Things to Do at Silver Falls State Park
The Trail of Ten Falls might be the biggest attraction at Silver Falls State Park but it's far from the park's only wonder. Enjoy a picnic, head out on a quiet hike, hop into your mountain bike's saddle, or even climb a massive Douglas fir tree across the park's 9,000 acres. Here's a rundown on the many ways to have fun away from the waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park.
Explore the South Falls Day-Use Area
You could visit the South Falls Day-Use Area at the southwest edge of the park, never step foot on a trail, and still have a memorable day at the park. Here's where to eat, play, and pick up a memento of your visit to the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system.
Stop into a small gift shop and nature store (operated by Friends of Silver Falls) for local art, books, toys, and other park-inspired souvenirs. Nearby, Ten Falls Supply Co. carries water bottles, snacks, trekking poles, and other hiking essentials.
If you need a pick-me-up or are feeling peckish, stop into Silver Falls Cafe for coffee, breakfast, and lunch fare; the eatery resides within South Falls Lodge, where you'll also find restrooms and (on rainy and snowy days) a crackling fireplace.
Also in the day-use area are horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and barbecue grills (perfect for picnicking), as well as picnic shelters, an off-leash dog area, and swimming holes in South Fork Silver Creek.
Visit the North Canyon Day-Use Area
South Falls may have the most developed facilities in the park, but the growing North Canyon Day-Use area offers a quiet respite with fun activities for the whole family.
Nearly 60 parking spots provide the perfect jumping-off point for seeing Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and other cascades along the Trail of Ten Falls loop. (A wheelchair-accessible restroom is on site.) The area also acts as a trailhead for the accessible North Rim Trail with a viewpoint of North Falls.
Another highlight in the North Canyon District is the Nature Play Area; the playground encompasses a quarter-mile trail and all manner of outdoors-inspired play equipment—including a faux crow's nest, sand pit, and hideout fashioned from a tree that was felled in the park
Activities in Silver Falls State Park
Mountain biking is an incredibly popular activity at Silver Falls, and perhaps the park's most popular ride is the Catamount Trail. The six-mile path delivers flowing, cross-country rides through a towering forest; turns, berms, and rock features challenge beginner and intermediate riders along the way.
Learn about mountain biking at Silver Falls State Park.
Roughly 45 miles of trails crisscross the 9,000-acre Silver Falls State Park. In autumn, see colorful bigleaf maple trees along the Smith Creek Loop hike. The Howard Creek Loop hike winds through a grove of old-growth Douglas-fir. Next to the park's campground, the family-friendly Nature Trail shows off springtime wildflower displays.
Get the skinny on other hikes in Silver Falls State Park.
Since 2021, Tree Climbing at Silver Falls has delivered exactly what it promises: tree-climbing lessons and the opportunity to (safely) ascend Douglas-fir trees that are nearly 300 feet tall. Options include introductory climbs, sunset climbs, multi-day courses, and even kid camps.
Learn more about Tree Climbing at Silver Falls.
Explore the Possibilities
