Silver Falls State Park Park

Address: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon City, OR 97304, United States

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=161

Hours: Day-use: Dawn to dusk; park office hours vary seasonally

Admission: Park entrance fee applies to Oregon State Parks day-use (varies by season and vehicle)

Silver Falls State Park is a large state park in western Oregon known for its concentration of waterfalls and forested canyon scenery; its best-known feature is the Trail of Ten Falls.

The park’s signature multi-mile loop passes by ten named waterfalls, several of which are accessible from close vantage points and some of which can be viewed from behind. South Falls is the park’s most famous single cascade and is notable for a trail that passes behind the falling water for an intimate perspective.

The park was developed in the early 20th century and contains recreational infrastructure and trails laid out and improved through the decades; New Deal-era work by groups such as the Civilian Conservation Corps contributed to park facilities and trail construction.

Located near Silverton in Marion County, Oregon, the park sits southeast of Salem and is reachable by road from the Willamette Valley and the Portland metropolitan area.

• Trail length and character: The Trail of Ten Falls is a multi-mile loop trail that typically takes several hours to complete and includes multiple river-crossing footbridges and boardwalk sections.
• Best viewing season: Waterfall flows are typically highest in late winter and spring runoff, making those seasons the best time for peak waterfall views.

What to See#

• Trail of Ten Falls: The Trail of Ten Falls, a multi-mile loop that passes by or behind ten named waterfalls and is the park’s signature route for day hikers.
• South Falls: South Falls, a 177-foot waterfall with a trail that runs behind the cascade, providing a distinctive close-up viewpoint.
• Campgrounds and day-use areas: Developed campgrounds and day-use areas that support overnight stays and picnicking within the park.

About 20-25 miles southeast of Salem, Oregon, and roughly 1.5 hours from Portland by car via OR‑213 and local roads. The park has several trailhead parking areas; pay park fees at the entrance kiosk or online for day-use.

• Hike portions of the Trail of Ten Falls early in the day to avoid crowds and for the best light on waterfalls like South Falls and Middle North Falls.
• Bring a rain jacket year-round; the canyon creates microclimates and mist from falls can be persistent.
• If planning to camp, reserve well in advance during summer weekends - sites fill early.