Being born and raised in the Portland metropolitan area, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the amazing features our state has to offer. Head east towards Pendleton, and you’ll end up in a cowboy town fit for a Western movie. Central Oregon is immersed in outdoor adventures, such as fly fishing and horseback riding. Go south and you can find your way to Ashland to experience one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world. Move west to the ocean and you can experience the unique, quirky towns along the coastline. Spending time in Portland offers a range of classic, cosmopolitan activities, including fine dining, museums, and numerous concerts. Any direction you head in Oregon will land you in a memorable environment. There are so many great things to do in our wonderful state. One of these recreations is that Oregon boasts a massive rainforest, perfect for exploration by people of all ages.
Silver Falls State Park is located in Silverton, about 20 miles east-southeast of Salem. Spanning an enormous area of over 9,000 acres, it is the largest state park in Oregon. Within this vast landscape, there are more than 24 miles of trail-walking paths, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path. Its most well-known feature is that it has a total of 10 waterfalls, 4 of which have an amphitheater-like surrounding where you walk behind the waterfalls themselves. Pictures of these waterfalls do not do them any justice when compared to seeing them in person. Those worried about whether this is a dangerous hike should be aware that these trails are pretty wide. You will not encounter a dangerously thin trail behind a massive waterfall. This also makes for an experience that is both fun and meditative. There is something about coming across a powerful waterfall in nature, and in Silver Falls State Park, you will come across 10 of them.
With school being out and summer almost in full swing, family adventures are about to ramp up. The hiking trails here are great for people of all ages and experience levels. Make sure to be well-prepared, just as you would for any hike, but this one is far from requiring Mount Everest-type preparation. We have already experienced a recent heatwave, and there are likely to be more to come this season, so be sure to bring your water bottles. One of the many reasons why Silver Falls State Park is a must-visit is due to the extensive natural shade of the forest. Even on the more blistering days, this wilderness stays relatively cool. The trails are also long enough to make the drive worthwhile, even if you’re coming in from out of town. However, the trails are not so long that you feel like you need to take an ice bath and book an emergency appointment with your chiropractor.
The South Falls section of the state park features spacious lawns, barbecues, picnic shelters, a playground, horseshoe pits, and more. This makes for a perfect day of hiking, followed by a relaxing picnic celebration. There is also a main campground with tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. For those who own a horse, there is even a campground located here that allows them to stay as well. Silver Falls State Park is a labor of love that is in part protected and maintained by the Friends of Silver Falls. This all-volunteer group was founded in 1986 and has since devoted many hours and resources to this beloved wilderness. This state park has also been featured in several films; for all the millennials reading this, parts of the movie Twilight were filmed here. I was going to write a little about the animals that inhabit this land, but now I’m more concerned with running into vampires and werewolves there.
In 1888, Silver Falls City was formed and became a prominent logging community. Not long after the town’s founding, local entrepreneurs recognized the magnificence of the 10 waterfalls within this rugged forest. Ticketed events included spectacles such as cars going over the falls, and a daredevil riding one in a canoe. After extensive monetary ventures, there was a public push to have the area officially labeled as a state park. It first almost happened in 1926; however, it was ultimately rejected due to the large number of tree stumps from excessive logging. Silver Falls became an official state park on July 23rd, 1933. Two years later, in 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt also designated Silver Falls as a Recreational Demonstration Area. This 9,000-acre state park has just as much fascinating history as it does natural beauty. If your family is looking for the perfect hike with jaw-dropping views, then Silver Falls State Park should be at the top of your list.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His book, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ is available wherever books are sold.