Mileage: 7.2 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Map: We used the park map available online.
Favorite Eats After Hike: Crush Cider, Walking Man Brewery, Backwoods Brewery, Thunder Island Brewing, Cascade Locks Ale House, Farm Stand Natural Foods, Dick’s Primal Burger, Back To Eden Bakery, or just Pack A Cooler. You can learn more about these places in my Must Hike Must Eat Eating Out Guide.
Find out current conditions and as always, practice Leave No Trace. Pretty please.
The Trail of Ten Falls is found in Silver Falls State Park in Silverton, Oregon outside the Portland area. Originally inhabited by the Kalapuya and Molalla people before settlers displaced them, the area is now often referred to as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system and is visited by people from all parts of the country.
The larger falls at the ends of the park can be seen with a short hike from either the north or south entrance but a 7 mile loop on the Canyon Trail and up onto the Rim Trail will get you to the more than 10 beautiful cascades the park is known for. The park offers ADA access to the waterfalls at both ends of the loop and family friendly facilities like playgrounds and picnic shelters. There is also a campground, lodging at Smith Creek Village and 22+ miles more of trails for hiking and biking.
My Hikes:
3/2/2024
You can read about our snowy visit in 2024 on JK, Winter Is Still Here! Snow On The Trail Of Ten Falls.
4/9/2023
My first stop on a spring break trip through Oregon was an overnight at Silver Falls State Park campground that included a hike on the Trail of Ten Falls loop before getting back in the car. The weather was rainy and grey which kept crowds somewhat reduced but I was full of smiles at all the cascading water and the lush green forest it flowed through.
Like most of the times I visit, the trail had a handful of really muddy sections, so be prepared with the right footwear so you don’t have to walk around too much and trample the surrounding vegetation.
4/1/2016
I kicked off spring break by driving down to Vancouver and picking up my Oregon PCT buddy, Elizabeth, and then making our way down to this gem of a state park in Silverton. We got there early and started on the far side to beat the crowds and managed to spend most of our time on the trail with few others. The crowds start the closer you get to the visitor center (duh) at the south entrance as those folks often just make it out to the first waterfalls they find. Go on a weekday if you can.
We did a loop on the Trail of Ten Falls, parking at the North Falls trailhead. This trail is very groomed but there are plenty of slick spots due to the waterfalls so watch your step! There were 10 major waterfalls and plenty of smaller ones to marvel at. Our favorites, of course, were the ones you can walk behind in the hollowed out basalt rock. The green moss offers such a striking contrast to the dark slab and white rushing water.
Directions: From the south, take exit 253 in Salem off I-5, drive 10 miles east on North Santiam Highway 22, turn left at a sign for Silver Falls Park, and follow Highway 214 for 16 miles to the park entrance sign at South Falls.
Coming from the north, exit Interstate 5 at Woodburn and follow Highway 214 southeast through Silverton 30 miles. You will come to the smaller north entrance first and then the south entrance. The state park website is here, a state parks pass is needed for either parking lot. There are bathrooms and a cafe available at the south entrance and a privy at the north. Check for signs, dogs are not allowed on the Canyon Trail but on others in the park.
For more hikes outside Portland, click HERE.
Thank you so much for stopping by Must Hike Must Eat!
If you need some healthy eating inspiration start here:..
Need some eating out suggestions when friends want to stop after a hike? I have a Pacific Northwest Eating Guide here.
Find out what’s been happening outside the blog:
If you have a question you don’t want to post in the comments, you can ask them here: