They don’t call Silver Falls State Park the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system for nothing. Located about 20 miles from Salem, it’s the largest state park in Oregon and a total dream for outdoor lovers. With more than 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer, but the real star of the show is the Trail of Ten Falls, a designated National Recreation Trail that leads you past (and even behind!) some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
Trail of Ten Falls Overview
Located in Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the Pacific Northwest. This scenic loop winds through lush forest, past, and even behind, a series of stunning waterfalls.
Trail Stats
- Length: 7.2 mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: ~800 feet
- Route: Combination of the Canyon Trail and Rim Trail
- Shorter Options: Several access points allow you to hike smaller sections if you’re not up for the full loop
Location & Parking
Trailheads are located at both South Falls and North Falls day-use areas. Parking is available at either end, and day-use parking passes can be purchased on-site.
- Resident Daily Pass: $10
- Non-Resident Daily Pass: $12
- Annual Passes are also available
Park Hours
Gates at South Falls and North Canyon Day-Use areas open and close at the following times:
- Nov–Jan: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Feb: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Mar: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Apr–Aug: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sept: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Oct: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Highlights of the Trail of Ten Falls
The Trail of Ten Falls is exactly what it sounds like- a loop that takes you past ten incredible waterfalls, each one tucked into the lush canyon scenery of Silver Falls State Park. The most famous (and most photographed) is South Falls, which plunges an impressive 177 feet and has a trail that lets you walk directly behind the cascade for a jaw-dropping view.
You can also walk behind Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls, and North Falls, making this one of the few hikes where you can literally explore inside the waterfalls.
Here’s a quick look at all ten falls along the route:
- South Falls – 177 ft
- Lower South Falls – 93 ft
- Lower North Falls – 30 ft
- Double Falls – 178 ft (the tallest in the park!)
- Drake Falls – 27 ft
- Middle North Falls – 106 ft
- Winter Falls – 134 ft
- Twin Falls – 31 ft
- North Falls – 146 ft
- Upper North Falls – 65 ft
Whether you hike the full loop or just a section, you’ll be treated to waterfall after waterfall, each one framed by moss-covered rock walls and the dense, green beauty that makes Oregon’s forests so unforgettable.
Our Experience Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
During our one week stay in Lincoln City visiting my dad, we took a day trip out to Silver Falls State Park to hike the Trail of 10 Falls. I found this while searching online, and my dad got very excited because he had been wanting to hike it and just hadn’t made it out yet. Josh’s dad was also with us on this trip, so there were 4 of us with various hiking abilities, and we all managed just fine! It was January when we visited, and the falls were all still flowing really well.
It was a misty and gloomy day when we hiked the trail, but it was such a cool trail that we didn’t mind. We got a little later start than we had wanted to- that, combined with the gray sky, meant towards the end we were rushing to finish before it got too dark.
We parked at the South Falls parking lot, paid our fee at the self-pay station, grabbed a snack at the cafe, and then headed out. Because of our concerns about it getting dark, we ended up doing a slightly shorter route, but still made sure to see all of the waterfalls. We went clockwise from South Falls around to Twin Falls, then we doubled back to the Winter Trail and continued the loop back to South Falls. From there, we drove over to the North Falls parking area to see North Falls and Upper North Falls.
Tips for Visiting the Trail of Ten Falls
Best Season to Visit Silver Falls
Each season offers something different at Silver Falls State Park, but spring is hands down the best time to experience the waterfalls at their fullest, thanks to snowmelt and rain. Fall brings gorgeous autumn colors throughout the forest, making it another favorite time for photographers and leaf peepers.
When to Go to Silver Falls State Park
This is a popular hike, so plan your visit for a weekday if you can- weekends can get busy, especially near South Falls. Starting early in the morning not only helps you beat the crowds but also lets you enjoy the soft light filtering through the trees.
Are Pets Allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls?
Dogs are not allowed on several of the main trails, including the Canyon Trail, Winter Trail, Maple Ridge Trail, and Twin Falls Trail. If you’re bringing your pup, check the park map for pet-friendly routes before you go.
Amenities & Extras
- EV Charging: Available at the South Falls Day-Use parking area
- Camping: The main campground has tent sites, RV spots, and cabins for overnight stays
- South Falls Area: You’ll find a historic lodge and café here- perfect for grabbing a post-hike snack or warming up after a chilly morning on the trail
What to Pack for Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
🎒 Essentials
- Daypack: A lightweight, water-resistant backpack with good ventilation, the Osprey Daylite Plus is a great option
- Hydration: Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Snacks: Protein bars, trail mix, or energy chews
- AllTrails+ Subscription: Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps
- First Aid Kit: A small hiking one
🧥 Weather + Comfort Gear
- Waterproof Rain Jacket: Oregon mist is no joke. Look for breathable and packable ones, like the Columbia Arcadia II
- Moisture-Wicking Layers: Lightweight base layers to keep you dry
- Convertible Hiking Pants or Leggings: Something you can move in — the spray from the waterfalls will soak jeans, the Columbia Silver Ridge pants for women or for men are good options
👣 Footwear
- Waterproof Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes: Grippy soles are a must; the rocks and steps get slick, the Merrell Moab 3 or the Salomon x Ultra 4 are both highly rated
- Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks: to prevent blisters, we love Darn Tough socks
- Microspikes (optional in spring/winter): The trail can get icy in colder months
📸 For Photos + Fun
- Phone Waterproof Pouch or Case: You will get misted!
- Compact Tripod or Selfie Stick: For those “behind the falls” shots
- Quick-Dry Towel: To wipe off mist and mud
- Portable Charger: You’ll take so many pictures, waterfalls drain batteries fast
🧴 Small But Mighty Extras
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm with SPF: You’ll be in and out of shade
- Bug Spray: Especially in summer
- Trekking Poles: Great for slick stairs and steep sections
Fun Facts About Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls has had its fair share of time on the big screen! The park’s dramatic scenery and lush waterfalls have made it a favorite filming location over the years.
- Just Before Dawn (1981): A cult horror classic that used the park’s misty forest for its eerie atmosphere
- The Hunted (2003): Starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro, several action scenes were filmed among the waterfalls (Buy DVD | Stream Here)
- Twilight (2008): Fans of the vampire saga might recognize some of the forest scenes, filmed right here in Silver Falls State Park (Buy DVD | Stream Here)
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