Silver Falls State Park: The Ultimate Oregon Adventure

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK: THE ULTIMATE OREGON ADVENTURE
By Jo Clark

If you’re looking for a classic Oregon adventure, Silver Falls State Park in Silverton delivers in spades. Open since 1933, and just over an hour from the Willamette Valley, or Portland, so it’s close enough for a day trip yet packed with enough beauty to warrant a whole weekend. Whether you’re starting from McMinnville, Newberg, Dundee, or Dayton, the drive is easy—and the reward is unforgettable.

ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Experience the beauty of Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s “crown jewel,” with travel writer Jo Clark on “Jo Goes Everywhere!” From hiking past ten waterfalls to savoring local wine, farm-fresh food, and exploring charming lodgings, museums, and markets—this episode celebrates nature, history, and the flavors of the Willamette Valley. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.

Expert Tip: When you pay for parking in the lot, a holder with park maps is available—take one!

Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls is acknowledged as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s State Parks system. The largest state park in Oregon, it covers more than 9,000 acres. Its claim to fame is the legendary Trail of Ten Falls. This loop takes hikers past (and behind) some of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking waterfalls. But if you’re short on time, you don’t need to tackle all ten to enjoy the magic. The park’s trail options allow you to pick one that fits your time, stamina, weather, and mood.

The Short Loop: Two Silver Falls, All the Wonder
On a recent visit, I had breakfast at my B&B, and dinner plans at 4 p.m. back in McMinnville, which limited me to a mid-day, four-hour time frame. I opted for the short loop to get a feel for the Silver Falls experience—towering Douglas Firs, moss, and fern-covered canyons, and, of course, waterfalls. The two falls along this section, South Falls and Lower South Falls, are nothing short of spectacular.

Silver Falls Icon: South Falls
South Falls, in particular, is iconic: you can walk behind the curtain of water, watching it plunge 177 feet into the pool below. The mist on your face and the roar in your ears make it more than just a hike—it becomes an immersive experience. Then, as you hike down the trail, you cross a lovely bridge that offers a different angle of the falls.
Expert Tip: If you are in a rental car, check the license plate—you may have rented it in Oregon, but the tag could be from another state—and out-of-state visitors pay a few dollars more for parking.

Lower South Falls
Lower South Falls is smaller but equally enchanting. The trail in Silver Falls Park winds through dense forest, and before you know it, the falls appear as if out of nowhere, pouring gracefully into the creek below. The trail also passes behind this waterfall, giving you another chance to step “behind the scenes” – literally. For a relatively short loop, you get a huge payoff.

The Trails
A hiker I chatted with in the restroom (yes, Southerners talk to everybody, everywhere!) advised me to take the path under South Falls to start, “then you’ll be going down all those steps, making the trek easier.” Unfortunately, what she didn’t mention was that the return loop was a path that seemed to go straight up. A mountain goat would have been right at home…me? Not so much. However, there are zig-zag switchbacks in the path to make it more manageable, and benches for the weary every zag or two.

The map and other hikers claim this Silver Falls trail, of the Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail, is a moderate 2.8-mile loop. Lies. All lies! My handy-dandy Samsung phone clocked me at 4.51 miles that day, and my calves agreed. Also worth noting, hikespeak.com recommends walking this trail in the opposite direction. They provide two sound reasons for this recommendation: it places the switchbacks as a downhill experience rather than the climb I struggled with, and best of all it positions the waterfalls for a head-on view as you approach.

Expert Tip: Visit Silver Falls during the week whenever possible. It is easier to walk and take photos with fewer people competing for the best spots.

The Lodge at Silver Falls State Park
The historic South Falls Lodge is the perfect place to refuel and rest after your hike. The lodge built during the 1940s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) boasts a rustic Pacific Northwest charm, characterized by stone walls, wood beams, and a rich sense of history. Here you will find local favorites and hearty dishes for hungry hikers. Whether it’s hot coffee, a bowl of soup, or a well-earned chance to sit and soak up the atmosphere, the lodge adds to the experience in a way few parks can match.

Looking Ahead: The Longer Trail
While I focused on the shorter loop this time, the Trail of Ten Falls continues to call my name. That complete 7.2-mile loop takes you past ten stunning waterfalls—and behind four—each with its own character. The hike features a total elevation change of 800 feet. It’s one of those bucket-list Oregon hikes, and I’m already planning my return to make a full day of it. Silver Falls is one of those places that requires repeat visits; there’s always more to explore.

There is also a new (opened July 2023) North Rim Trail. That one-mile hike offers a view of North Falls, and the six-foot-wide trail features a compacted, accessible surface.

Trails crisscross and connect, so be sure to keep up with that Silver Falls State Park map.

Where to Stay and Eat Near Silver Falls State Park
Your adventure doesn’t need to end at Silver Falls. The nearby Willamette Valley offers numerous excellent places to stay and eat, just a short drive from the park. These are my favorites.

Where to Stay:
– A’ Tuscan Estate Bed & Breakfast – Elegant, European-inspired lodging with gourmet breakfasts and a few short blocks to walk into historic McMinnville.
– Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast – A hillside escape with panoramic valley views overlooking Newberg, which frequently serves its scrumptious breakfasts on the deck.
– McMenamin’s Hotel Oregon – A quirky, historic 1905 hotel in McMinnville with rooftop views, three hidden bars, and delectable dinners.
– Willamette Valley B&B – Upscale comfort in Newberg, with sweeping vineyard scenery and peaceful garden paths to wander, plus you can visit the omelet-producers before breakfast.

Where to Eat:
– Joel Palmer House – Renowned Dayton restaurant featuring creative cuisine, Oregon truffles, and mushrooms. Their delicious dishes are (almost!) too pretty to eat. The wine cellar is one of the best I’ve ever seen!
– Kopitos Cocina – Bold, flavorful, fresh Mexican cuisine in Newberg, with live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
– McMenamins – Casual classic pub fare in McMinnville, pairing dishes with craft beer and flights of local wines. Plan like I did, and enjoy the Friday night prime rib special.
– Pinch – Elevated small plates with a cozy vibe in downtown McMinnville, serving dishes influenced by regions of Italy and France. The squid ink pasta was unique and oh, so tasty.
– Pizza Capo – Wood-fired, artisan pizzas in historic McMinnville. Their divine burrata dishes will keep you planning your next visit—but beware, they change menu items every Friday, so you may have a broken heart.
– Trellis – A charming spot in Dundee, perfect for fresh, locally sourced dishes (like oysters on the half shell with apple cilantro mignonette), and a fantastic wine selection. Be sure to leave room for dessert.

Where to Drink:
– Harvest Moon Sangria Bar – A Newberg hometown girl opened the first Sangria Bar in Oregon. Now she’s opened a second location, in downtown Newberg. The Wild Bramble (Blackberry) Sangria is like standing in a field, popping fresh berries into your mouth. But why order one drink when you can try a flight of three? Tasty shareable plates round out the menu.
– McMenamins – Three bars: the pub, the cellar, and the rooftop.
– Wineries, Wineries, Wineries! – There are nearly 900 wineries in the Willamette Valley. The 24 I visited deserve an article of their own.

Other Highlights:
– Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Final Thoughts
Silver Falls State Park is a testament to what makes Oregon so special: its accessibility, natural beauty, and sense of discovery. You can come for a quick hike to one waterfall and linger a while at the lodge, or set off on the entire hike to enjoy all ten falls. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the power and beauty of nature. When you combine a day at the park with nearby food and lodging options, you’ve got the recipe for a perfect getaway.

Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! She does her very best to live up to her podcast title and Instagram handle, “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Follow her there and on her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/. She is the editor of http://www.RecipesTravelCulture.com

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