On a recent trip to Oregon, I spent a day at Silver Falls State Park. I love this location so much, I thought I'd share some information and photos of the falls throughout the park.

Hover over any photo for the waterfall name and more detailed information. 

What is Silver Falls State Park?

Silver Falls State Park is a unique and fantastic park with hiking trails that take you to ten different waterfalls all in 7.2 miles of easy to moderate hiking.

• The park entry fee is $5.00
• There is a good restroom at the trail head, but none on the trail. Go before you head out. 
• There is no cell phone reception in the park.
• There are many nice spots to stop and enjoy a snack or lunch along the trail. 
• There are no dogs allowed on the Canyon Trail.

South FallsSouth Falls behind some autumn leaves	South FallsSouth falls on an autumn morning. This is the first waterfall on the trail of ten falls.
Lower South FallsLower South Falls is the second waterfall on the trail if you are walking it clockwise.	Lower South FallsAnother shot of Lower South Falls
Lower South FallsA view from behind Lower South Falls	Lower South FallsAnother view of Lower South Falls
Lower South FallsA view from behind Lower South Falls using a fisheye lens
ChipmunkChipmunk near Lower South Falls

When is a good time to visit?

This park can be visited any time of year. Spring is great for high water flows but autumn offers color through the changing leaves. I have visited both times of year and the water flow is still good in October. The falls are set in a canyon but mid-day light can be harsh and distracting. Visiting in early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Overcast days are great for photographing in this park as well because you get nice, even light, and can extend shutter speeds to get that silky water effect. 

Detail, Lower North FallsLower North Falls isn't the most picturesque or easiest to photograph so I opted for a detail shot. It is the third waterfall on the trail.	MushroomThere are many mushrooms along the trail, especially after a recent rain.
Double FallsDouble Falls is located from a short spur trail between Lower North Falls and Drake Falls	MushroomAnother tiny mushroom along the trail
MushroomTwo tiny mushrooms on a moss covered log	MushroomA mushroom set among clovers along the trail

Where is this park?

Silver Falls State park is located in Silverton, Oregon, which is 30 minutes east of Salem. The surrounding lands are full of Christmas tree farms but once you begin ascending, the landscape becomes forested.

North FallsNorth Falls is the seventh waterfall along the trail.	Upper North FallsUpper North Falls had several fallen trees along the top, which I cropped out due to the distracting nature of them.
Upper North FallsUpper North Falls detail shot. This was the last waterfall along the trail.

Why should I visit?

This park has waterfalls, forest subjects, and wildlife. For a nature photographer, it is like going to a candy store. If you are not a photographer, this park has abundant hiking trails, a visitor center, lodge, and campground. Both times I visited, it wasn't abundantly crowded but I suspect the summer months attract larger crowds. 

Rim trailA portion of the Rim trail

I hope you enjoyed this post!