North Falls Silver Falls State Park Oregon
Oregon's 'crown jewel,' featuring the Trail of Ten Falls, where you can walk behind magnificent cascades in a lush rainforest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
North Falls Silver Falls State Park Oregon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oregon's 'crown jewel,' featuring the Trail of Ten Falls, where you can walk behind magnificent cascades in a lush rainforest.
"It's one of the most scenic and accessible hikes in the state, and it belongs on every Oregon road trip."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be wet and slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential!
💧 Prepare for Mist
Bring waterproof gear or a rain jacket; you'll get wet walking behind some falls!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk Behind the Falls
South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls
Experience the unique thrill of walking behind cascading water, feeling the cool mist and seeing the world through a watery veil.
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Trail of Ten Falls
Park-wide loop
Hike a spectacular 7.4-mile loop connecting ten breathtaking waterfalls, each with its own unique charm.
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North Falls Cavern
North Falls
Venture into a deep cavern behind North Falls for a truly unique perspective and a dramatic, immersive experience.
Autumn Foliage Spectacle
Throughout the park
Witness vibrant fall colors painting the landscape around the waterfalls, creating a magical, fiery spectacle.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Waterfall Wonders
Prepare for the Mist and Miles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be wet and slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential!
💧 Prepare for Mist
Bring waterproof gear or a rain jacket; you'll get wet walking behind some falls!
🚫 No Pets on Canyon Trails
Respect the signage; dogs are not allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls. Rangers are enforcing this.
🗺️ Download Park Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps will help you navigate the trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trails can be wet and slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential!
💧 Prepare for Mist
Bring waterproof gear or a rain jacket; you'll get wet walking behind some falls!
🚫 No Pets on Canyon Trails
Respect the signage; dogs are not allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls. Rangers are enforcing this.
🗺️ Download Park Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps will help you navigate the trails.
⏰ Check Park Alerts
Conditions can change. Always check the official park website for closures or advisories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Silver Falls State Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the numerous waterfalls and the unique experience of walking behind them. The park is well-maintained, and staff are often noted as helpful. However, the park can become extremely crowded, especially during holidays and weekends, which can detract from the serene atmosphere.
"Recently visited Silver Falls and it was extremely crowded! I believe it was a school holiday so it's understandable. That said, it was a fun visit and the falls are stunning. The whole park is wonderful and well managed. The staff I met were happy and very helpful."
John Hanske
"No services. But there is a bathroom and water station. Great place to stop and see a few of the many waterfalls, but on a much shorter hike and less time needed. You can do 6 water falls in about 4-5miles. Two of the falls you can walk behind. For and easy quick hike the top observation of the North Falls (a peek) and the full Upper North Falls can be done from this parking lot in about 30-40 minutes"
Bill S
"In North Falls is a unique experience you go under it inside a deep cavern/cave. You do need to go down some steep stairs if you’re arriving from the north Falls parking lot or if you are continuing from the south Falls you have to go up the stairs to leave. No dogs allowed on this trail. and probably my favorite waterfall. there are multiple trails that you can take to get here or leave. Beautiful nature everywhere."
krazy ISH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silver Falls State Park is about an hour's drive southeast of Portland. Take I-5 South to OR-99E North towards Salem, then follow signs for Silver Falls State Park.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots, including near the South Falls Day Use Area and the North Falls Trailhead. Arrive early on busy days as parking can fill up quickly.
Public transportation options are very limited. Driving is the most practical way to reach the park.
The most popular access point is the South Falls Day Use Area, which offers a good starting point for the full loop. The North Falls Trailhead is another option for a shorter experience.
Currently, there are no shuttle services operating within the park. You'll need to rely on your own transportation or walking to move between trailheads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a day-use parking permit fee required for entry. You can purchase this at the park entrance or online in advance.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk year-round. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have limited hours. Always check the official website for the most current information.
No, access to the trails, including those that go behind the waterfalls, requires a valid day-use parking permit.
Oregon State Parks do not typically offer discounts for general day-use entry. However, annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
While challenging, it's theoretically possible to arrange a private shuttle or taxi, but it would be very expensive. Driving is highly recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The full Trail of Ten Falls loop is approximately 7.4 miles and can take 3-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you stop to enjoy the views.
You can walk behind South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls. This is a highlight for many visitors!
The main paved paths near the South Falls Day Use Area are somewhat accessible, but the Trail of Ten Falls involves many stairs and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
The weather can be unpredictable. Expect cool temperatures, frequent mist, and rain, especially in the canyon. Layers are recommended.
Dogs are strictly prohibited on the Trail of Ten Falls and in the canyon areas. They are allowed in other designated areas of the park on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Every waterfall offers a unique photo opportunity! The viewpoints behind South Falls and North Falls are particularly dramatic. Don't forget to capture the lush greenery and autumn colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can help with long exposures in the misty, shaded conditions. A waterproof camera or protective case is a good idea.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds. The mist can create beautiful atmospheric effects throughout the day.
Experiment with different angles, especially from behind the falls. Look for reflections in the water or interesting patterns in the moss and rocks.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in Oregon State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on shorter sections of the trail, like the loop around South Falls and potentially a short out-and-back to North Falls if your children are up for it. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for the mist – waterproof jackets are a must for little ones! Remember that dogs are not allowed on the canyon trails, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with a furry family member.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1Consider tackling the full loop to fully immerse yourself in the park's beauty. The ability to walk behind some of the falls offers a unique and exhilarating perspective that’s perfect for a solo adventure. Downloading an offline map is recommended for navigation, and letting someone know your hiking plans is always a good practice.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To maximize your photographic potential, aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding old-growth forest. Don't forget a tripod for those long exposures that create silky smooth water effects, and a waterproof camera bag to protect your gear from the inevitable mist.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Trail of Ten Falls
+1What makes this trail truly special is the opportunity to walk behind three of the falls: South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls. Standing behind the curtain of water, feeling the spray, and seeing the world through a watery veil is an experience that many visitors describe as magical and awe-inspiring.
+1While the full loop is a significant undertaking, shorter options are available. You can access viewpoints for several falls from parking areas, allowing for a more condensed visit if time is limited. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for damp conditions, as the mist from the falls is ever-present.
Exploring North Falls: A Unique Perspective
Accessing the cavern involves descending a series of steep stairs from the North Falls parking lot. If you're hiking the full Trail of Ten Falls, you'll encounter this section as part of the loop. The sheer volume of water and the echoing sound within the cavern create an immersive and memorable experience.
It's important to note that due to the steep stairs and the nature of the trail, this section is not suitable for those with mobility issues, young children in strollers, or pets. The park strictly enforces a 'no pets' policy on the canyon trails to preserve the natural environment and ensure visitor safety.
Best Times for Photography and Avoiding Crowds
Autumn is a particularly stunning time to visit, with the fall foliage adding vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold to the already picturesque scenery. However, this also means higher visitor numbers. If you're aiming for fewer people during this popular season, aim for weekdays and early mornings.
+1When photographing, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding forest. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions and to achieve smooth water effects. Be prepared for mist, which can be both a photographic challenge and an opportunity for atmospheric shots. A waterproof camera or protective casing is a wise investment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit