About Trail of Ten Falls

Silver Falls State Park's Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The 7.2-mile loop passes ten distinct waterfalls — including four that you walk directly behind on a path carved into the basalt cliff face — through old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple forest in the Oregon Cascade foothills. The South Falls alone drops 177 feet and is among the most beautiful waterfall walks in the country.

The park encompasses over 9,000 acres and the trail connects all ten falls in a seamless loop that gains and loses elevation in waves as it descends canyon walls and climbs back out. The basalt canyon geology creates the perfect conditions for the behind-the-falls paths — a unique experience that defines Oregon waterfall hiking. Peak flow in November through May; fall foliage in October is spectacular.

Trail Highlights

• Ten distinct waterfalls on a 7.2-mile loop — unmatched waterfall density on a single trail
• Walk behind four of the waterfalls on paths carved from basalt cliff face
• South Falls drops 177 feet — one of the most beautiful walks in the Pacific Northwest
• Old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple forest — spectacular in October
• Largest state park in Oregon with camping, cabins, and horse trails

Trail Description

From the South Falls trailhead parking area, follow the Canyon Trail clockwise (South Falls first). The path immediately descends to the base of the 177-foot South Falls and continues behind the plunging water on the basalt ledge.

Continue the loop through North Falls (136 ft), Twin Falls, Drake Falls, Double Falls, and Lower North Falls — each distinct in height, width, and character. The final section climbs back to the South Falls Rim. Allow 4-5 hours for the full loop.

Tips & What to Bring

• Allow a full day — 7.2 miles with 1,000 feet of gain and ten waterfalls takes time
• Waterproof layers are essential — the behind-the-falls paths are heavily misted
• Fall (October) is magical with bigleaf maple golden color; spring offers peak water
• Camping is available in the park — a night here allows early morning waterfall solitude
• The park cafe has good food and coffee — arrive early for breakfast before the hike

Getting There

From Salem, OR, take OR-22 East to OR-214 South. Follow OR-214 approximately 15 miles to Silver Falls State Park. GPS: 44.8770, -122.6553.