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Starting from North Falls, this backcountry loop takes the Perimeter Trail to the Buck Mountain Loop to a 0.4 mile road to the Rackett Ridge Trail. These trails are more popular with mountain bikers and horse riders than hikers. The Silver Falls Backcountry's forest is interesting at all times a year, but there are neither mountain views nor waterfalls on this route.
Activity Notes
This hike starts with North Falls and then visits no more falls during a big loop in the backcountry of Oregon's largest state park. I've listed the speed faster than most of my other hikes because the terrain is easy, and I'll probably carry but not use poles, unless we encounter slick or icy sections of trail. Our route will be the Perimeter Trail, Buck Mountain Loop Trail, and Rackett Ridge Trail. Total stats are 17 miles and 2,500'. 11 miles of it are on the counter-clockwise lollipop and 3 miles each way are on the lollipop's long stick. We'll likely share the trail with as many mountain bikers and horse riders as fellow hikers. Drivers should note that, if you can't display an annual Oregon State Parks day use pass, $5 parking is available from a machine at the trailhead.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 55 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 1 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 17 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Books | https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Silver_Falls_Perimeter_Loop_Hike |
| Relevant Maps | https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Silver_Falls_Perimeter_Loop_Hike |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
