Silver Falls State Park is the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system, being both Oregon's largest State Park (9,000 acres) and boasting one of America's most impressive waterfall day-hikes. There are no less than ten falls on this 8.7-mile loop (which can be reduced via two cutoff trails), and most of them are flat-out gorgeous. Most folks will handle the rolling elevation, with about 1,300 feet of total accumulation, in three to five hours. Unless it's a foul-weather day in the middle of a week in winter, count on seeing plenty of other visitors on the trail.

Activity Notes

It's not easy being green! Join AYM on St. Patrick's Day for a loop around beautiful Silver Falls State Park. We'll start at the South Falls Trailhead and hike by, around, and even behind 10 waterfalls. When we are done with the hike, we will have lunch either inside or outside of the South Falls Lodge, where you can purchase food and drink. If there is desire, I will lead an additional but easy 3 mile hike through an old-growth grove on the other side of the park. Don't forget to wear green! Important note: Dogs are prohibited in the Silver Falls canyon, so leave your animal friends at home. 

 

Hike: 7.9 mile loop, 1,000 feet elevation gain. 

Drive: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland

 

Where to meet: Meet at the South Falls Parking Lot at 8:30 AM. Additional carpooling from Portland will be arranged as needed. Purchase of a State Parks pass (either day or yearly) is needed for every vehicle. Expect crowds. 

 

 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 55 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 8 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Interesting Features Waterfalls
Awards Qualified Waterfall Award
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