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Silver Falls Loop


Highlights:

10 waterfalls on a 9 mile loop
Near:Silverton, OR
Scenery:
Distance:8.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:450 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: At the trailhead take the right hand trail, to save the many falls for the return of the loop. You will walk for about 2.5 miles before getting to Winter Falls, an unimpressive trickle in the fall, but a good fall in the spring. After that continue to North Falls. The there and back trail to Upper North Falls was open when I went but has since been closed because of mudslides, so call ahead. After North Falls you will come upon falls after falls so either bring lots of film or be sparing with the camera. The hike culminates in a walk behind amazing South Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall. Please stay on the trail and out of the water, the rain forest environment is quite fragile.
Trailhead: On I-5n. in salem take hwy 22e to hwy 214e. (silver Falls hwy se.) Following the signs for Silver Falls State Park. Park in the South Falls lot and walk to the trailhead. (Lat:44.88256 Lon:-122.61359)
Trail Guides for Silver Falls Loop:
Oregons state parks
by Jan Grumprecht Bannan (Mountaineers press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes,
Ranger Contact: Oregon State Parks and Recreation, (503) 378-6305
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Wilson, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Viewer on 8/7/2008
Beautiful hike, Im always looking for hikes I can do by myself. Great hike for all.

Reviewed by Alan R on 3/27/2006
Went on this hike yesterday, which was a Sunday, and it was a little bit on the crowded side. The crowds are due to the ease of the hike combined with the stunning beauty you encounter. It's a great day hike, just long enough to get your blood pumping but nothing difficult at all. We started at the South Falls, but I would recommend starting at the North Falls because then you end with the waterfalls instead of hiking along Highway 214. Enjoy! Take only pictures leave only footprints!

Reviewed by LC on 12/22/2005
My father took our family on this hike when I was a child. I will never forget it. I plan on taking my family this next season. It is very beautiful, cool and refreshing!

Reviewed by carl on 11/12/2005
I know this trail very well. I have spent many, many hours maintainint and rebuilding it. I have worked at Silver Falls for over 11 years. Regrding the no dogs allowed on the canyon trail, we actually tried a pilot progrm for approximately a year and a half, many of those responsible dog people took them down on the canyon trail, turned them loose and did not clean up after the dogs. When you take this into consideration, along with the annual visitation of over 1 million people, a average tread width of 36" and it starts to add up to a not good location for dogs. There is plenty of info. about no pets allowed. Imagine people taking responsability for themselves.

Reviewed by Pamela on 7/13/2005
DOGS NOT ALLOWED! Be prepared; I hate to think of all those people who drive out there without knowing and then leave their dog in a hot car. I love this walk but do wish my dog could join me, I'd up the rating if it were dog-friendly.

Reviewed by Susan on 10/6/2004
Although I hiked this mid-week, there were a ton of people out and about, so if you're looking for some seclusion, this is not the hike for you. If you're looking for an extremely well-maintained, relatively flat, and user-friendly path, this is for you. The creme de la creme is being able to walk under and behind a waterfall. That made it worth it for me and would make me think of returning.

Reviewed by Jimm on 8/19/2004
Close to Portland but NOT in the Mt. Hood area. Quite a nice hike. The trails can be heavily traveled. There are a number of refreshing falls along the trail though the elevation changes aren't huge. Great for a Saturday/Sunday afternoon walk in the park.

Reviewed by Kat Green on 7/18/2003
I hiked this trail 14 years ago while visiting friends in Silverton. Even after other visits and hikes in OR over the years; the memories of Silver Falls are still indelibly etched in my mind and always bring a smile to my face when I think of this incredible area!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Marion County Hiking, Marion County Trails, Marion County Hikes

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