41 min
Overview
This loop takes in seven of the ten major waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's largest state park. They include the highest waterfall in the park, narrow Double Falls at 178 feet in two drops, and the waterfall with the highest single drop, South Falls, which plunges 177 feet over a basalt overhang. Lower South Falls is similar to South Falls, and you get to walk behind both of these waterfalls. Middle North Falls is the third plunge on this loop which you can walk behind, and Lower North Falls is a pretty sliding spill on the North Fork Silver Creek. Drake Falls is another slide waterfall, while Winter Falls ranges from a wispy spray at the end of summer to a pretty drop during the wet season. The loop can be hiked in either direction: This description takes you along the rim of the canyon first before you descend to begin viewing all the waterfalls. Walk past the restrooms and nature store to pass in front of the South Falls Lodge, which has a small cafeteria. Bear right to follow a trail which displays interpretive signs on the history of Silver Falls State Park. You'll head through a picnic area and pass Parking Area A, which is closed in winter. Cross a road to begin the Rim Trail, which heads in a generally eastward direction. Enter a magnificent cathedral-like old-growth forest of towering Douglas-firs and hemlocks. At mile 0.5, you'll cross a bike trail. From here, you'll parallel the bike trail and Highway 214. At mile 0.7, you'll walk on the bike path for a short distance, and at 0.9 there's a side trail connecting to the highway. After you pass the small swamp near the lip of Winter Falls, you'll arrive at the Winter Falls Trailhead at mile 1.1. Turn left on the Winter Trail, and start down the steep hill. One switchback, a quarter mile and 200 feet lower, you'll come to the base of Winter Falls. Winter Falls gets its name from the belief that it only runs in the winter. In reality, it runs most of the year, although it does slow to a trickle in the late summer. Continue beyond Winter F
Trail Stats
0.0 km
204 m
464 m
0 m
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