Join us for a meditation hike at Silver Falls on Saturday!
We’ll start hiking right at South Falls Lodge Trailhead. We’ll teach a form of walking meditation that you can do, and may stop for a short kirtan (mantra music meditation) if there’s a good spot to pause and sit
Trail description:
Explore this 7.4-mile loop trail near Mehama, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 21 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Located under an hour from Salem, Silver Falls State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular route to see all the falls, with just a moderate level of difficulty.
The route itself is actually a combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail. You’ll start out at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead. The loop can be done in either direction, but the mapped route on this page goes in a clockwise direction. There are also many alternate trailheads, some of which do not require a parking fee.
If going clockwise, you’ll pass the falls in the following order: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls. The falls range from 27 feet to 178 feet, and 4 of them you can even walk behind. There are plenty of benches, and the trail is extremely well maintained.
There is no significant elevation gain, and there are chances to lessen the distance if needed. This route is great for the whole family. If you plan to see all the falls, your route length may be longer than what's mapped here.
How to get to Trail of Ten Falls?
Drive Interstate 5 to Salem. Drive east on Highway 22 to exit 7, signed for OR Highway 214. Continue on 214 4.2 miles to Silver Falls State Park.
Turn left into the first entrance you'll pass. Pay at the toll booth if it's open, or use the drop box.
Alternatively, from the east side of Portland, you can take Exit 10 on I-205 and drive south on Oregon 213. Highway 213 heads straight into the old downtown district of Silverton. Turn left on to Highway 214 and drive 14 miles to the Silver Falls State Park. pass North Falls Trailhead on the right, the parking area for the North Falls Viewpoint and the Winter Falls Trailhead. Soon you'll see signs pointing out South Falls Lodge to the right.
Parking: $10 dollars per vehicle for parking (unless you have an OR park pass).
Carpooling is recommended, unpaid parking may be available but you'll need to look to see what works for you.
