Silver Falls Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-mile loop through Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's largest state park, in Marion County approximately 26 miles east of Salem and 1.5 hours from Portland via OR-214. The park charges a $5 per-vehicle day-use fee; no public transit serves the park. The primary trailhead is at the South Falls Day Use Area adjacent to South Falls Lodge, a historic 1930s structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The trail is a figure-eight loop passing behind and beneath ten named waterfalls ranging from 27 to 177 feet in height, all fed by the North and South Silver Creek drainages in the foothills of the Oregon Cascade Range. South Falls — at 177 feet the second-tallest waterfall in Oregon — begins the loop and descends to a tunnel carved through the basalt cliff that allows hikers to walk directly behind the curtain of falling water. The same walk-behind feature repeats at North Falls (136 feet) on the northern loop. The trail surface is compacted dirt and gravel throughout, with boardwalk sections in the wettest areas. The path descends steeply into the drainage and climbs out multiple times; total elevation change across the full loop is approximately 1,260 feet.
The forest lining the trail is dense old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple, creating a lush corridor that retains moisture and keeps the trail shaded and perpetually damp. Waterproof footwear is essential — the walk-behind sections at South and North Falls generate significant spray onto the trail surface. Fall color in October is exceptional, with vine maple turning amber and gold against dark conifers. Spring (April–June) sees peak waterfall volume following winter rains and snowmelt.
The loop can be started at either the South Falls or North Falls trailheads. Shorter options include the South Falls inner loop alone (2.4 miles) or the North Falls outer loop (3.7 miles), both well-marked. A restored 1930s historic area near South Falls includes the lodge, a small concession, and group facilities. The park is open year-round, though icy conditions may form on shaded trail sections in winter.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Silver Falls State Park, Marion County
- Best season
- April–June (waterfalls at peak flow); October–November (fall foliage)
What to bring
- Waterproof shoes/boots (trail passes behind falls — can be very wet)
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- Snacks and water
Location
20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385
44.8776, -122.6529 View on map
Highlights
- South Falls — a 177-foot curtain waterfall with a walk-behind passage carved through the basalt cliff face
- North Falls — a 136-foot walk-behind waterfall on the northern loop, typically less crowded than South Falls
- Ten named waterfalls ranging from 27 to 177 feet, all accessible on one continuous 7.2-mile loop
- Old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple corridor creating a year-round lush green forest atmosphere
- Exceptional autumn color display in October as vine maple turns gold along the canyon walls
Tips for visiting
- Wear waterproof footwear — the walk-behind sections at South Falls and North Falls generate significant mist and spray on the trail.
- Visit in spring (April–June) for peak waterfall volume, or October for autumn color combined with recovering flows.
- The South Falls section fills by 10 a.m. on summer weekends; a weekday visit or early morning start is strongly recommended.
- The full 7.2-mile loop involves 1,260 ft of total elevation change — allow 3–5 hours and carry snacks and water.
- A $5 per-vehicle day-use fee is collected at the park entrance; an Oregon State Parks annual pass covers the cost.
When to visit
April through June offers peak waterfall volume with winter snowmelt still feeding the falls. October is the best month for fall foliage combined with recovering waterfall flows after summer low-water conditions.
Accessibility
The paved path from South Falls Lodge to the South Falls upper overlook — approximately 0.2 miles — is wheelchair-accessible and provides a view of the upper waterfall. The trail loop descends steeply on unpaved terrain and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers beyond the initial overlook.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors walk behind the waterfalls at Silver Falls?
Yes. South Falls and North Falls both have trail sections that pass directly behind the waterfall curtain through passages carved in the basalt cliff. The walk-behind sections can be wet and slippery; waterproof footwear with non-slip soles is strongly recommended.
How long does the Trail of Ten Falls take to complete?
The full 7.2-mile loop typically takes 3–5 hours at a moderate pace, allowing time to view all ten waterfalls. Shorter loops focusing on South Falls (2.4 miles, 1–2 hours) or the North Falls outer loop (3.7 miles, 2–3 hours) are also well-marked and popular.
Is Silver Falls State Park open year-round?
Yes. The park and trails are accessible year-round. Fall and winter visits offer fewer crowds and strong waterfall flows. Ice can form on shaded trail sections in winter; traction devices may be useful between December and February.
Are dogs allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls?
Dogs are permitted on the Trail of Ten Falls when kept on a leash of 6 feet or shorter. They are not permitted in the lodge or picnic shelters. Waste bags are typically available at the trailhead.