.
North Falls & Upper North Falls
Continuing on the Trail of Ten Falls is one of the more impressive falls in the park, North Falls. Like South Falls, North Falls has a cave that allows you to walk right behind the fall and take in the beauty.
This is really close to the parking lot for North Falls Trailhead. This is perfect for a quick bathroom break if you need one over halfway through the Trail of Ten Falls. To view the ninth of ten falls you will need to take a small 0.3-mile side trail to Upper North Falls. I was a little hesitant whether or not another waterfall would be worth the trek, but Upper North Falls was one of my favorite waterfalls in Silver Falls! This is one of the other waterfalls you can walk right up to the pool at the base of.
After Upper North Falls, it is a 2.7-mile hike back to the South Falls Trailhead along the Rim Trail. Other than running into Winter Falls, there is not a ton to see on the hike out. It’s a quick peaceful walk through the forest, a little separated from the road.
Shortened Loop- South Falls
- Length: 5.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Number of Waterfalls: 7 waterfalls
- Dogs: Dogs are only allowed on the Rim Trail section
- Trailhead Location: South Falls Trailhead
If you don’t have time for the entire Trail of Ten Falls, but still want to see some of Oregon’s waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park, you can take a shortened loop. Start at South Falls trailhead and take the junction before Twin Falls for a 5.6-mile loop. This will still take you by 7 of the 10 falls– South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, and Winter Falls.
Shortened Loop- North Falls
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 396 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Number of Waterfalls: 4 waterfalls
- Dogs: Dogs are only allowed on the Rim Trail section
- Trailhead Location: North Falls Trailhead
For an even shorter loop, you can start at North Falls Trailhead, and hike to Twin Falls then take the junction to Winter Falls. This creates a 3-mile loop that you can easily add Upper North Falls too, and see 4 of the epic waterfalls in the park.
South Falls and Maple Ridge Loop
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 406 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Number of Waterfalls: 2 waterfalls
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this trail
- Trailhead Location: South Falls Trailhead
Another shortened loop trail in Silver Falls is the South Falls and Maple Ridge Loop. You will hike just a little past Lower South Falls and turn onto Maple Ridge Trail, 1.4 miles in. The trail then ascends about 350 feet and takes Maple Ridge trail out, for 2.6 miles round trip.
Other Trails in Silver Falls State Park
The Trail of Ten Falls and its variations are not the only trails Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. Below are a couple of other trails in the park that allow dogs.
- Buck Mountain Trail– 8 miles, 1053 feet, Moderate– This is a moderate forested loop that allows dogs on the tail
- Smith Creek Loop- 9.3 miles, 1371 feet, Moderate – This is another forest hike that allows you to bring your dog. This trail is shared with horses and mountain bikes
Camping in Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park has a campground for any type of camping. It has 52 electrical sites, some open all year round. There are also 45 tent sites, closed November through April.
Several horse camps and cabins are available for reservation. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and can be expected to fill up for weekends in popular months.
Best Time to Visit Silver Falls State Park
Spring in Silver Falls State Park
The best time to visit Silver Falls State Park and hike the Trail of Ten Falls is the Spring. April and May, as the weather warms up, to highs in the 60s but the waterfalls are still flowing strong from winter rain, makes for a great time to visit.
If you have the flexibility you can check the weather and plan for a sunny day, but if not bring a rain jacket and embrace a moody walk in the Pacific Northwest forest. The waterfalls will look no less beautiful in the rain!
Summer in Silver Falls State Park
In the summer, the falls are still fun to visit, but will not be at their peak flow. Some will be mostly dried up, but the larger falls such as North and South Falls will still have plenty of water to satisfy your waterfall hunt.
I personally think summer is the worst time to hike waterfalls. The weather may be warm, making the waterfalls refreshing, but the falls will be at their least impressive.
See below for a comparison of South Falls flow in Spring vs. Summer.
Fall in Silver Falls State Park
Fall is arguable the second-best time to visit Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The rainy season starts back up in October, rejuvenating the waterfalls. Temperatures drop back in the 40s to low 60s, requiring a jacket or some layers. The leaves also change in Fall in this part of Oregon, adding to the beauty that is the Trail of Ten Falls.
Winter in Silver Falls State Park
In the winter, the waterfalls can be impressive, but cold, and there is the additional risk of ice on the trails. If visiting in winter, check for recent trail conditions and come prepared with microspikes and hiking poles if necessary.
Tips for Visiting Silver Falls State Park
- Like any trail, Leave No Trace! Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and don’t damage the wildflowers, ferns, or rocks by the trail.
- The entrance fee is $5 payable at North and South Falls Trailheads. There is also free maps by the fee stations.
- Both South Falls and North Falls parking lots have bathrooms. South Falls bathrooms are much larger and nicer.
- Dogs are alowed on the Rim Trail that goes between the parking lots, but dogs are not allowed on the majority of the Trail of Ten Falls.
What to Wear Hiking in Silver Falls State Pak
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Make sure you have the right gear to hike to waterfalls! Below is a quick list of what to wear and take hiking on a waterfall hike in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.
- Rain Jacket– Anytime you are visiting a waterfall it is a great idea to bring a rain jacket. At peak flow, many of these waterfalls create a lot of mist! Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
- Heavy Coat– If you are hiking in the winter it is a good idea to bring a packable heavy coat.
- Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
- Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap to keep ticks away when hiking.
- Hiking Boots– If you are doing any hikes to waterfalls waterproof hiking boots are a must, especially in the rainy season. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters.
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- Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
- Latourell Falls Loop Hike
- Snowshoe Tamanawas Falls Hike
- Hikes Near Hood River
SAVE IT FOR LATER
Wow what an incredible area and such varied, magical waterfalls to explore. I love the look of South Falls – so dramatic! This reminds me a little of the Otways in Victoria, Australia which is rainforest and endless waterfalls, all with such different characteristics.
I love any hike that has waterfall in it, so I would absolutely love this one with so many of them to see! It looks perfect for a fall hike too.
I loved reading about your experience in Silver Falls. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!