Oregon’s largest state park. Ten waterfalls in a single loop. You walk behind four of them. One of the best waterfall hikes in the United States — that’s not hyperbole, it’s the consensus of virtually everyone who’s done it.
Named Waterfalls
Walk-Behind Grottos
Full Loop
Acres — Oregon's Largest State Park
From Portland
East on Hwy 214
Day Use Parking (OR/Out-of-State)
Currently Open (2026 Storm Closures)
Our Top Pick Season
There’s a moment on the Trail of Ten Falls when you realize you’re walking behind a waterfall. Not beside it, not under a viewpoint above it — behind it, on a trail carved into the basalt cliff, with 177 feet of water thundering past you an arm’s length away and a curtain of mist softening everything outside into watercolor. The light filters through the falling water and turns green. The sound is everywhere. You look back through the curtain at the canyon and the forest, and you think: this can’t be a normal hiking trail.
It is. And it does this four times.
📋
A February 2026 storm closed portions of the trail. The full 7.2-mile Ten Falls loop is not currently accessible. A 5-mile loop with seven waterfalls — including both walk-behind falls and the park’s tallest cascade — is open. See the 2026 Status section below for full details.
A February 2026 storm caused landslides and downed trees that have closed portions of the trail system. Here’s exactly what you can and can’t access right now.
The Trail of Ten Falls is accessible from South Falls to the Winter Falls trail, returning on the Rim Trail. This creates a 5-mile waterfall loop that includes seven of the ten waterfalls: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, and Winter Falls. You can still walk behind South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls on this route. Access to the Trail of Ten Falls is also available from the North Canyon District via the Twin Falls Trail.
The Canyon Trail between Twin Falls and North Falls. The Rim Trail between Winter Falls Trailhead and North Falls. The Upper North Falls Trail. The North Rim Trail between the North Falls Viewpoint and North Falls Trailhead. The full 7.2-mile loop is not currently accessible.
The 5-mile loop that IS open includes the most dramatic waterfalls: South Falls and Lower South Falls (both walk-behind experiences) and the tallest waterfall in the park (Double Falls at 178 feet). Most visitors who hike this shortened loop report it’s still an exceptional experience.
Trail conditions can change. Visit the Oregon State Parks Silver Falls page for the latest closure updates before your trip. When in doubt, call the park directly — rangers are helpful and current conditions can shift quickly after rain events.
Listed in the order you encounter them hiking clockwise from the South Falls trailhead — the most popular and recommended direction. For the complete Oregon waterfall experience, see our Oregon Waterfalls Guide.
The star of the show and the waterfall in every photograph of Silver Falls. A massive, wide curtain of water pouring over a basalt ledge into a deep pool. The trail passes directly behind the falls through a natural grotto — the signature experience of the entire park. Accessible within five minutes of the South Falls parking lot, which also makes it the most crowded. Come early or late for a quieter experience.
About a mile past South Falls, deeper in the canyon. Smaller than its big sister but equally beautiful, with another walk-behind grotto. The cave is lower, the water is closer, and you’ll feel the spray. This one feels more intimate than South Falls — less crowded, more secret. Watch your footing; the trail is slippery here.
A wide, gentle cascade where the creek spreads across a rock shelf. A good spot to stop and eat lunch on the rocks along the creek. Not dramatic, but the setting in the moss-lined canyon is peaceful. A natural rest stop between the bigger falls.
Technically the tallest waterfall in the park (by one foot over South Falls), plunging in two tiers into a deep, shadowed pool. Requires a short spur trail off the main loop — don’t skip it. You can’t walk behind this one, but the setting in the narrow canyon is dramatic and the two-tier drop is spectacular. The detour is worth every step.
Named for June D. Drake, the Silverton photographer who spent 20 years campaigning for the area to become a state park. A modest cascade, but the plaque honoring Drake’s persistence is a nice moment of park history. The creek running before the falls is lovely in morning light.
Twin Falls (31 ft) — Two parallel cascades dropping side by side, best viewed from the bridge below. As of March 2026, the trail section past Twin Falls toward North Falls is closed due to storm damage. The 5-mile open loop returns to the Rim Trail here, with Winter Falls as the turnaround point.
One of the most impressive on the trail, with a massive grotto behind the falls — wide enough to linger and absorb the scale. Currently accessible only from the North Falls Trailhead (not from the main loop due to storm closures). Worth visiting independently if you’re willing to make a separate trip to the North Falls parking area.
The most remote waterfall on the trail and the only one where dogs are allowed (on leash). A pretty cascade into a swimming hole popular in summer. Currently closed due to storm damage. When it reopens, this is the destination for dog owners and summer swimmers.
A seasonal falls that’s most impressive in winter and spring when water volume is high. By late summer, it can slow to a trickle. Currently the turnaround point for the open 5-mile loop — from here you return on the Rim Trail. Strongest in December through April.
Five distinct ways to experience the park, from a 30-minute easy walk to a full-day multi-waterfall adventure.
Start at South Falls, hike clockwise through the canyon to Winter Falls, return on the Rim Trail. Passes seven waterfalls including both major walk-behind falls (South and Lower South) and the park’s tallest cascade (Double Falls). This is the best available option right now and still an exceptional hike.
The classic: start at South Falls, hike clockwise through the canyon on the Canyon Trail, pass all ten waterfalls, return on the Rim Trail. Currently not fully accessible due to storm closures — check Oregon State Parks status before going. When it reopens, this is the definitive Silver Falls experience.
Start at South Falls, descend behind the waterfall, cross the bridge below, and loop back to the parking area. Sees the park’s most famous waterfall and the walk-behind experience in under an hour. Great for families with young children, visitors with limited time, or anyone who wants the Silver Falls experience without committing to a full day.
From the North Falls parking area, a short trail descends to the base of North Falls and its enormous grotto. One of the most impressive individual waterfalls in the park — and the grotto behind it is a genuinely jaw-dropping space. Check current closure status before visiting; the North Falls area has been affected by storm damage.
The Rim Trail runs along the top of the canyon without descending to the waterfalls. Good for families with dogs (pets are allowed on the Rim Trail but NOT on the Canyon Trail), runners, and visitors who want forest walking without the canyon’s steep grades. The forest up top is genuinely beautiful — this isn’t a consolation-prize route.
Dogs are NOT allowed on the Canyon Trail (the main waterfall trail) or on the Winter, Maple Ridge, and Twin Falls connector trails. This is strictly enforced with fines. Dogs ARE allowed on leash on the Rim Trail, paved paths, in the campground, and at Upper North Falls (when that trail reopens). There’s also an off-leash dog exercise area in the South Falls Day-Use Area.
The honest advice: if you have any flexibility, don’t come on a summer weekend. Come on a Tuesday in April, a Thursday in November, or a rainy day in January. The falls are better, the trail is emptier, and the forest feels like it belongs to you. See our Best Time to Visit Oregon guide for broader seasonal planning.
Water volume is still high, wildflowers emerge along the creek, the forest is lush and green, and the weather is improving (though rain is still common). April and May offer the best balance of impressive falls and comfortable hiking conditions. Parking is manageable if you arrive before 10 AM on weekends. This is when the bigleaf maple unfurls bright new leaves that frame the waterfalls beautifully.
The most spectacular waterfalls. Heavy rain fills Silver Creek to its peak volume, and the falls thunder with a power that summer visitors never see. The forest is draped in moss and mist. Crowds are minimal — on a weekday in January, you might see a dozen people on the trail. Trade-off: mud, potentially icy sections near the falls (bring microspikes), and some trails may close after storms.
Warmest weather, biggest crowds. The parking lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. Water volume drops significantly — by August, some of the smaller falls slow to a trickle, and Winter Falls may stop flowing entirely. South Falls maintains flow year-round. Summer is the only season with reliable swimming at Upper North Falls. Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM on weekends.
The photographer’s season. Bigleaf maples along the canyon turn brilliant gold and orange, framing the waterfalls in fall color. The contrast between dark basalt, green moss, golden leaves, and white water is extraordinary — photographers travel across the country for it. Crowds thin after October. Rain resumes, returning the falls to stronger flow.
About 25 miles east of Salem, roughly 75 minutes southeast of Portland via I-5 to Highway 22 to Highway 214. From east Portland, take I-205 to Highway 213 through Silverton, then Highway 214. The Silverton route is more scenic and avoids Salem traffic.
$10 per vehicle (Oregon residents), $12 for out-of-state visitors. Payable at automated stations near the park entrance and at trailheads — card accepted at most; some are QR-code only. Annual permits: $60 residents, $75 non-residents. Camping receipt serves as parking permit.
The South Falls Day-Use Area fills on summer weekends by mid-morning — arrive before 9 AM for guaranteed parking. The North Falls lot is smaller but less crowded. The new North Canyon Trailhead (59 spots) is the least-discovered option — most visitors don’t know it exists yet.
Waterproof hiking shoes (the trail is perpetually damp near the falls), layers (the canyon is shaded and cool even in summer), a rain jacket, water, snacks, and a camera. In winter: bring microspikes for icy sections near the grottos. Download maps and directions before you go — cell service is spotty throughout.
Spotty to nonexistent throughout the park. Don’t count on GPS navigation once you’re inside. Download maps and your route before you arrive. The park trail system is well-marked — printed trail maps are available at the South Falls Lodge and entrance kiosks.
Available at the South Falls Day-Use Area, South Falls Lodge, and North Canyon Day-Use Area. Nothing on the trail itself — plan accordingly before heading into the canyon. The lodge is the best option with full facilities and a warm fireplace on rainy days.
Most visitors come for the waterfall trail and leave. Silver Falls State Park has 9,000 acres and 35+ miles of additional trails worth knowing about.
While everyone fights for parking at South Falls, the new North Canyon trailhead has 59 spots and far fewer visitors. From here you can access the Twin Falls Trail into the canyon or take the accessible North Rim Trail to a viewpoint of North Falls. On a crowded summer weekend, this is the secret entrance.
A historic stone-and-timber lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s with a café (South Falls Cafe, open 8 AM–6 PM daily), a warm fireplace for rainy days, and the kind of rustic ambiance that makes you want to linger with a coffee and a trail map. Don’t just walk past it.
Most visitors come once, in summer, and think they’ve seen Silver Falls. They haven’t. The park is a dramatically different experience in every season — winter’s heavy flow makes the falls thunderous, spring’s wildflowers line the creek, and fall’s golden maples frame the waterfalls in color that photographers travel across the country to capture. If you live within driving distance, come back in a different season.
Smith Creek Village — CCC cabins from the 1930s, beautifully restored, with a market and grill (Bigleaf Market, 8 AM–8 PM) and overnight lodging. And 95% of visitors never leave the waterfall canyon — the park’s backcountry trail system (Rackett Ridge, Perimeter Trail, Buck Mountain Loop) winds through old-growth forest that feels a world away from the crowds at South Falls.
The main campground has 48 electrical sites, 43 tent sites, and 14 cabins. Open year-round (some sites seasonal May–October). Reserve six months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. A horse camp with six sites is available for equestrians. Waking up inside the park and hitting the trail before the day-use crowds arrive is the ideal way to do Silver Falls. See our Oregon Camping Guide.
Over 35 miles of backcountry multi-use trails spread across the park’s 9,000 acres, through Douglas fir forest and along ridgelines. These trails are far less traveled than the waterfall loop and offer a completely different park experience. The accessible North Rim Trail (opened July 2023) — a one-mile, 6-foot-wide compacted-surface trail — is the most accessible trail in the park for visitors with mobility challenges.
Leave Portland by 8 AM, hike the trail, have lunch in Silverton, back in the city by late afternoon. One of the best day hikes accessible from Portland. The town of Silverton (14 miles from the park) is charming — good restaurants, walkable downtown, and the Oregon Garden botanical resort.
The Willamette Valley’s premier wine tasting region is 30–45 minutes west. Hike waterfalls in the morning, taste Pinot Noir in the afternoon. See our Oregon wineries guide for the wine country picture — this combination is legitimately one of the best Oregon days imaginable.
Portland → Columbia River Gorge → Multnomah Falls → Silver Falls → Willamette Valley → Portland. Hits Oregon’s two most famous waterfall destinations plus wine country in a long weekend. Our Oregon road trips guide has the complete routing with drive times and stops.
The South Falls quick loop is manageable for most children, and walking behind a waterfall is the kind of experience kids never forget. The lodge café provides hot food and warm shelter. See our Oregon with Kids guide for age-specific hiking recommendations and what to expect on trail with little ones.
Yes — four of the ten waterfalls have trails that pass behind the cascade through natural basalt grottos: South Falls, Lower South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls. South Falls and Lower South Falls are the most dramatic. Three of these four (South Falls, Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls) are on the currently-open 5-mile loop.
The full 7.2-mile loop takes 3–5 hours for most hikers. The currently-open 5-mile loop (due to storm closures) takes 2.5–4 hours. The South Falls quick loop takes under an hour. All times depend on your pace and how many photo stops you make — most people underestimate how often they’ll stop to stare.
It’s rated moderate. The total elevation change is about 800 feet, spread across the entire loop with gradual descents and climbs. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy and slippery near the waterfalls. Most reasonably fit hikers can complete it comfortably. The South Falls quick loop (1 mile) is easy and accessible to almost everyone.
Dogs are NOT allowed on the Canyon Trail (the main waterfall trail). They ARE allowed on leash on the Rim Trail, paved paths, in the campground, and at Upper North Falls (when that trail reopens). There’s also an off-leash exercise area in the South Falls Day-Use Area. This is strictly enforced with fines.
Not currently. Storm damage in February 2026 closed the Canyon Trail between Twin Falls and North Falls. A 5-mile loop with seven waterfalls — including the walk-behind South Falls and Lower South Falls — is open. Check the Oregon State Parks Silver Falls page for the latest updates.
Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle for Oregon residents, $12 for non-residents (2026 prices). If you have an annual Oregon State Parks pass ($60 residents, $75 non-residents), parking is included. If you’re camping at the park, your campground receipt serves as your parking permit.
Winter (December–February) and early spring (March–April) bring the heaviest flows. By late summer, some smaller falls slow significantly — Winter Falls may stop flowing entirely by August. South Falls and North Falls maintain flow year-round. For the most dramatic version of the falls, come after a good rain in any season.
Oregon Waterfalls Guide →
Oregon Hiking Guide →
Willamette Valley Guide →
Oregon Wineries Guide →
Oregon Camping Guide →
Oregon With Kids Guide →
Oregon Road Trips Guide →
Multnomah Falls Guide →
Columbia River Gorge →
Best Time to Visit Oregon →
Plan Your Trip to Oregon →
Oregon Events & Festivals →
Oregon Lodging Guide →
Portland Guide →
Things to Do in Oregon →
Wine country, waterfalls, and the Cascade foothills — the complete regional guide.
