
South Falls
Experience the magic of walking behind a 177-foot waterfall at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's 'crown jewel'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

South Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of walking behind a 177-foot waterfall at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's 'crown jewel'.
"This is a must-visit spot and an ideal place to rest and recharge."

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up by noon, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The Trail of Ten Falls is a moderate hike. Hiking shoes are recommended, but regular shoes can work if you're careful.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South Falls
Silver Falls State Park
Walk behind this majestic 177-foot curtain of water for an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park
Hike a scenic loop passing 10 diverse waterfalls, including the iconic South Falls.

Winter Falls
Silver Falls State Park
A beautiful, less-visited waterfall that offers a peaceful retreat along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Trail of Ten Falls: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up by noon, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The Trail of Ten Falls is a moderate hike. Hiking shoes are recommended, but regular shoes can work if you're careful.
🚶♀️ Consider Shorter Loops
If the full 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls seems daunting, shorter trails offer great waterfall views.
💧 Walk Behind South Falls
Don't miss the unique experience of walking behind the powerful South Falls!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up by noon, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The Trail of Ten Falls is a moderate hike. Hiking shoes are recommended, but regular shoes can work if you're careful.
🚶♀️ Consider Shorter Loops
If the full 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls seems daunting, shorter trails offer great waterfall views.
💧 Walk Behind South Falls
Don't miss the unique experience of walking behind the powerful South Falls!
📸 Capture the Mist
Bring your camera to capture the misty, magical atmosphere around the waterfalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Silver Falls State Park for its breathtaking waterfalls, particularly the unique experience of walking behind South Falls. The Trail of Ten Falls is a highlight, offering a rewarding hike with diverse scenery. The park is well-maintained and offers ample facilities, making it a highly recommended destination for nature lovers and families.
"This is a beautiful destination with a spacious parking lot and a wide variety of sights and activities to enjoy.
On the opposite side of the waterfall, you’ll find a swimming area, an exercise field for dogs, open grassy plains, scenic trails, and of course, the stunning South Falls. The lodge also offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
It’s a state park with excellent facilities—nothing feels lacking. There’s no need to hesitate; this is a must-visit spot and an ideal place to rest and recharge.
The café serves a range of drinks and meals, and the WiFi reception is excellent.
Highly recommended."
Kai Dwd
"It seemed like there was plenty of parking to me when we got there (like 9AM), but when we were leaving (around noon) it was pretty filled up. The hike was among the top 5 I have done. Took us ~ 3 hours to do the entire trail. Totally worth it. Not a hard hike at all imo."
Corey Strock
"What a beautiful park, and pictures hike!
Definitely a must visit, see and hike!
The water falls are beautiful, all of them unique. The trail is long but not too hard!
There are several parking spots if you don’t want to do the whole 7.2 mile hike.
Go check it out!"
Marina Golovatii
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silver Falls State Park is located in Oregon. The most common way to access South Falls is by driving. The park has a main entrance and a South Entrance, both leading to different trailheads. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options to Silver Falls State Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if available in your area, but be sure to confirm return trip availability.
The park is well-signed, with the 'Trail of Ten Falls' being the most popular route. Maps are available at the visitor center and online. Many visitors use hiking apps for navigation.
Yes, Silver Falls State Park has a main entrance and a South Entrance. The South Entrance is closer to South Falls, which is a popular starting point for many visitors.
Silver Falls State Park is about an hour's drive southeast of Salem, Oregon, and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Portland, Oregon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a day-use parking fee for Silver Falls State Park. An Oregon State Parks Pass can save you money if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year.
Silver Falls State Park is generally open from dawn to dusk year-round. However, specific facilities like the lodge and cafe may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most current information.
Tickets are not typically sold in advance for day-use entry. You pay the parking fee upon arrival. For lodging or specific events, advance booking might be necessary.
The Trail of Ten Falls is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to closures due to weather conditions, especially during winter months. Always check park alerts before your visit.
While there aren't specific discounts for park entry itself, purchasing an annual Oregon State Parks Pass is a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-mile loop that takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. It's considered a moderate hike with some elevation changes and can be slippery, especially near the waterfalls. You can walk behind South Falls!
To see South Falls and walk behind it, you can do a shorter loop that takes about 1-1.5 hours. If you plan to hike a portion of the Trail of Ten Falls, allocate more time.
Yes, the park offers a swimming area, an exercise field for dogs, open grassy plains, and scenic trails. The lodge provides a place to relax.
Yes, families can enjoy shorter, paved trails near the South Falls area. The full Trail of Ten Falls might be challenging for very young children, but many families manage it with breaks.
The park has restrooms, picnic areas, a cafe, and a lodge. The facilities are well-maintained, though some areas might appear a bit dated.
📸 📸 Photography
The area directly in front of South Falls offers stunning views, especially when you can walk behind it. The mist can create dramatic lighting.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The mist can also add a magical quality.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you are planning a professional photoshoot or commercial filming, you will likely need to obtain a permit from Oregon State Parks.
Using a wider-angle lens can help capture the full scale of the waterfalls. Including a person in the frame can also provide a sense of scale. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
For silky smooth water, use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second or longer) with a tripod. For capturing water droplets, a faster shutter speed might be better. Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce glare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds. The park also has open grassy areas perfect for a picnic or letting kids burn off some energy. The lodge offers amenities like restrooms and a cafe, adding to the convenience for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. The park has numerous picnic areas with tables. While there's a cafe, it's generally more expensive than bringing your own food. The hiking itself is free, offering hours of exploration and stunning natural beauty for minimal expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trail of Ten Falls
While the full loop is rewarding, visitors can opt for shorter sections if time or energy is a concern. For instance, focusing on the South Falls area provides a significant waterfall experience without committing to the entire trail. The park provides clear signage, but having a map or using a GPS app can enhance navigation.
Key Takeaways for the Trail of Ten Falls:
* Distance: 7.2 miles (loop)
* Time: 3-4 hours
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Highlights: Walking behind South Falls, numerous other waterfalls.
* Tip: Wear waterproof hiking shoes and be prepared for mist.
Photography Tips for South Falls
When photographing waterfalls, consider using a tripod to achieve a slow shutter speed. This technique blurs the water, creating a silky, smooth effect that many find visually appealing. Experiment with different apertures to control depth of field and ISO settings to manage light. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the grandeur of South Falls and the surrounding canyon, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of other, more distant falls.
Remember to protect your gear from the mist. A rain cover for your camera is highly recommended. Don't forget to capture the experience of walking behind the falls; the unique viewpoint offers dramatic photographic opportunities. Be patient, as the best shots often come after observing the light and water flow for a while.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit