Exploring the Trail of Ten Falls - Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Lower South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

Waterfalls have always fascinated me. Streams flowing into rivers, cascading over smooth rocks, collecting fallen sticks and leaves. There is a kind of mysticism to them. They just seem special. In the Pacific Northwest, they are also abundant. Silver Falls State Park in Oregon is home to ten incredible waterfalls. It’s easy to see why the park is listed as one of the best places to visit in all of Oregon. I had previously visited two of the falls on a visit with my sister in law. So, when Forrest and I were looking for a hike to stretch our legs on the way to Bend, OR, I knew we had to return to Silver Falls to complete the loop.

We kicked off the long 4th of July weekend by arriving early, beating the summer crowds. The waterfalls were fully flowing with the snowmelt running off the mountains. The overcast sky made for comfortable conditions favorable for photographing waterfalls.

Wildflowers above South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

Wildflowers were blooming abundantly throughout the park. Their bright colors popping boldly against the evergreens. Tangled clusters of yellow and pink flowers coated the rocks surrounding the falls. We discovered a beautiful wild cucumber vine with delicate white flowers weaving in an out of the ferns.

Wild Cucumber

South Falls is the tallest of the waterfalls at 177 feet and is one of the many falls that you can walk behind. As we passed behind the falls, I was reminded of The Boxcar Children book series that i loved as a child. In the book, they stored the milk behind a waterfall to keep it cold, calling in the refrigerator. It always amazes me when a memory like that pops into my head.

South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

Lower North Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

Middle North Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

Double Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OR

After leaving the falls, we drove through a beautiful area of Oregon filled with quiet farms. When I spotted two beautiful horses in a field of flowers, I had to pull over for a photograph. I could’ve sat and watched them nibble on grasses and flowers all day.