Silver Falls State Park near Silverton is Oregon’s largest state park and one of the Pacific Northwest’s great waterfall destinations. The Trail of Ten Falls winds through a rainforest canyon past ten named waterfalls, including four with trails that pass behind the water. This guide covers the full 7.2-mile loop, shorter route options, parking, pet rules, camping, seasonal conditions, and the details to check before you go.
Plan the Trail of Ten Falls before you go
The full Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-mile, moderate loop with about 800 feet of elevation change. Oregon State Parks identifies South Falls and North Falls as the main trailhead parking areas, and several connecting trails make shorter waterfall outings possible.
- Use the official Silver Falls State Park page for current park notices, fees, maps, and conditions.
- Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the Canyon Trail or the Maple Ridge, Winter, and Twin Falls trails that lead into the canyon.
- Stay on established paths and out of closed areas. Wet rock, steep canyon edges, and waterfall spray make shortcuts especially hazardous.
For a statewide comparison by region, distance, and difficulty, use our Oregon waterfalls map and guide. You can find more routes for every ability level in our Oregon hiking guide. If Silver Falls is one stop on a longer trip, explore more places nearby in our Willamette Valley guide.
Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park and one of its signature waterfall destinations. Its canyon trails, historic structures, and varied route options work for anything from a short waterfall stop to a full Trail of Ten Falls day.
Silver Falls State Park
This incredible park is nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, and you’ll find it less than an hour east of Oregon’s state capital, Salem. Upon my visit just right before Halloween, I was immediately taken away by the incredible fog and the beautiful fall foliage.
Walking behind the 177-foot curtain of water was absolutely incredible, with the light rain mist and the water of course from the falls also making it quite the experience.
This 7.2-mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet. While going deeper into the luscious forest, you will find several connecting trails with separate access points that make shorter routes.
The Trail of Ten Falls connects ten named waterfalls in the South Fork Silver Creek canyon.
Additional cascades appear along Silver Creek and neighboring tributaries, with flow and visibility changing by season.
History of Silver Falls State Park
The history here is quite fascinating, as a once small lumber town known as Silver Falls City, which sat atop the South Falls and was formed in 1888.
In 1900, a photographer named June D. Drake campaigned for park status using his photographs to gain support. Drake Falls was later named after him.
However, in 1926, the area was rejected for park status by an inspector for the National Park Service because of unattractive stumps from years of logging.
RELATED: 13 Top Oregon State Parks You Didn’t Know Existed
Silver Falls Lodge
It wasn’t until 1935 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that Silver Falls would officially become a Recreational Demonstration Area.
The historic South Falls Lodge was completed in the late 1930s and was used as a restaurant from 1946 until the late 50s. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Silver Falls State Park Concession Building Area in 1983.
Today, the park includes backcountry routes beyond the waterfall loop. Trail access and permitted uses vary, so use the official park map and stay alert for wildlife in remote areas.
Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park
Four waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls have behind-the-falls trail passages: South Falls, Lower South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls. South Falls is the best-known, with its 177-foot curtain of water.
South Falls is the most practical starting point for many first-time visitors, while North Falls can work well for a shorter outing. Choose a trailhead based on the waterfalls and loop distance you want to cover.
- Trail of Ten Falls distance: 7.2 miles for the full Canyon and Rim Trail loop.
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Complete: 2-5 hours
- Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
- Day-use parking: Check Oregon State Parks for current fees and pass options.
This 7.2-mile moderate loop passes ten named waterfalls through the canyon. Families and less-experienced hikers may prefer a shorter route rather than committing to the entire loop.
The full loop has about 800 feet of elevation change, and several connecting trails allow shorter outings. The ten named waterfalls on the main route are:
- Twin Falls
- North Falls
- Upper North Falls
- Winter Falls
- Double Falls
- Drake Falls
- Middle North Falls
- South Falls
- Lower South Falls
- Lower North Falls
The hike is amazing in the summer, but especially stunning in fall when the leaves have begun to change.
For a quieter experience beyond the canyon, compare the park’s backcountry routes on the current official map and confirm which activities are permitted on each trail.
Before you go: Confirm current services, accessibility information, closures, and parking details on the official park page.
Expert Hiking Tips:
- Begin your hike at the South Falls Picnic Area C parking lot and follow the broad path downstream towards the historic Silver Falls Lodge, built by Civilian Conservation Corps crews in 1940.
- After exploring the lodge, continue on the paved trail to the right and switchback down into the canyon behind the 177-foot South Falls.
- Don’t cross the scenic footbridge unless you’re exhausted, as it will only lead you back to the parking lot. Instead, take the unpaved path along the creek.
- This path will eventually lead you behind Lower South Falls’ broad, 93-foot cascade. Beyond the falls, the trail will fork again.
- If you’re feeling fatigued, turn right and climb the steepish ridge trail to the canyon rim and parking lot for a 2.8-mile trip. For a longer hike, continue straight and head up the north fork of Silver Creek to 30-foot Lower North Falls.
- For the recommended 5.1-mile loop, turn right at the Winter Falls trail junction, climb to the parking area above Winter Falls, and keep right on a 1.6-mile return trail through the woods to the South Falls area, the lodge, and your car.
Camping At Silver Falls
Silver Falls offers camping, cabins, and group facilities, but site types and seasonal availability can change.
Check Oregon State Parks’ current camping and reservation information before booking, including pet-friendly options, amenities, fees, and maximum-stay rules.
RELATED: The Best Camping in Oregon: Our Top 50 Places for Rest and Relaxation
The Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center
During the day the South Falls day-use areas offer visitors spacious lawns, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, BBQ stands, a playground, and a charming creek. Since the park opened in 1933, visitors have also been using this jaw-dropping park for potlucks, family reunions, and weddings.
The lodge offers a variety of amenities for all visitors to the park. Relax and enjoy comfortable lodging within the wooded setting, or feast at the many catered specialty events.
Enjoy a preordered meal at the historic dining hall or order a box lunch to take on a hike or to your campsite. They also specialize in hosting special events! Visit their official website here or call 866-575-8875.
Please Note:
- Check the official site to see what’s open at the park, as well as find current rules for visiting. Public health crises’, funding issues and natural disasters can cause closures to public lands and state parks.
- Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the Canyon Trail and the Maple Ridge, Winter, and Twin Falls trails that descend into the canyon. Check the official park map for allowed routes.
- Bears and cougars live in remote areas of the park.
- Please follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
- Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and camping are at-your-own-risk activities.
Silver Falls State Park FAQs
How long is the Trail of Ten Falls?
The full Trail of Ten Falls loop is 7.2 miles with about 800 feet of elevation change. Most hikers should allow two to five hours, depending on trail conditions, crowds, and how long they stop at each waterfall. Connecting trails make it possible to build shorter routes from the South Falls and North Falls areas.
Can dogs hike the Trail of Ten Falls?
Dogs are not allowed on the Canyon Trail or on the Maple Ridge, Winter, and Twin Falls trails that enter the canyon. Leashed pets are allowed in some other areas of the park, including designated sections of the Rim Trail. Check the official park page before visiting because closures and rules can change.
What is the best time to visit Silver Falls?
Spring often brings the strongest waterfall flow and a deeply green canyon, while fall adds colorful foliage and cooler hiking weather. Summer usually offers drier trails but also brings heavier crowds, especially on weekends. Winter can be beautiful and quiet, though ice, storms, and seasonal closures may affect the route.
More ways to explore Silver Falls
See what the canyon looks like at peak flow in our spring guide to Silver Falls. For an overnight trip, compare cabins and lodging in our Smith Creek Village guide. Visitors who need a shorter accessible outing can also read about the North Canyon Day-Use Area and North Falls viewpoint.
Plan your Silver Falls visit
All in all, Silver Falls State Park is the ideal place to experience the best hiking trails this coming year. From beginners and families to avid outdoor enthusiasts, you can find stunning views and diverse terrain–no matter what your experience level is.
Whether you decide to camp, RV, come during daylight hours, or take on a backpacking adventure under the stars—the beauty of Silver Falls State Park is not to be missed.
