Oregon – Walking Behind Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
I’m not sure that Silver Falls State Park is considered a hidden gem, but it is a GEM nonetheless. I seriously have not seen this many waterfalls in one location since maybe Iceland… but that was across the entire country. Instead, this little state park in central Oregon packs an insane variety and amount of waterfalls. And not just one type of waterfall; there is a variety – cascading falls, double layers, narrow falls, giant falls, wide curtain-like falls, and a single shot. Plus, waterfalls you can WALK BEHIND!! Not to give all my secrets away in the introductory paragraph, but the walk-behind falls were my favorite. The never-ending cascades and mist were mind-blowing. I loved them.
Silver Falls State Park is famous for the Trail of Ten Falls, which visits 10 significant waterfalls in 7.2 miles. But even if you do want to do the entire 7.2 miles, you can make a shorter loop or simply visit one or two incredible waterfalls. I visited Silver Falls while driving from Eugene, Oregon, to Washington for a friend’s wedding. With a time constraint, we opted for a slightly shorter Winter Loop, where we saw 7 falls in 5 beautiful miles. I cannot recommend this state park enough; let’s get into the experience and waterfalls.
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Silver Falls State Park, an Introduction
Silver Falls State Park is in Central Oregon and about 35 – 45 minutes off the I-5, and largely unassuming at first. We parked at the South Falls parking area, where there are bathrooms, a payment kiosk, a fantastic nature store, and information. You can also walk over and see the top of South Falls. Otherwise, you will need to hike to the other waterfalls.
After visiting the state park, I was curious about the geology that creates an environment for many waterfalls in one area. Part of the answer is in two primary creeks with additional tributary streams. If you make one of the larger loops, you’ll notice that you are walking downstream and upstream at various points in the trail.
The other major factor is the layers of volcanic flows. 15 million years ago, basaltic lava flowed over the area, then there was a long break, followed by another flow. During the breaks, soil accumulated and made distinct layers, like a cake! So now, as the lava erodes, it often erodes layer by layer, creating drops. Or this is how I understood it from this fascinating study I found from the ’70s.
Silver Falls Hiking Options
Depending on how much time, energy, or ability you have, there are trails to see waterfalls.
- Trail of Ten Falls: 7.2-mile loop trail, 10 waterfalls
- Winter Falls Loop Trail: 5-mile loop trail, 7 waterfalls — Detailed in this blog post!
- Maple Ridge Loop: 2.6-mile loop trail, 2 waterfalls
- South Falls Loop: 1-mile loop trail, 1 waterfall
- Easiest to access waterfalls: South Falls, Winter Falls, North Falls, and Upper North Falls
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars; I would go again!
- Intensity: Hiking Shoes, Athletic Clothes
- Location: Silver Falls State Park
- Cost: $5.00/per car
- Restrooms: There are four flushing bathrooms near the South Falls Day-Use Area, and one non-flushing bathroom at the North Falls Trailhead
- Timing: 2 – 4 hours
- Distance: The Trail of Ten Falls is 7.2 Miles, the Winter Falls Loop (what we did to see 7 falls) is 5 miles, and the Maple Ridge Loop (which goes to two impressive waterfalls) is 2.5 miles.
Highlights:
- WATERFALLS GALORE!
- Walking behind the waterfalls! More than one!
- If you make the loop counter-clockwise, the waterfalls become more impressive (South Falls being the largest, but not technically the tallest).
- You can visit in any weather, and it will be delightful.
Lowlights:
- Popular destination! Even on a weekday with scattered showers, there were people on the trails. Don’t expect to be alone, but if you hang out at your favorite waterfalls long enough, you’ll likely have small moments between groups of people.
Winter Falls Loop Trail (5 Miles)
We opted to get a section of trail without waterfalls complete from the South Falls parking area by walking counter-clockwise to see Winter Falls first. If you plan to make this loop, I highly recommend going counter-clockwise because the waterfalls became increasingly larger and more impressive as we went, and finishing with South Falls is *chef’s kiss* – perfection. However, it’s a slow start as you follow the road through the rainforest. The rainforest is filled will ferns and moss and a few hills you’ll have to climb. This section is a good warm-up for the rest of the trail.
Since we made the trail in a counter-clockwise loop, here are the waterfalls we encountered with a bit of commentary about the different sections of the trail.
Winter Falls (Photos Above)
To make the Winter falls loop, you’ll want to take the trail at Winter Falls down the switchbacks to the base of the falls. I gotta warn you, Winter Falls is very underwhelming from the top. The small creek (called Dry Creek) goes through a drainage pipe under the road without seeing where it goes. HOWEVER, once you can see a clear view of the falls near the base, it is a pleasant surprise! The waterfall is relatively small and thin, but it has a lovely drop and cascades down a steep rock surrounded by moss at the base. It reminds me of a sparkling delicate fairy waterfall, if that makes any sense.
With names like “Dry Creek” and “Winter Falls,” you can guess that this is a seasonal waterfall that dries up in the summer.
Official Height: 134 ft.
Middle North Falls
From Winter Falls, you’ll walk along Dry Creek until you come to the much larger North Silver Creek with a bridge. With more water, you can expect a larger waterfall, which is exactly what you’ll get at Middle North Falls. You’ll come from above the falls on the Winter Trail, so it’s a bit of a surprise on your left, where there is a trail to get closer and go BEHIND the waterfall. Absolutely take the detour; it’s worth it.
I couldn’t believe we had already come across a walk-behind waterfall!! The Middle North Falls is broad, like a curtain of water, so it is loud, misty, a little disorienting, and unforgettable when you’re walking under it. It was disorienting because half of your view is moving/falling while walking along the cave-like pathway. There is no railing between you and the water, which made me feel like I was one with the waterfall. Be careful walking here!!
Official Height: 106 ft.
Walk-Behind Waterfall
Drake Falls
After the high of Middle North Falls, Drake Falls is a little hard to get excited about… but it’s a waterfall nonetheless! It’s a smaller cascading waterfall, which you can only see from a viewing platform far above the cascade. At this angle, it is hard to appreciate. Fun Fact: It’s the only waterfall named after someone! June Drake, a 20th-century photographer, advocated for preserving the canyon and waterfalls.
Official Height: 27 ft.
Double Falls
Not far from Drake Falls, you will come across a bridge and a slight detour to visit Double Falls. Before visiting, I thought Double Falls would be two waterfalls next to each other. That’s not the case! They are stacked on top of each other in tiers, with only a small view of the upper falls. Double Falls felt like it was straight out of the movie “Fern Gully” as it is tucked away into a canyon with a long sparkling fall. Like Winter Falls, Double Falls has lower water flow and may dry up in summer.
To get the full height of Double Falls, you actually combine the two tiers. With the combined tiers, Double Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State Park by 1 foot. That’s right, it’s only 1 foot taller than South Falls.
Official Height: 178 ft.
Lower North Falls
Backtracking to the main trail, another waterfall is right near the bridge. The concentration of waterfalls in this section of the trail is truly astounding. Lower North Falls is another cascading fall, which had a large tree in its middle when we visited. Although you can see it from the top of the falls, I think the best view is on the trail across from Lower North Falls. From this angle, you can see the full glory of the falls with an enormous turquoise blue pool at the base. It’s a lovely spot and very serene.
Official Height: 30 ft.
Lower South Falls
Continuing the loop, there is a long stretch without any waterfalls. First, you follow the North Fork Silver Creek downstream. A lovely bridge crosses the creek and a couple of hills to make the quietest part of the loop. There will be a fork in the trail to take the Maple Ridge Trail back to the South Falls parking area. But if you’d like to see two more waterfalls, I recommend staying on the Canyon Trail. There is a confluence of two creeks a bit off the trail, and the Canyon Trail now follows the South Fork Silver Creek upstream.
Upon rounding a corner, you’ll see Lower South Falls – a vast waterfall that you can walk behind. It’s a slightly larger version of the Middle North Falls, with a rock pedestrian barrier this time. You can feel the power and mist behind the falls. We spent a fair amount of time at Lower South Falls because we had it practically to ourselves, and it’s gorgeous. A great photo op is on the side of the waterfall with the wooden guardrails and the waterfall in the background.
Following the Canyon trail, there are stairs near Lower South Falls. Careful as you climb or descend as everything is a little moist. Once you reach the top of the stairs, there is a long, flat section of trail along the South Fork Silver Creek.
Official Height: 93 ft.
Walk-Behind Waterfall
South Falls
If you make this the counter-clockwise loop, the grand finale is South Falls. Well worth the wait, South falls has an uninterrupted 177ft drop in a single column of water. What’s also lovely about this waterfall is the various viewpoints. The first view is from a bridge that crosses the South Fork Silver Creek, where you can appreciate the waterfall from the base level. Then, as you climb toward the waterfall, there are more stunning views. AND South Falls is another walk-behind waterfall, so there are also views behind the falls.
The area behind South Falls is like a giant echoing cave, and it features exposed jagged rock, mist, and an ever-present roar. The area surrounding the falls is covered in a bright green moss/lichen, and from behind the falls, you can look out into the canyon. One section behind the falls requires you to duck and walk under a hefty ledge.
On the other side of the waterfall, there is another fantastic view of South Falls. I completely understand why South Falls is the most photographed and visited waterfall — it is close to the parking area and super impressive. From the top of the falls, you are only a short walk away from the bathrooms, Nature Store, Lodge, and Cafe.
Official Height: 177 ft.
Walk-Behind Waterfall
Didn’t Visit on This Trip – North, Upper North, and Twin Falls
Since we were driving from one place to another, we opted for the Winter Falls Loop rather than the entire Trail of Ten Falls. We missed three more big waterfalls – Upper North, North, and Twin Falls. Sure it would have been great to see them, but I also felt satisfied with the Winter Loop and the waterfalls we got to see. I also think it’s great that I have something to return to! North Falls is the final walk-behind waterfall, with an impressive 136 ft drop and interesting geology.
South Falls Nature Store
At the end of our hike, I decided to visit the Nature Store and bought a forest green sweatshirt with an image of South Falls. Not only is the Nature Store adorable, but it also has a TON of cute outdoorsy gifts by local artists. It’s also volunteer-run by the Friends of Silver Falls, with proceeds going toward educational programs and special projects. I recommend stopping in during your visit!
Silver Falls State Park Recommendations
Visiting Silver Falls in April was very chilly! Depending on when you visit, I recommend bringing lawyers and wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy. Here’s a shortlist of good things to bring:
- Download a map or the Alltrails Map in advance, if you plan to do any hiking Winter Falls Loop Trail (this link starts at Winter Falls, but we started from the South Falls Parking Area)
- Beanie
- Comfortable hiking or trail running shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. Some of the trails are wet!
- At least 1 liter of water
- Snacks!
Overall Thoughts: Walking Behind Waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park might be the best state park I’ve ever been to – that’s how much I loved it. Where else can you walk behind not just one waterfall but MULTIPLE waterfalls on a single hike? The hike is also through a beautiful rainforest with various moss and lichen species to discover. Being there in mid-April, with scattered showers, it was great to see some of the seasonal waterfalls and a few extra small, unnamed ones, which I don’t think are typically there. Overall, I would recommend Silver Falls to everyone and think it’s a great destination regardless of the weather.
The Winter Falls Loop trail was a phenomenal alternative to the Trail of Ten Falls. At a slightly shorter distance, I didn’t feel the need to rush through or past the waterfalls. We took our time at each of the ones you can walk behind and got our fill of waterfalls. It would be fun to come back during the summer and swim/wade into the Upper North Falls (the only place swimming is allowed) and see the geology of North Falls.
Have you been to Silver Falls State Park?? If so, which was your favorite waterfall? Or do you recommend other waterfalls in Oregon?? Leave a comment below; I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Travels,
Hanna
