Hiking Through Misty Bliss in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Hike through the winding paths of the Silver Falls State Park forest, where fresh air floods your lungs, blacktail deer dart between trees, and maidenhair ferns reach out at you with tapered fingers. After an uphill climb, rest in the cave behind the towering South Falls; its rapids descend before you as a massive sheet of white, and its rhythmic roar drowns out all other sounds, compelling auditory surrender. Around you, blue-green moss coats the cave like fur; above you, swifts and swallows soar, seemingly held aloft by the pulsing energy of the falls. As you descend to the foot of the waterfall, a silver mist rises and envelops you—blurring your vision, cooling your body, clearing your mind.
With 10 waterfalls all in a nine mile hike, make a day out of counting waterfalls. Moss covered trees and grand views are so abundant, you just might lose count! Prefer not to make the whole trek? Silver Falls gives up its most impressive falls within a short walk from the parking lot. If you can brave one hill, you will be rewarded with the chance to walk behind and feel the spray from the South Falls on your face. Don't worry, hot cocoa and snacks await you at the lodge when you decide to make the trek back to the top.
Let your cares melt away as you wind past Christmas tree farms and thick American rain forests to your Silver Falls State Park destination. When you arrive at the South Falls parking area, the $5.00 per car entrance fee will more than cover the breathtaking trail systems that wend down into a canyon and behind crashing, tumultuous water falls. During the rainy winter season, come prepared with boots and rain jackets, and be sure to pack your camera -- you'll want to keep the memories of your trip fresh after you return to reality.
Ten stunning waterfalls await the hiker who treks through Silver Falls State Park. On a hot summer day, take the trails that let you walk behind the waterfalls, and feel their cool refreshing mist on your face. Although the waterfalls are breathtaking, a plant and wildlife guidebook will add another dimension of nature education to your trip. At the bottom of the falls, dip your feet in the water as you watch for birds flittering in the treetops. From the majestic Douglas firs to the delicate wildflowers, the natural beauty of the park is enchanting.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk behind a waterfall, to feel the mist touch your face and hear the thunder of water falling above you? Visit Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon and you will get your wish --- not only once, but behind four different waterfalls! And if you take the Trail of Ten Falls, you’ll see seven more falls, all descending to a temperate rain forest floor covered with moss, ferns, and wildflowers. It’s like you stepped into Hobbit-land. The waterfalls range in size from the South Falls (177 feet) to the relatively small Drake Falls (27 feet). If you are looking for exercise, the park has over 25 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. The park is often used as a setting for weddings and other events. Cabin rentals and group accommodations can be found at the Silver Falls Conference Center.
Hike through the winding paths of the Silver Falls State Park forest, where fresh air floods your lungs, blacktail deer dart between trees, and maidenhair ferns reach out at you with tapered fingers. After an uphill climb, rest in the cave behind the towering South Falls; its rapids descend before you as a massive sheet of white, and its rhythmic roar drowns out all other sounds, compelling auditory surrender. Around you, blue-green moss coats the cave like fur; above you, swifts and swallows soar, seemingly held aloft by the pulsing energy of the falls. As you descend to the foot of the waterfall, a silver mist rises and envelops you—blurring your vision, cooling your body, clearing your mind.
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