Silver Falls State Park is a forested canyon that features 10 amazing waterfalls throughout the park. It is the largest state park in Oregon and one of the most popular, both nationally and internationally. People come from all over to witness the beauty of these splendid waterfalls at this unique and amazing park. It's less than an hour east of the Salem state capital in the green foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

At the South Falls, you can walk in awe behind a 177-foot waterfall. It's a part of the Trail of Ten Falls which is a breathtaking and nationally recognized hiking trail. This trail winds through lush, dense forested landscape and along a canyon where you will see many gorgeous waterfalls from different vantage points. You descend the trail following a serpentine creek to the forest floor. Photographers of all skill levels love to come to Silver Falls to capture the picturesque, scenic views it has to offer.

The full loop to hike all 10 waterfalls is about 7.2 miles and is considered a moderate hike with an elevation change of 800 feet. There are connecting trails that can make the hike shorter if one so desires. The park provides over 25 miles of backcountry trails for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. 

Besides hiking, many visitors enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, as well as camping at Silver Falls. The campground has tent and RV sites as well as cabins. If you bring a horse, there is a horse campground for you to stay at. There are also group tent and RV sites for larger groups and ranches that can sleep 75 people in dormitory-style bunkhouses.

The South Falls Day Use Area has open lawns, picnic tables, and shelters, barbecue stands, a playground, horseshoe pits, and an off-leash area for dogs. This area is frequently used for potlucks, family reunions, and even weddings.

(No pets are allowed on the Canyon Trail for everyone's safety. Pets on a leash can be on all other trails)

A day-use parking fee (recently $5 per car, payable by card at the lots) is charged to park anywhere in the state park.

NOTE: It's important to remember that bears and cougars live in the more remote areas of the park.

Trail tips: the Trail of Ten Falls is best hiked as a loop starting from the South Falls parking area and heading clockwise. Four of the ten falls let you walk behind the curtain of water, so bring a rain layer on high-flow days. Flow peaks with spring snowmelt (March is excellent), and a couple of the falls sit just off the main loop, so download the trail map before you go to be sure you catch all ten.