March 9, 2018

Sublimity, Oregon: Silver Falls State Park; things to do

Silver Falls State Park  

45 minutes E of Salem, near Silverton in Sublimity, (800) 551-6949, (503) 873-8681.  $5/car. 

For this excursion, I toured out of Portland with Evergreen Escapes.  At Canby, we drove east through through country known for flowers (dahlias, tulips), grass, hops, and hazel nuts.   Nestled in a temperate rain forest in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Silver Falls State Park features spectacular waterfalls and trails.  It is considered the “crown jewel’ of Oregon’s parks.

The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail  

(7.2 miles loop)  The longest trail leads through a rocky canyon along the winding banks of the north and south forks of Silver Creek.  Considered moderately difficult, it includes ten waterfalls, four of which have ledges that lead behind the falls.

The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
The Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


North Falls  

(1.8 mile)  An easy hike--though it does have 78 stairs plus uphill inclines--takes you to this magnificent 136-foot falls with a deep set-back ledge behind it.  Back at the trailhead, another short, flat trail leads to Upper North Falls.  The trailhead to this 65-foot falls is on the east edge of the park.






sign for North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
sign for North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


bridge to North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
bridge to North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


leaves on North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
leaves on North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


view of falls from North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
view of falls from North Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


South Falls  

Another easy hike takes you down to a cave behind this 177-foot falls, but you can also just view it from above.






path to South Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
path to South Falls Trail in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


view of South Falls from above in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
view of South Falls from above in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


South Falls Lodge  

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, this woodsy lodge was once a restaurant but now is used as an orientation center for the area.

exterior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
exterior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


interior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon
interior of South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon


Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center  

offers a variety of amenities, including overnight lodging, a pool, and a hot tub.

RV, cabin, and tent camping is also available in the park.



More things to do in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.


images and videos ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


12 comments:

  1. Thx for the great post, Carole. I've not been to Oregon in far too long. Would love to see those waterfalls and explore Silver Falls State Park.

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    1. I think there are some chocolate places in Portland, too.

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  2. I just love that name -- Sublimity. Silver Falls State Park looks like a wonderful place to get in touch with nature and do some hiking. Very compelling pics and video!

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  3. Silver Falls State Park sounds and looks like a true crown jewel...although I must go during Fall to get all those colors! 4 Waterfalls!!!

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  4. Silver Falls State Park is so lovely and your photos are excellent!! It looks like autumn is a great time to visit!

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  5. What a fabulous place for hiking! I'd love to do the Trail of Ten Falls.

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  6. Looks like a lovely place to hike! As I look out my window, all I see is snow. Would love a semi-dry trail:-)

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  7. I love the name Sublimity and what a wonderful looking park!

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  8. I've never been to this part of the United States and your post has me scratching my head and wondering why. This looks like a lovely park to hike and enjoy. Thanks for putting it on my radar.

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  9. What lovely forest trails. I can almost smell the freshness in your photos. South Falls Lodge looks like a great relaxing place.

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