Hike Silver Falls State Park: Explore the jewel and see the back side of water!

Waterfalls

Where else can you walk behind a waterfall? Check out the famous South Falls and see what a 177-foot curtain of water looks like from behind. It’s part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. This 7.2 mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet.  Several connecting trails with separate access points make shorter routes. For everyone’s safety— absolutely no pets allowed on the Canyon Trail.  Pets on leash are allowed on all other trails. New Trail: The North Rim Trail opened in July 2023. The one-mile trail is highly accessible with a width of 6 or more feet of compacted surface. The trail includes a viewpoint of the North Falls. Visitors can access the trail from the new North Canyon Trailhead and day-use area and the North Falls Trailhead and parking area.

Boots, bikes, paws, hooves

The park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding (see guided ride info below).  Bears and cougars live in the more remote park areas.

Daytime activities

The South Falls day-use area has spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters, tables, a playground, horseshoe pits, an off-leash area for dogs, and a charming creek.  Ever since the opening day in 1933, visitors have been using these grounds for potlucks, family reunions and weddings.

New North Canyon day-use area has picnic tables, ADA-accessible restroom and 59 new parking spots, including three that are ADA accessible. The new area also provides access to the Nature Play Area for kids and the new accessible North Rim Trail with viewpoint of North Falls.