Updated October 23, 2026: Storms in December 2025 and February 2026 knocked down trees and closed parts of the park’s waterfall trails. By late May 2026, most of the park had reopened, but one section of the Canyon Trail, between Twin Falls and North Falls, was still closed. That section is needed to finish the full Trail of Ten Falls loop. Oregon State Parks showed no closure notice for Silver Falls when we checked today. Still, call the park office at (503) 873-8681 before you plan the full loop. In October, the park gates are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November 1, they are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cover photo: South Falls, with hikers on the trail behind it. Photo: Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson / Unsplash
There’s a moment on the trail at Silver Falls you don’t forget. You walk under a huge rock overhang, and suddenly a 177-foot waterfall is crashing down in front of you. The air is cold and full of mist, and you’re looking out at the forest through a curtain of water.
At Silver Falls State Park, you can do that at four different waterfalls.
Oregon’s largest state park sits about 25 miles east of Salem. It is famous for the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile loop through a mossy canyon that passes ten named waterfalls. You don’t have to hike the whole thing, though. Some of the best views are less than a mile from the parking lot.
This guide compares the 7 best hikes in Silver Falls State Park. For each one you’ll find:
- the distance, height gain and difficulty
- which waterfalls you’ll see
- where to park
- whether dogs are allowed
- who the hike suits best
You’ll also find the 2026 trail status, fees, gate hours and a simple plan for your day.
Best Hikes in Silver Falls State Park at a Glance
| Hike | Distance | Height gain | Waterfalls | Difficulty | Dogs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail of Ten Falls | 7.2 mi loop | about 800 ft | 10 | Moderate to hard | No |
| Winter Falls Loop | 5 mi loop | about 400 ft | 7 | Moderate | No |
| Maple Ridge Loop | about 2.5 mi loop | about 400 ft | 2 | Moderate | No |
| North Canyon Loop (Twin Falls and North Falls) | about 3 mi loop | about 300 to 400 ft | 2 to 3 | Moderate | No |
| South Falls Loop | 1 mi | about 200 ft | 1 | Easy to moderate | Viewpoint only |
| North Rim Trail | 1.2 mi round trip | almost none | 1 (from a viewpoint) | Easy and accessible | Yes, on leash |
| Upper North Falls | 0.6 mi round trip | almost none | 1 | Easy | Yes, on leash |
Distances come from Oregon State Parks and the Friends of Silver Falls trail list. Different maps and GPS watches will give slightly different numbers.
Quick Answer: Which Hike Should You Do?
- You want everything: Trail of Ten Falls (if the Canyon Trail is fully open).
- You have half a day: Winter Falls Loop. It has 7 waterfalls in 5 miles.
- You have about 2 hours: Maple Ridge Loop. You walk behind two big falls.
- First visit, little time: South Falls Loop. It’s the park’s most famous waterfall, in about 1 mile.
- Wheelchair, stroller or bad knees: North Rim Trail to the North Falls viewpoint.
- You brought your dog: Upper North Falls or the North Rim Trail.
The 10 Waterfalls: Heights and Where You Can Walk Behind Them
| Waterfall | Height | Walk behind it? |
|---|---|---|
| Double Falls | 178 ft (tallest) | No (short side trail) |
| South Falls | 177 ft | Yes |
| North Falls | 136 ft | Yes |
| Winter Falls | 134 ft | No |
| Middle North Falls | 106 ft | Yes (short side path) |
| Lower South Falls | 93 ft | Yes |
| Upper North Falls | 65 ft | No |
| Twin Falls | 31 ft | No |
| Lower North Falls | 30 ft | No |
| Drake Falls | 27 ft | No |
1. Trail of Ten Falls: Best Overall Hike
Distance: 7.2-mile loop | Height gain: about 800 ft | Time: 3.5 to 5 hours | Start: South Falls Day-Use Area | Dogs: not allowed
If you only do one big hike in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, make it this one. It’s a National Recreation Trail, and it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in the country.
The loop drops into the canyon of Silver Creek, follows the South Fork and North Fork past ten waterfalls, and then returns along the Rim Trail on top of the canyon. Along the way you walk behind four of them: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls and North Falls. Ferns, moss and tall Douglas firs line the whole route.
Step-by-step route (counterclockwise)
- From South Falls Lodge, walk down to South Falls and go behind it.
- Follow the Canyon Trail down the South Fork to Lower South Falls. Go down a long stone staircase and behind this one too.
- Pass the Maple Ridge junction and continue on to Lower North Falls.
- Take the short side path to tall, thin Double Falls.
- Pass small Drake Falls, then Middle North Falls. A side path goes behind it.
- Pass the Winter Falls junction and continue to Twin Falls.
- Walk behind huge North Falls under its giant rock overhang.
- Take the short spur to Upper North Falls.
- Return on the Rim Trail. Take the short side trip down to Winter Falls, then follow the Rim Trail back to South Falls.
How hard is it?
Oregon State Parks rates it moderate. The Friends of Silver Falls call it moderate to strenuous. The trail itself isn’t technical. The hard parts are:
- the distance
- the stone steps in and out of the canyon
- wet, slippery rock behind the falls
If you can comfortably walk 7 miles with some stairs, you’ll be fine. Take it slow.
2026 status
After this year’s storms, the Canyon Trail between Twin Falls and North Falls was the last part to stay closed. If it’s still closed when you visit, hike the Winter Falls Loop instead (below). You’ll still see 7 of the 10 falls. Then drive to the North Falls Trailhead to see North Falls and Upper North Falls separately.
Choose it if: you’re reasonably fit, have most of a day, and want the full Silver Falls experience.
2. Winter Falls Loop: Best Half-Day Hike
Distance: 5-mile loop | Height gain: about 400 ft | Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours | Start: South Falls Day-Use Area (or the Winter Falls Trailhead) | Dogs: not allowed
This is the smart choice for most people. You get 7 waterfalls (South, Lower South, Lower North, Double, Drake, Middle North and Winter) for about two-thirds of the effort of the full loop. You still walk behind South, Lower South and Middle North Falls.
The route uses the Canyon Trail, then climbs the Winter Trail past Winter Falls and returns along the Rim Trail. It’s also the loop that stays open when the far northern end of the canyon is closed.
Good to know: Winter Falls lives up to its name. In late summer it can be a thin trickle. From November to May it’s a tall, full ribbon of water.
Choose it if: you want lots of waterfalls but not a full-day hike.
3. Maple Ridge Loop: Best Short Waterfall Loop
Distance: about 2.5-mile loop (maps say 2.3 to 2.8) | Height gain: about 400 ft | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Start: South Falls Day-Use Area | Dogs: not allowed
Short on time but want more than one waterfall? This is your hike. It’s sometimes called the South Falls/Maple Ridge Loop, and it stayed open even during last winter’s storm closures.
You walk behind South Falls, follow the creek down to Lower South Falls and walk behind that one too. Then you climb back up on the Maple Ridge Trail through quiet forest.
Tip: Hiking it clockwise (South Falls, then Lower South Falls, then up Maple Ridge) means you climb the gentler Maple Ridge switchbacks. You avoid the steep stone stairs beside Lower South Falls on the way up. Each switchback has a bench.
Choose it if: you have about two hours and want the walk-behind experience twice.
4. North Canyon Loop: Best for North Falls
Distance: about 3-mile loop (3.3 miles with Upper North Falls) | Height gain: about 300 to 400 ft | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Start: North Canyon Trailhead | Dogs: not allowed in the canyon
North Falls may be the most dramatic spot in the park. The creek shoots off a 136-foot cliff, and the trail passes behind it under a cave-like overhang with a ceiling up to about 65 feet high. In the rainy season the falls can split into two side-by-side spouts.
This loop starts at the new North Canyon Trailhead, which has 59 parking spaces and opened in 2023. It follows the North Rim Trail, drops down switchbacks to Twin Falls, then goes up the canyon behind North Falls. You can add the short spur to Upper North Falls, then return along the rim.
2026 note: This loop uses the Twin Falls to North Falls section of the Canyon Trail, which was the last part still closed in late May. If it’s still closed, walk the North Rim Trail to the North Falls viewpoint (hike 6) instead.
Choose it if: you want North Falls and fewer crowds than the South Falls area.
5. South Falls Loop: Best for First-Time Visitors
Distance: 1 mile | Height gain: about 200 ft | Time: 30 to 60 minutes | Start: South Falls Day-Use Area | Dogs: on the upper viewpoint only
This is the park’s signature walk. A paved path leads from the lodge to an overlook of 177-foot South Falls. Then the trail switchbacks down into the canyon and goes right behind the waterfall. You cross a footbridge over the creek below and climb back up to the lodge.
It’s short, but it isn’t flat. The climb back up is steep in places, and the rock behind the falls is always wet.
Families: most kids love this one. Hold little hands near the edges and behind the falls.
Choose it if: it’s your first visit, you have an hour, or you’re traveling with young kids.
6. North Rim Trail: Best Easy and Accessible Walk
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (about 0.6 mi each way) | Height gain: almost none | Time: 30 to 45 minutes | Start: North Canyon Trailhead or North Falls Trailhead | Dogs: yes, on a leash
Opened in July 2023, this is the park’s most accessible trail. The packed gravel path is at least 6 feet wide and nearly level. It runs through Douglas-fir forest to a fenced viewpoint looking across at North Falls.
You won’t walk behind the waterfall here, but it’s a great choice for:
- wheelchairs and strollers
- older visitors
- dog owners
- anyone who wants a waterfall without the stairs
The North Canyon Trailhead has an accessible restroom and three accessible parking spaces.
Choose it if: you want the easiest waterfall view in the park.
7. Upper North Falls: Best Quick and Dog-Friendly Stop
Distance: 0.6 mile round trip | Height gain: almost none | Time: 20 to 30 minutes | Start: North Falls Trailhead | Dogs: yes, on a leash
This short creekside walk leads to a 65-foot curtain of water that drops into a wide, round pool. It feels calm and tucked away, and it’s often quieter than the big-name falls.
It’s the one waterfall in the park where dogs are welcome. Oregon State Parks says leashed dogs can even swim at the base of the falls.
Choose it if: you have a dog, have little time, or are already at North Falls.
Silver Falls Trail Map: How the Trails Connect
Once you understand five trails, the whole park makes sense:
- Canyon Trail: the main waterfall trail along the creek, from South Falls to North Falls.
- Rim Trail: the easy return route along the top of the canyon. It’s about 4.2 miles from end to end.
- Maple Ridge Trail: a shortcut that links the Canyon and Rim Trails near Lower South Falls.
- Winter Trail: a shortcut that links them near Winter Falls and Middle North Falls.
- Twin Falls Trail and North Rim Trail: connect the North Canyon Trailhead to the north end of the canyon.
Because of these shortcuts, you can build a loop of almost any length. The official Trail of Ten Falls map is on the Oregon State Parks website. Save it to your phone before you go, because cell service in the park is limited. AT&T and Verizon usually work best.
Where Is Silver Falls State Park and How to Get There
Address: 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385. The whole 9,000-acre park uses this one address, so set your map to the right trailhead.
- From Salem: about 25 miles east, roughly 35 to 45 minutes, via Highway 22 and Highway 214.
- From Portland: about 1 hour 15 minutes. Take I-5 south to Salem, or for a prettier drive, go through Silverton on Highways 213 and 214.
Which trailhead?
| Trailhead | Best for |
|---|---|
| South Falls Day-Use Area | Trail of Ten Falls, Winter Falls Loop, Maple Ridge Loop, South Falls Loop. Has the lodge, café, restrooms and most parking. |
| North Canyon Trailhead | North Rim Trail, North Canyon Loop. New lot with 59 spaces. |
| North Falls Trailhead | North Falls and Upper North Falls. |
| Winter Falls Trailhead | A small roadside lot. It’s the quickest way to Winter Falls. |
Parking Fees and Gate Hours (2026)
- Day-use parking: $10 per day for Oregon residents, $12 for out-of-state visitors.
- Annual Oregon State Parks permit: $30 for residents, $37 for non-residents.
- How to pay: at the pay machines around the park. They don’t give change, so bring exact cash or a Visa, Mastercard or AMEX. Some stations use QR codes.
- Passes that don’t work here: Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful and other national park passes.
- Camping: your campsite receipt counts as your parking permit.
- No hiking permit or timed entry is needed for any trail.
| Month | Day-use gate hours |
|---|---|
| November to January | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| February | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| March | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| April to August | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| September | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| October | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
The gates at South Falls and North Canyon lock at closing time. If you start the full loop in winter, begin by 10 a.m. so you’re back with daylight to spare.
Best Time to Hike Silver Falls
| Season | What it’s like | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar to May) | Strongest water flow, bright green moss, wildflowers, muddy trails | Best for waterfalls |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | Dry trails, long days, warm weather, biggest crowds, thinner falls | Best for the full loop |
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | Bigleaf maples turn gold, rain returns, cooler weather | Best for photos |
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | Powerful falls, icy steps possible, storm damage risk, short gate hours | Go with care |
Is October a good time?
Yes. The bigleaf maples in the canyon turn yellow, the air is cool, and the fall rains start to fill the waterfalls again. Expect wet, leaf-covered steps, so wear shoes with good grip. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
Can you hike in winter?
Usually, yes, and the falls are at their most powerful. But Oregon State Parks warns that icy trails and roads are common. Winter storms are also what caused this year’s closures. Check conditions before you go, bring traction devices if it’s freezing, and carry a headlamp, because the park has very little lighting.
Are Silver Falls Trails Good for Beginners and Kids?
Yes, if you pick the right trail:
- Young kids or first-time hikers: South Falls Loop, North Rim Trail, Upper North Falls.
- Kids who can walk 2 to 3 miles: Maple Ridge Loop.
- Fit older kids and teens: Winter Falls Loop or the full Trail of Ten Falls.
Even the short trails have wet rock, stairs and drop-offs. Keep children close behind the waterfalls and at viewpoints. There’s also a Nature Play area near the North Canyon Trailhead, which is great for little ones after a short walk.
Dog Rules at Silver Falls
This catches a lot of visitors out. Dogs are not allowed in the waterfall canyon at all, even on a leash. That means no dogs on:
- the Canyon Trail
- the Winter Falls Trail
- the Maple Ridge Trail
- the Twin Falls Trail
So the Trail of Ten Falls is out.
Where dogs are welcome:
- Upper North Falls: on leash, and they can swim at the base.
- North Rim Trail and Rim Trail: on leash.
- South Falls viewpoint: you can see the falls from above with your dog, but not walk behind it.
- South Falls Day-Use Area: has an off-leash area where dogs must stay under voice control.
- Backcountry trails: on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Cabins: 7 of the park’s 14 cabins are pet-friendly.
What to Pack
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Shoes with good grip | Wet rock behind the falls and slick stone steps |
| Rain jacket | Waterfall spray soaks you, and Oregon rain comes fast |
| Water and snacks | No water or food along the canyon trails |
| Warm layer | The canyon is cool and shady even in summer |
| Offline map | Cell service is spotty |
| Lens cloth | Mist covers phone and camera lenses |
| Trekking poles | Helpful on the stairs, especially going down |
| Exact cash or a card | For the parking machines |
| Headlamp (winter) | Short days and little lighting in the park |
Safety Tips
- Stay on the trail and behind railings. The rock near the falls is slippery all year.
- Don’t climb down to pools or off-trail ledges. The water below the falls can be strong and very cold.
- Watch for falling branches on windy days. Never go past a closure sign.
- Use the restrooms at the trailheads. There are no restrooms or trash cans along the waterfall trails, so pack out everything.
- Wildlife: black bears and cougars live in the park. Encounters are rare, but keep kids close and store food properly if you camp.
- Drones are not allowed anywhere in the park.
Where to Eat
The historic South Falls Lodge was built in the 1940s from local logs and stone. It has a café and a nature store, plus free Wi-Fi. The café is open:
- April 1 to October 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November 1 to March 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours can change, so treat these as a guide.
Picnic tables and shelters are spread around the South Falls Day-Use Area. The Bigleaf Market and Grill at Smith Creek Village sells grab-and-go food. For a sit-down meal after your hike, head to nearby Silverton or Salem.
Where to Stay
- Silver Falls Campground: 48 electric sites with water, 18 or more of them open all year. There are also 43 tent sites (May to October), flush toilets and hot showers. Book up to 6 months ahead. Summer weekends fill up.
- Park cabins: 14 cabins, 7 of them pet-friendly and 4 accessible, open all year. Reservations are required.
- Smith Creek Village: lodge rooms and cabins inside the park, run by a separate company.
- Silverton: a charming small town about 15 to 20 minutes away, with inns and restaurants.
- Salem: the most hotel choices, about 45 minutes away.
Dispersed (free) camping is not allowed in the park.
One-Day Silver Falls Itinerary
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Arrive at the South Falls Day-Use Area as the gates open. Pay for parking. |
| 8:15 a.m. | Walk to the South Falls overlook, then down and behind the falls. |
| 9:00 a.m. | Continue to Lower South Falls and walk behind it. |
| 10:00 a.m. | Lower North Falls, the side trip to Double Falls, then Drake Falls and Middle North Falls. |
| 11:00 a.m. | Climb past Winter Falls. Take a snack break. |
| Noon | Either return on the Rim Trail (the Winter Falls Loop) or continue to Twin Falls, North Falls and Upper North Falls for the full loop. |
| 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. | Back at the lodge for lunch at the café or a picnic. |
| Afternoon | Drive to the North Canyon Trailhead and walk the North Rim Trail to the North Falls viewpoint. |
Two-day plan
Day 1: Hike the Trail of Ten Falls or the Winter Falls Loop and stay in a park cabin.
Day 2: Do the short North Canyon hikes (North Rim Trail, Upper North Falls) in the quiet morning. Then have lunch in Silverton. Fans of gardens can stop at The Oregon Garden, just outside Silverton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hikes in Silver Falls State Park?
The Trail of Ten Falls (7.2 miles) is the best overall. The Winter Falls Loop (5 miles) and the Maple Ridge Loop (about 2.5 miles) are the best shorter loops. South Falls, the North Rim Trail and Upper North Falls are the best quick, easy walks.
Is the Trail of Ten Falls open in 2026?
Storms closed parts of it in early 2026. By late May, only the Canyon Trail between Twin Falls and North Falls was still closed. Oregon State Parks listed no Silver Falls closure notice as of October 23, 2026. Call (503) 873-8681 to confirm before attempting the full loop.
How long does the Trail of Ten Falls take?
Most hikers take 3.5 to 5 hours, including stops for photos.
Which waterfalls can you walk behind?
Four: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls and North Falls.
What is the easiest hike?
The North Rim Trail. It’s wide, nearly flat, accessible, and leads to a North Falls viewpoint. Upper North Falls is also short and flat.
Are dogs allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls?
No. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Canyon, Winter Falls, Maple Ridge or Twin Falls trails, even on a leash. Try Upper North Falls or the Rim Trails instead.
How much does it cost to visit?
$10 per vehicle per day for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors. No other hiking permit is needed.
Does my national park pass work?
No. America the Beautiful and Northwest Forest passes aren’t accepted. You need an Oregon State Parks permit.
What’s the best month to visit?
April and May for the strongest waterfalls and greenest scenery. July and August for dry trails. October for fall color.
How far is Silver Falls from Portland?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car. It’s about 25 miles (35 to 45 minutes) from Salem.
Is there food in the park?
Yes. There’s a café in the South Falls Lodge and a market and grill at Smith Creek Village. There’s nothing along the trails, so bring snacks and water.
Final Thoughts
Silver Falls is one of those rare places that’s worth the hype. If you’re fit and the canyon is fully open, hike the whole Trail of Ten Falls. It’s a day you’ll remember. If not, the Winter Falls Loop gives you most of the magic in 5 miles, and even a one-hour walk behind South Falls is something special.
Arrive early, wear shoes that grip, leave the dog at the rim, and check trail status before you go. Then slow down and enjoy the mist.
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