Trail of Ten Falls, Oregon Guide | Silver Falls State Park

Are you ready to venture into Oregan’s largest state park and trek a magnificent hike? Nestled in the lush landscapes of Oregon lies the Trail of Ten Falls loop, located in Silver Falls State Park, a scenic wonder famed for its ten waterfalls. 

The crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks System is known for its natural beauty. Visit Silver Falls to explore all the waterfalls on this loop trail in this alpine wonderland of the Pacific Northwest.

In this Ten Falls Trail guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the trail, a complete overview of the hike and its beautiful falls, what to know before you go, tips, and more.

So, lace up your boots, and let’s explore the wonders of the Trail of Ten Falls together.

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Read more: Preparing to explore more of Oregon? Use this handy 10-day Oregon road trip itinerary to help you plan your next trip.

Trail of Ten Falls Statistics

Here is a quick overview of the statistics for the entire Trail of Ten Falls loop. It includes the distance, elevation gain, difficulty, timing, and location.

• Location: Silver Falls State Park in Oregon
• Distance: 7.2-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 1,181 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Timing: 3.5-4 hours
• Pets: Not allowed
• Permits: No permits are necessary, but you will need a $5 day-use parking permit 
• Trail guide: Link

Trail of Ten Falls Map

Below is a map of the Trail of 10 Falls, which shows you the loop and the 10 waterfalls in Silver Falls Park.

Trail of Ten Falls Hike Overview

Silver Falls State Park is one of the best waterfall trails in Oregon and one of the most noted and famous parts of the state park itself. But what should you expect from this hike?

This particular loop trail is about 7.2 miles long and combines the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail. There is no significant elevation gain, and you can lessen the route distance during your trek if needed. This makes it ideal for the whole family. 

Among the hiking trails in Silver Falls, this trail is considered a generally challenging route due to its distance. The route starts at the South Falls Lodge trailhead and follows a clockwise direction based on the Alltrails map linked above. However, you can go anti-clockwise and start at the North Falls trailhead instead.

You can extend the hike into the Buck Mountain Loop if you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenging 16.9-mile (27.2km) trek. However, most visitors prefer the conventional route and want to take their time seeing the breathtaking waterfalls. 

Trail of 10 Falls: Know Before You Go

Before committing to a hike like this, you probably want to know some important tidbits to make your trip planning easier. You’ll want to know when to visit, how to get to these Oregon waterfalls, and any fees you may incur when you get there. 

Don’t worry, though. Below, you’ll find what you need to know before you go. 

Best Time to Visit to Hike the Ten Falls Trail?

The best time to visit depends on you and your preferences, but there isn’t a bad time to visit, and the park is open year-round. The period from May to October is popular as it offers the most pleasant weather for hiking and seeing the falls.

To sum it up, spring would be great as it’s post the snow melt, and the waterfalls are at peak flow. Fall foliage in October is a big draw, and the weather is mild. Summer is great for camping, swimming, and hiking is the driest. Winter is manageable and quiet but not the most ideal as ice and snow limit hiking.

How Do You Get to Silver Falls State Park?

Salem and Portland are closest to the park. Drive Interstate 5 to Salem, then head east on Highway 22 to exit 7, signed for OR Highway 214. Continue on the 214 for 4.2 miles to Silver Falls State Park.

Alternatively, you can take Exit 10 on I-205 from the east side of Portland and drive south on Oregon 213. Highway 213 leads into downtown Silverton, about 20 miles from the park. 

Turn left onto Highway 214 and drive 14 miles to the Silver Falls State Park. You’ll pass North Falls Trailhead on the right, as well as the parking area for the North Falls Viewpoint and the Winter Falls Trailhead. Soon, you’ll see signs pointing out South Falls Lodge to the right.

Is There a Fee to Visit Silver Falls State Park?

Yes, there is a $5 day-use or parking fee for Silver Falls State Park. You can pay near park entrances and at most trailheads. 

There are also 12- and 24-month permits available online. Campers don’t need to pay the fee as they reserve bookings online. Just keep your receipt on the dashboard of your vehicle when parked away from the campground, and you won’t have a problem.

>>>Book A Trail Of Ten Falls Tour Here<<<

The Trail of Ten Falls Route

Ready to find out what the Trail of Ten Falls loop is all about? Below is a rundown of the hike with information about each waterfall you’ll find along the way.

South Falls 

The South Falls is the most photographed and well-known waterfall in the park. It’s located close to the South Falls parking lot, making it the most popular falls to visit. It has a total height of 177 feet, and this cascading waterfall can be walked behind, which is an exciting experience to add to your trek. 

Once you’ve walked past the trailhead, you’ll head down the path, putting you on the Maple Ridge Loop for a bit. However, after about 0.7 miles, you’ll find yourself on the Canyon Trail, which leads you to the stairs down to Lower South Falls.

Lower South Falls 

The Lower South Falls is similar to South Falls. You can walk behind the curtain of water, but this waterfall’s height is only 93 feet. Both falls share a rectangular shape, but Lower South Falls is known to soak hikers with its higher water levels. 

Keep your map handy, as the trail can get confusing with the bridges, trail junction signs for the Maple Ridge Loop, and other distractions. Follow the Canyon Trail for another 1.3 miles from Lower South Falls until you reach the next waterfall, the Lower North Falls.

Lower North Falls 

The Lower North Falls emerge across the North Fork Stream on your right-hand side. Though much smaller than the last two waterfalls at 30 feet, it’s still a picturesque sight. What’s fun about this waterfall is that you can climb down to the pool it feeds into and swim.

Following your map from there on, it’s 0.1 miles to a 0.1-mile spur trail to the tallest falls on this trail, the Double Falls.

Double Falls 

The Double Falls can be easily missed as you need to take a short side trail to find this waterfall. But, once you do find it, it’s a marvelous sight. With a total height of 184 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Silver Falls State Park. 

This waterfall drops in two separate steps. The first drop is about 10 feet, and then the other drop is 174 feet. This section of the hike is usually quieter as it’s further from the parking lots. Feel free to stop and have a snack or lunch here before continuing your journey.

Drake Falls 

After having your fill of Double Falls, head back to the Canyon Trail and continue for another 0.2 miles. On your right, you’ll see a viewpoint overlooking Drake Falls. This waterfall rushes into the North Fork Stream below it and is a modestly sized 27 feet. 

The waterfall thunders over a wide basalt ledge that you can view from a small deck placed alongside the route. This will be a quicker stop as it’s one of the smallest waterfalls in the park. You may have some trouble seeing this waterfall clearly due to tree growth around the area. 

Middle North Falls

As your hike progresses from Drake Falls, it’s another 0.2 miles along the Canyon Trail to the Middle North Falls. This waterfall is the third one you can walk behind, and it stands at 106 feet.

Take note that, unlike the other waterfalls, Middle North Falls is a dead-end. That means you’ll need to leave the Canyon Trail for a bit to get behind it before retracing your steps and returning to the Canyon Trail.

In another 0.1 miles, you’ll reach a junction at a bridge that points towards the Winter Falls Trail; ignore that and continue on the Canyon trail to get to Twin Falls. You’ll see Winter Falls right at the end of your hike.

Twin Falls

You’ll come to Twin Falls in 0.3 miles. This is another smaller, seasonal waterfall with a height of 31 feet. It almost dries up completely in the summer, but it’s still nice to see during Spring and Fall. 

The waterfall sits on your right, and on your left will be some signage that leads to campgrounds and other parts of the park. Ignore those, as you’ll be following the Canyon Trail, and you’ll already be on to your next waterfall, the North Falls. 

North Falls 

After walking for 1.1 miles on the Canyon Trail, you’ll see the second most famous waterfall in the park and the last one that you can walk behind. It’s the only waterfall you can view from your car (if you’re not hiking), and it stands at 136 feet tall. 

This beautiful waterfall cascades down over basalt cliffs with a large section of rock cut out of it so you can walk behind the curtain of water. You’ll hear the roar of the falls amplified by the rock chamber you walk through. 

Upper North Falls

Now, you’ll get off the Canyon Trail for 0.6 miles (out and back) to see the Upper North Falls. The 65-foot waterfall is a broad curtain that plunges into a sizable pool below. Though not as tall as other waterfalls in the park, the Upper North Falls are the most photogenic. 

Take some snapshots of the waterfall and the surrounding streams, cascades, and moss, giving it an enchanting feel. Don’t be afraid of the detour; you’ll come back to the Canyon Trail a final time before following the signs for the Rim Trail to the final waterfall.

Winter Falls 

Once you’re on the Rim Trail, you’ll walk 1.1 miles to reach the last waterfall of the hike: the Winter Falls. It’s about 0.5 miles out and back down into the canyon to see these falls. Standing at 134 feet, Winter Falls tumbles straight down before hitting a basalt outcrop. It’s a beautiful, tall, and slim waterfall that ends your hike.

To get back to where you started, return to the Rim Trail and follow for another mile until you reach the South Falls Parking lot.

Tips for Hiking The Trail of Ten Falls

Here are some top tips for hiking the Ten Falls Loop trail that may make your trek easier.

• Start early — This trail is very popular year-round, so if you don’t want to encounter trail traffic, you should beat the crowds by starting your journey as early as possible. 
• Bring a trail map — Despite it being a loop, the trail can get confusing if you’re new to the area. So, download your AllTrails map, snap a picture of the map up at the trailhead, or do it the old-fashioned way and carry a paper map.
• Wear closed-toe shoes — The Trail of Ten Falls is almost always muddy and often worse during the rainy season, so wear proper hiking shoes — water-resistant boots would be the best choice.
• Stay on marked trails — With your map handy, follow the signs pointing you in the right direction. To protect the park’s fragile ecosystems, you don’t want to go off-course at Silver Falls State Park.
• Leave No Trace — The “Leave No Trace” principles make sure you leave these natural environments the way you found them. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the parks at their most clean and beautiful and protects the wildlife. The principles include planning ahead, hiking on durable surfaces, proper waste disposal, leaving what you find, reducing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others.
• Read More About the Park Here

What to Pack for the Trail of Ten Falls

Here is a list of recommended items you should pack for your Ten Falls hike. These items will be useful during a long trek through the park and will ensure you stay safe, comfortable, and hydrated during your journey.

• Day pack — To keep all your goodies in. >Buy this pack
• Sunscreen — Though the trail can be misty and muddy, sunscreen is still important to pack as you’ll be on the trail for at least four hours. >Buy sunscreen
• Hiking boots — Wear closed shoes with good grip, as the trail can get muddy and slippery. >Try these shoes
• Hiking socks — The correct socks will help you avoid blisters. >Buy these hiking socks
• Refillable water bottle — It’s probably best to have a lot of water with you for this trail as there aren’t many rest stops. >Check prices here
• Snacks — Since this is a long trek, you should pack snacks that will keep your energy up during your hike. Energy bars, trail mix, nuts, or jerky are all great options as they store well in your day pack. Feel free to get creative, but if you’re unsure what to choose, Cliff Bars are great for hiking.
• First-aid kit — In case of emergencies while far away from the day-use area. >Buy this first-aid kit
• Wear layers — Be sure to wear layers to regulate your temperature as you walk.
• Rain jacket — If you visit during the rainy season or just want to avoid getting wet close to the falls, bring a lightweight rain jacket.
• Sunglasses and hat — To protect your face from sun damage.

Where to Stay Near Silver Falls State Park

Here are some picks for hotels near Silver Falls State Park, as well as information on the Silver Falls campground, where you can stay onsite at the park. 

Budget | Home2 Suites By Hilton Salem 

This budget accommodation is the closest to Silver Falls State Park at just a four-mile (6.5 km) drive away. Home2 Suites offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel is also pet-friendly. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Oregon Garden Resort

The Oregon Garden Resort is 8.9 miles (14.3 km) from Silver Falls State Park and is a beautiful resort in Silverton. The resort is perfect for those looking for a comfortable place to rest their heads after a challenging hike. 

You won’t be disappointed with a seasonal outdoor pool, day spa, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms at a decent price. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Best Western Premier Keizer Salem Hotel 

The Best Western might not be all that close to Silver Falls, but for a luxurious stay, it’s worth the 8.6 miles (13.8 km) you’ll drive to get to the park. This hotel offers elegant rooms, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a complimentary all-American breakfast served daily. >>>Check Availability

Camping | Silver Falls State Park Campground 

If you want to stay onsite, your best bet is to stay at the Silver Falls State Campground. The sprawling campground sits along South Fork Silver Creek. 

There are plenty of amenities, such as 48 electrical sites with water, 43 tent sites, two group sites, and 14 cabins. Seven of the cabins are pet-friendly. Other amenities include firewood and ice for sale, easy access to nearby hiking paths, restrooms and shows, and a playground. >>>Check Availability

FAQs About Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls

Do you still have some unanswered questions? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the 10 Falls hike.

What Are the Operating Hours at Silver Falls State Park? 

The park is open year-round, and there are several trailheads throughout the park that are open for entry at any time. Gates at the South Falls day-use area (near the parking area) are open at different times during different months.

• November – January: 8 AM – 5 PM
• February: 8 AM – 6 PM
• March: 8 AM – 8 PM
• April – August: 7 AM – 9 PM
• September: 7 AM – 8 PM
• October: 8 AM – 7 PM

Can You Bring Dogs to Silver Falls State Park?

Yes, you can bring your dog to the state park. Your dogs can visit the South Falls day-use area with you. There’s an off-leash area and picnic area where dogs are allowed. However, dogs aren’t allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls and all waterfall trails except for the Rim Trail, bike path, and Upper North Falls Trail.  

What Else Can You Do in Silver Falls State Park?

Beyond the hikes, you can explore the South Falls day-use area at the park’s southwest corner. With sweeping lawns, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, a nature store, picnic and barbeque shelters, and a playground, you can spend a whole day there. 

Be sure to also visit the South Falls Lodge, see the gift shop, get a coffee at the South Falls Cafe, and take a look at the bike paths.

Are There Bears in Silver Falls State Park?

Yes, the park is home to black bears as well as cougars. Sightings are rare but not impossible. If you see a black bear or a cougar, report it to a park ranger. Do not approach bears or wild cats under any circumstances.

Wrapping Up Silver Falls State Park’s Trail of Ten Falls Guide

There you have it, an in-depth guide on the Ten Falls trail. This trail is definitely worth trekking, and a visit to Silver Falls State Park is always a good idea, with all you can do and see there. With all this new information handy, your Silver Falls hike will be a breeze. Stock up on snacks, keep your map handy, and enjoy the lush green park and its roaring waterfalls. 

Read Next: If you haven’t had enough of Oregon just yet, you’ll love the best things to do on the Oregon coast.

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