Fall is an ideal time to visit Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. While many of Oregon’s beautiful Columbia River Gorge waterfall trails will need evaluation and repair after the recent wildfires, Silver Falls is untouched and absolutely stunning in fall.

Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park and has conference grounds, lodge, picnic shelters, and campground. Some call it the “Crown Jewel” of the Oregon State Parks. You can actually hike behind a 177-foot waterfall and feel the mist on your face. Or, just relax at a picnic table and soak in the autumn sun and enjoy the colorful leaves surrounding you.

Silver Falls State Park is a great destination for a day or a camping vacation.

Getting to Silver Falls

Drive scenic Hwy 214 east from Salem and in less than an hour you’ll arrive in a historic and beautiful state park.

Silver Falls State Park is an important Oregon destination. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

A Bit of Silver Falls History

Silver Falls State Park was officially dedicated on July 23, 1933. Before that, the area was logged. Later on, local entrepreneurs charged admission to see the waterfalls on their property. Because of the falls, the area was popular for picnicking and hiking.

When you visit Silver Falls State Park today you can see the historic South Falls Lodge. It is one of the park structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1940. Many CCC-built structures dot Oregon, recognizable because of the quality of construction utilizing massive stonework and woodwork. They usually make use of materials from the surrounding area.

Relax a while at the historic South Lodge at Silver Falls. Photo courtesy Carol Fairbanks

This lodge was built with materials taken from the park. Look inside. The tables that still exist today were built with two Myrtlewood trees.

The South Falls Lodge was restored and re-opened in 1978. It is the building that houses the Visitors Center and café. Seasonally you can pick up a snack or warm sandwich at the snack bar. There are additional historic buildings at Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center.

Taking it Easy at Silver Falls

A visit to Silver Falls State Park provides almost everyone with access to the upper-level viewpoint of 177-foot South Falls. It’s a brief walk from the parking lot.

Looking down at South Falls from the overlook. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

But to realize why Silver Falls State Park is such an attraction, you’ll need to take the quick but steep hike on a scenic loop down to and behind South Falls. Be sure and wear day hikers, and perhaps bring a hiking stick. It can get muddy and slippery.

The trail behind the falls. It can get pretty misty there! Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

One fall day I took a hike with some friends who planned to do a much longer hike taking them way past the main falls. As I approached the trail, I noticed that the fog was enveloping the trees. As I started down the trail, the fog began to thin and the sun shimmered through. We passed behind the falls, enjoyed the spray, and walked down to the lower bridge.

An exhilarating WOW moment from behind the falls. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

I looked up and the scene had changed again. I just stood in awe of what was transpiring. The effect was a display of beautiful rays. I snapped a few photos and continued to enjoy the sunlight coming over the crest and lighting up the falls.

The fog thinned and the rays of the sun shown through. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The autumn leaves began to glow as the fog dissipated and the sun rose enough to warm the branches. It was at that point I told my friends to keep going and I’d stick around to photograph the morning’s beauty.

The sun brightened the fall foliage. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

This decision also gave me time to explore the historic stone buildings of the park. It was that morning that I came to understand why people called Silver Falls the “Crown Jewel of Oregon State Parks.”

Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls

My friends continued on and returned with stories of the falls they had seen (the ones I had missed!). They took the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through the densely forested landscape.

The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon and descends to a winding creek on the forest floor. This 7.2-mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet. There are sections where you cannot bring dogs. I would allow about three hours to do the hike. You just have to stop and marvel at the falls.

A mother and child out hiking stop and admire the beauty of Upper North Falls. Photo courtesy Carol Fairbanks

After You Visit Silver Falls

After a morning of hiking, consider visiting a winery or two. We have a few area favorites.

Left Coast Cellars, with beautiful hillside vineyards and a wood-fired pizza café, is located in Rickreall, Oregon on the way back to Salem. All their wines are from grapes grown in their own vineyards. In fact, they have orchards and beehives and make a fun “Bee Bubbly” with their estate honey.

Left Coast Cellars serves up wood-fired pizza with their estate wines. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

And then, of course, there is the well-respected Willamette Valley Vineyards, also close to Salem. Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “The Best Vineyard/Tasting Room Experience” by Sunset Magazine. The views from the tasting room are amazing, the wine is excellent (try their Full Cluster Pinot Noir) and they have a café where you can pick up lunch while you taste.

Wine with a view at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

For a romantic getaway, Willamette Valley Vineyards has two view suites. You can actually move in and stay there on the property. We were hosted for overnight and experienced what the vineyards are like after hours when the front gate is closed and the visitors leave.

If still want some outdoor fun, try the Oregon Gardens where you can wander through the gardens and even strike out on one of their trails. The Oregon Gardens host special holiday events and concerts. It’s the type of place that is fun to explore the year ‘round. We went in fall and were surprised to see so much color and diverse plant life.

Fall brings brilliant color to the Oregon Gardens. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Silver Falls is one of our 5 must-do experiences in the Salem, Oregon area. And you’ll fall in love with the whole region in autumn.

Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations, meals, and experiences for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.