They don’t call Silver Falls State Park the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system for nothing. Located about 20 miles from Salem, it’s the largest state park in Oregon and a total dream for outdoor lovers. With more than 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer, but the real star of the show is the Trail of Ten Falls, a designated National Recreation Trail that leads you past (and even behind!) some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
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Trail of Ten Falls Overview
Located in Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the Pacific Northwest. This scenic loop winds through lush forest, past, and even behind, a series of stunning waterfalls.
Trail Stats
- Length: 7.2 mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: ~800 feet
- Route: Combination of the Canyon Trail and Rim Trail
- Shorter Options: Several access points allow you to hike smaller sections if you’re not up for the full loop
Location & Parking
Trailheads are located at both South Falls and North Falls day-use areas. Parking is available at either end, and day-use parking passes can be purchased on-site.
- Resident Daily Pass: $10
- Non-Resident Daily Pass: $12
- Annual Passes are also available
Park Hours
Gates at South Falls and North Canyon Day-Use areas open and close at the following times:
- Nov–Jan: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Feb: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Mar: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Apr–Aug: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sept: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Oct: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Highlights of the Trail of Ten Falls
The Trail of Ten Falls is exactly what it sounds like- a loop that takes you past ten incredible waterfalls, each one tucked into the lush canyon scenery of Silver Falls State Park. The most famous (and most photographed) is South Falls, which plunges an impressive 177 feet and has a trail that lets you walk directly behind the cascade for a jaw-dropping view.
You can also walk behind Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls, and North Falls, making this one of the few hikes where you can literally explore inside the waterfalls…