Leo Rosen-Fischer’s love affair with climbing developed long before he arrived in Oregon. He fell in love with climbing at a young age and parlayed that hobby into a career as a rock-climbing leader and, eventually, as the leader of a tree-climbing outfitter in Washington state.
When he eventually moved to Oregon, Rosen-Fischer hoped to share that love with new audiences who’d never considered tree-climbing before. He quickly found his ideal outpost in Silver Falls State Park—and not just because of the waterfalls for which it is so famous. “I’ve seen the amazing old-growth that the park has to offer,” Rosen-Fischer says. “They’re basically skyscrapers in the forest.”
Rosen-Fischer started planning his new venture in 2019 and, two years later, launched Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. Today, the outfitter leads a variety of climbs that head toward the treetops and showcase a side of the forest most of us never see—including half-day outings, sunset excursions, and overnight trips that invite climbers to spend the night in a hammock fastened to the forest canopy.
Here’s how to have a memorable climbing adventure on your next trip to Silver Falls State Park.
First and foremost, what should you expect on your trip with Tree Climbing at Silver Falls? Here’s a quick rundown:
Quick Training: Each climb usually starts with some training and the chance to get comfortable with the equipment. Each climb’s guide emphasizes how comfortable and slow-going the outing should be—noting that climbers can take breaks whenever they’d like, stop at any point, and rest as often as necessary.
Height: You’ll ascend 200 to 300 feet, reaching your apex high in the forest canopy and just below the treetops. Nervous about heights? Climbers are given time beforehand to familiarize themselves with the equipment and get comfortable before starting; once strapped in, each group’s guide won’t take anyone higher than they’re comfortable going.
What You’ll See: What’s the view like from way up there? Rosen-Fischer says that climbers get a top-down view of the surrounding forest—and are usually shocked at how massive the trees are. Climbers may also spy animals that aren’t frequently seen closer to the forest floor—several species of owl.
Whether you’re new to tree climbing or are a veteran looking to enjoy Silver Falls from another perspective, you’ll find a variety of experiences offered through Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. Just note that reservations typically require at least two people per booking.
Half-Day Tree Climb: The introductory half-day tree climb lasts three to four hours, includes an overview of basic skills, and centers around an ascent of 200 to 300 feet into the forest canopy.
Sunset Climb: The Sunset Climb lets you see the day’s last sunlight from high in a Douglas fir tree. It lasts five to six hours, includes a three-mile (round-trip) hike to the appropriate tree, and covers all the skills you'll need to make the ascent. For an additional fee, climbers can purchase a sunset dinner, drone video, and other add-ons.
Tree Camping: You read that right: The Tree Camping trip invites you to ascend anywhere from 30 to 280 feet—it's your call—and spend the night in a personal hammock or tree tent suspended from an old-growth tree. Gear and instruction is provided. Basic meals are available for an additional fee.
Rosen-Fischer is especially proud that his outfit can welcome wheelchair users and climbers with mobility disabilities. Tree Climbing at Silver Falls employs battery-powered and remote-controlled adaptive equipment, so there’s no real weight limit to speak of, and he has taken quadriplegic climbers into the trees before. “Our activities are much more adaptive than people would think,” he says.
No matter the climber’s past experiences, fears, or disability, Rosen-Fischer hopes they find something to love about the old-growth groves at Silver Falls State Park—and the connections they help us make with the natural world. “I want people to walk away having great memories with their family, their friends, or their loved ones,” he says. “And I hope these are memories they won’t forget.”
