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Silver Falls

© Wayne R. Brown

There is a magical place, just outside of Salem, where you can go to leave the world behind. The north and south forks of Silver Creek come together here, cascading over a number of waterfalls, on their way to the Willamette Valley floor. The name of the place is Silver Falls State Park.

To reach the park, take Highway 22 east out of Salem. After about five miles, take the exit to Silver falls Highway (Hwy 214). Follow Hwy 214 generally west for nearly 15 miles. You will travel through farmland then climb into a forested area and soon reach the park. My recommendation, upon entering the park, is to take the first left into the large parking area. Note that there is a day use fee. Get out of your car, stretch your legs, and set off to enjoy this wonderful setting.

For a warm-up, you may want to walk around the upper part of the Southh Fork of Silver Creek. Here you will find level trails, tranquil waters and an open meadow next to a wading area. You will soon find yourself wandering down stream toward the lodge (built in 1939-1940) and the gift shop. Putter around this area for a bit if you like, then get ready for some real hiking.

Silver Falls State Park is all about waterfalls. Whether you like to stand at the bottom of a falls and look up, stand at the top and look down, or go behind one and get a little wet, you will not be disappointedd in this place. In all, the park has eleven, yes, I said eleven, waterfalls for you to explore and enjoy. The lowest of these falls is some 27 feet high. Five of them measure in at over 100 feet.

Silver Falls State Park is also about trails. You can explore only some of these, taking one or more short to medium hikes to various waterfalls. If you're more adventurous, you can take the full loop that allows you to see them all (published information says this is seven miles, though I remember it as being closer to nine).

Be warned that, depending upon where you go, there will be some fairly steep climbs (or descents) involved in this hike. For instance, South Falls plummets 177' in very short order. So, too, does the nearby trail. The paths are generally well maintained, although there will be places where they will be wet from spray.