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

Join us for a fall hike at Silver Falls State Park! Waterfalls are a great hiking option for the upcoming rainy season, and hopefully we won't run into as many crowds as we would on a summer weekend. 

A few notes to keep in mind: 

  • your leader has not been here before because she likes to avoid crowds, so this will be exploratory. 
  • we will take this hike at a much slower-than-usual pace due to the leader recently having surgery and needing to be careful with her body. If you are not interested in walking slowly and taking more time to enjoy the scenery, then this hike is not for you. Your leader anticipates feeling well enough to hike on Sunday, but please bear in mind we may opt to do the shorter version of the hike if she's not feeling 100%. 
  • $5 / car entrance fee to the State Park, unless you have an Oregon State Parks Pass. Please also remember to reimburse your driver for gas money. 
  • This is Oregon in the fall. Rain can be expected at any time. All participants must be carrying full head to toe rain gear and be wearing waterproof boots. NO COTTON, NO JEANS. Anyone deemed inappropriately dressed or who does not have the appropriate rain gear will be turned away at the meeting point. If you have questions or need help obtaining the right gear, please ask and help will be given. We’ll hike rain or shine but this hike will be postponed in the event of dangerous weather.
  • Bring whichever of the 10 essentials you have, extra layers, lunch, snacks, and water. 
  • Please arrive at the meeting place at 7:50 for a prompt 8:00am departure. 

 

Note this is tagged as an AYM hike but people of all ages are WELCOME!!!!

 

 

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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