Trail of Ten Falls-
Silver Falls State Park
6-28-12
Silver Falls State Park
6-28-12
Silver Falls State Park Info
Detailed Hike Info with Google Map
Detailed Hike Info with Google Map
In Salem Oregon for my cousins wedding, I wanted to check out some local scenery. I did a bit of research and came up with the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park. The guidebook said this was an amazing trail and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this trail. I got to the park at 6:30 am and had the whole place to myself.
The total distance for my day of hiking was:
9.5 miles
9.5 miles
The hike starts right at the parking lot, and there are really nice rest rooms and interpretive displays all over. A short walk to the left will take you to the top of South Falls, a worthwhile side trip. Following the trail through the Historic District you shortly come to the start of the Trail of Ten Falls. There is a really nice sign at the start of the hike giving the details.
The trail starts by switch backing down to the base of South Falls. This is an amazing way to start the day, the fall is awesome! The unusual geology of the area has presented a really cool opportunity to walk behind the waterfalls. Erosion has created a recessed area behind the falls and the trail follows the wall of the canyon behind the fall.
After a short walk you come to Lower South Falls, a smaller but very pretty fall. You also get to walk behind this one.
The entire trail is very lush and green. Although the temps were very mild, the air was humid and heavy.
Video of South Falls from the trail
Walking behind Lower South Falls
Although wild flowers were not in abundance, there were some pretty ones to be found along the trail. The world famous Oregon berries were not ripe yet.
A short spur trail leads to Double Falls on your left. A very pretty 178 foot cascade.
Middle North Falls is the next stop on your journey. At 106 feet the fall is clearly visible from the main trail, but a short and unmarked trail heads to and behind the fall. Continue around the other side of the fall to a great view point and interesting cave.
The next and perhaps most spectacular destination of the day is 136 foot North Falls. You begin to glimpse (and hear) the fall well before your arrival. The cavern dug out behind the fall is massive, and the thunder of the fall is deafening. A most amazing sight.
Walking behind Middle North Falls
North Falls from the cavern
From North Falls, the trail climbs out of the valley and follows the road back towards the South Falls parking lot. Make sure to stop at the North Falls overlook on your way out for one more look. A worthwhile stop along the way is Winter Falls, about a half mile detour.
The trail meanders its way back to the South Falls Lodge Historic District.