Tucked away in the heart of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, the Trail of Ten Falls is a bucket-list hike that lives up to its legendary reputation. Winding through the mossy forests of Silver Falls State Park, this loop leads you past – and even behind – some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
From the thunderous plunge of South Falls to the misty magic of walking beneath North Falls, every turn of the trail offers something new to marvel at. You’ll quickly see why it’s Oregon’s most iconic waterfall hike.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, from what to expect, things to do nearby, and tips for making the most out of your adventure.
Then at the end of the post, I’ll add any useful travel guides that will aid you in a trip of a lifetime to Oregon. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready for an incredible walk through the forest.
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Trail of Ten Falls Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Silver Falls State Park
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate hike due to distance
- 🥾 Distance: 7.8 Mile Loop
- ⏰ Duration: 3-5 Hours
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: about 1,100 feet
- 💦 Highlights: 10 Waterfalls in Total
- 🌀 Walk-Behind Falls: 4 (yes, behind the curtain!)
- 🚻 Restrooms: At major trailheads
- 💰 Parking Fee: $10/day
- 🍂 Best Season: Spring for flow, Fall for color 🍁
Keep scrolling for more details of the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon.
About Silver Falls State Park
Beautiful Silver Falls State Park, often hailed as the “crown jewel” of the OregonState Parks system, is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Oregon. Located just east of Salem in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this park is most famous for its Trail of Ten Falls.
Let’s just say, you’ll quickly realize why the Trail of Ten Falls could be the best waterfall hike in Oregon. As Oregon’s largest state park, beyond the trail, Silver Falls offers over 35 miles of backcountry trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The park also features campgrounds, cozy cabins, and scenic picnic areas. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, enjoying a weekend getaway, or simply exploring Oregon’s natural beauty, Silver Falls State Park delivers a an unforgettable experience year round.
Silver Falls State Park Trail of Ten Falls Map
Here’s a map of the Trail of Ten Falls including all the other trails that you can hike inside the crown jewel of state parks in Oregon if you don’t plan on hiking the entire loop.
How to Get to Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls is easily accessed from Portland, Salem, or Bend.
🚗 From Portland it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Silver Falls State Park.
- Take I-5 South toward Salem
- Exit at OR-214 East / Silver Falls Highway
- Follow signs through Silverton to the South Falls Day-Use Area
☕️ Travel Tip: You’ll pass through the charming town of Silverton – great for a coffee or snack stop!
🚗 From Salem it takes about 35-45 minutes to reach Silver Falls State Park.
- Take OR-22 East
- Merge onto OR-214 East toward Silverton/Silver Falls
- Follow signs to the South Falls entrance
🚗 From Bend it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Take US-97 North to OR-22 West
- Continue on OR-22 through Detroit and Stayton
- Merge onto OR-214 North toward the park
🅿️ Parking & Fees
- Day-use fee: $10 (pay stations at trailheads) or ↓
- Annual Oregon State Park Pass: Accepted
- Arrive early on weekends – parking fills up quickly, especially at South Falls Trailhead.
Trail of Ten Falls Trailhead
There are technically three different trailheads where you can start this hike as it is a loop in completion.
📍 Main Trailhead – South Falls Day Use Area
The South Falls Trailhead is the main trailhead. This is the primary and best starting point for the Trail of Ten Falls loop.
The South Falls Day-Use Area has the biggest parking lot. There are also flush toilets, picnic areas and shelters, a visitor center and the South Falls Lodge which is a gift shop & snack shop (seasonal).
The trail of Ten Falls loop starts here, heading first to South Falls. You’ll descend into the canyon, passing multiple waterfalls along the way. The loop brings you back up via the Rim Trail.
📍 Optional access point – North Falls Trailhead
This is has a smaller, less busy parking lot. There are pit toilets only. This trailhead is good for shorter out-and-back hikes (like North Falls & Upper North Falls). This trailhead can be used to complete a loop with a shuttle car.
📍 Another optional access point – Winter Falls Trailhead
This parking lot is very small with only a handful of parking spaces. This trailhead provides easy access to viewing Winter Falls and winter trail.
When is the Best Time to Hike the Trail of Ten Falls
The best time to hike the Trail of Ten Falls depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Here’s a breakdown by season to help you pick your perfect window,
🌸 Spring (March to May) | Best Overall Time
- Why Go: Waterfalls are absolutely roaring from snowmelt and spring rain.
- Vibe: Lush, green, and full of energy.
- Bonus: Wildflowers start popping up, fewer crowds early in the season.
- Heads Up: Trails can be muddy – wear waterproof boots.
☀️ Summer (June to August) | Great Weather, Busy Trails
- Why Go: Dry, sunny weather and longer days.
- Vibe: Green forest, perfect for photos and longer day hikes.
- Bonus: Easiest time for families or travelers with a tight schedule
- Heads Up: Waterfalls may be less powerful later in summer + parking gets competitive.
🍁 Fall (September to November) | Fewer Crowds, Epic Foliage
- Why Go: Golden leaves and crisp air = hiking perfection.
- Vibe: Peaceful, cool, and super photogenic.
- Bonus: Waterfalls are still flowing, especially after early rains
- Heads Up: Can be chilly and slippery in the late fall.
❄️ Winter (December to February) | Peaceful + Moody
- Why Go: Quiet trails and occasional frosty or foggy forest magic.
- Vibe: Moody PNW vibes, frozen mist at the falls.
- Bonus: Virtually no crowds.
- Heads Up: Some trails may be icy or closed due to storm damage – check conditions first.
If you want peak waterfall flow and forest magic, go in April or May. For fall colors and solitude, aim for late October. I personally visited Silver Falls State Park at the beginning of April and the waterfalls were flowing and it was awesome.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Trail of Ten Falls
The Trail of Ten Falls is a loop hike that takes 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos, which let’s be honest, will be very often!
Practical Trail Information
- 🥾 Distance: 7.2 to 7.8 Miles (depending on side trails)
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Roughly 1,100 to 1,300 feet
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate due to distance and some steep stair sections and possible slippery paths near waterfalls
Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most iconic and rewarding outdoor experiences in Oregon. This 7.8 mile loop trail winds through the heart of Silver Falls State Park, showcasing ten breathtaking waterfalls within a lush, mossy temperate rainforest.
South Falls
Starting from the South Falls parking lot, this trailhead gives you immediate access to the first waterfall, which is the most dramatic and popular waterfall in the park. Famous South Falls is a powerful 177 foot curtain of water that you can walk behind via a carved out trail. It’s the perfect introduction to the magic that lies ahead.
Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Middle North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, & Twin Falls
From there, the Trail of Ten Falls hike descends deeper into the canyon along the Canyon Trail, where the forest thickens with towering Douglas firs, big leaf maples, and sea of ferns blanketing the forest floor.
As you continue, you’ll encounter a sequence of beautiful waterfalls, including Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Middle North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, and Twin Falls – each with its own character, sound, and misty atmosphere.
Four of the ten waterfalls have walk-behind access, offering a rare waterfall experience you won’t find many places in the world. And believe me, I search out waterfalls when I navigate the globe.
North Falls
Eventually, the trail climbs back toward North Falls, another massive cascade that you can also hike behind. After soaking in the final big show, you’ll transition to the Rim Trail, a quieter path that loops you back toward the starting point.
Though less dramatic than the canyon portion, the Rim Trail offers peaceful views through open forest, interpretive signs, and a chance to reflect on the beauty you just hiked through.
Finishing the loop brings you back to the South parking lot, where picnic tables, restrooms, and a visitor center make it easy to relax and refuel after the adventure.
Tips for Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
- ⏰ Start Early. Parking fills up fast, especially at South Falls parking area. Plus early light + better waterfall photos and fewer crowds.
- 🎒 Pack the Essentials. Water, snacks, and a rain jacket (it’s Oregon after all).
- 📸 Bring a Tripod & ND Filter. If you’re into photography, long exposure shots are chef’s kiss here 🤌.
- ☔️ Waterproof your gear – misty falls can soak your camera.
- Wear grippy, waterproof footwear. Trails can be muddy or slick, especially in spring and fall.
- 🥾 Danner Hiking Boots > sneakers for this one.
- Go Clockwise from South Falls. This give you the most scenic descent through the canyon trail first and a gentle return on the Rim Trail.
- 🐶 Dogs aren’t allowed on the main Trail of Ten Falls (including the Canyon Trail).
- 🚻 No restroom facilities on the trail itself – use the ones at South Falls or North Falls before heading out.
- 🗑️ Pack it in & Pack it out. There are no trash cans on the trail.
- 💧 Hydrate & Fuel. 7.8 Miles isn’t a casual stroll, bring enough water and fuel up beforehand.
- 🗺️ Maps are available at the visitor center or downloadable online.
- 📵 Cell service is limited so don’t rely on Google Maps.
Silver Falls State Park Camping
Silver Falls has an awesome campground and within a half mile walking distance to the South Falls Day-use area and South entrance. There are 52 tent sites, 45 electrical sites (with water hookups for RVs), and 14 cabins.
Amenities include flush restrooms and hot showers, drinking water, firewood for sale, fire rings & picnic tables at each site, a dump station for RV’s and a camp host on-site.
Pets are allowed in the campground and some cabins. They however are not allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls (but okay on Rim Trail & other areas).
Book online via ReserveAmerica. Sites fill quickly in the summer, so book weeks or months in advance. Prices range from $20 a night for a tent site, $34 for RV sites, and $53-$75 per night for cabins.
⚠️ As of April 2025, Silver Falls State Park Campground is closed due to construction. There are some cabins still available for rent. Check the Oregon State Parks Website for updates.
Other Places to Stay Near Silver Falls
- Camp Dakota – Where we stayed. Beautifully wooden campgrounds with adventure park. Perfect place to camp with kids.
- Oregon Garden Resort – Outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, and a beautifully landscaped 80-acre botanical wonderland.
- Silverton Inn & Suites – Located right in the historic downtown—great for walking to local breweries, restaurants, and boutiques.
Other Things to do in Silver Falls State Park
Planning on spending a day or two inside the park? Here are a few of other things to do in Silver Falls State Park.
Shorter Hikes & Scenic Viewpoints
- Maple Ridge Loop Trail: A scenic alternative to the full loop (2.5 miles)
- Upper North Falls Trail: A quick 0.5 mile walk to a beautiful waterfall (Pictured above)
- Winter Falls Loop: 5 mile loop that covers part of the Trail of Ten Falls with less traffic
Camp under the stars. The park has a year-round campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins which I wrote about in the previous section.
Picnic at South Falls day-use area. There are huge grassy areas with picnic tables, BBQ pits, and a seasonal concession stand. This thing to do in Silver Falls State Park is perfect for families as there’s lots of space to spread out and play.
Go Horseback Riding. There is 16 miles of dedicated horse trails through forests and meadows. Horse staging areas available – BYOH – bring your own horse.
Try Mountain Biking. The Howard Creek Trail system offers bike-friendly dirt paths. Ideal for beginners looking for forested rides.
Visit in winter months for a totally different vibe. Some trails remain open and are stunning in fog or frost. This is great for quiet forest walks and photography.
Other Awesome Hikes in Oregon
Tunnel Falls – An adventurous trail located deep within the Columbia River Gorge that literally tunnels behind a waterfall.
Hiking South Sisters: Oregon’s 3rd Highest Peak – One of Central Oregon’s most challenging hikes.
Misery Ridge Trail – Found in Smith Rock State Park, this trail offers spectacular views of the park’s rugged landscape, towering rock formations, and the Crooked River below.
Oregon Travel Vlogs
Would you rather see what hiking the Trail of Ten Falls is like? Joe and I have filmed several videos about some of our adventures around Oregon. Click below to watch our Oregon Travel Series.
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Final Thoughts on Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a weekend adventurer, or a photographer chasing that perfect shot, the Trail of Ten Falls delivers an unforgettable experience in every season.
This trail inside Silver Falls State Park is one of the best hikes in Oregon and I highly recommend it. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below 👇.
Oregon Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Oregon? Since moving to Oregon, I’ve been having a blast exploring this unreal part of the world and so much fun writing about it.
Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration and tips to help plan a trip of a lifetime to the PNW.
Best Things to do in Florence, Oregon
Best Things to do in Pacific City
Best Things to do on the Columbia River Gorge
Best Things to do in Bend (Local’s Guide)
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