These rosebushes are the direct descendants of the original cuttings given to a Willamette Mission bride as a wedding present.
The monument gives a brief history of the Willamette Mission settlement.
Middle North Falls is a tantalizing treat to discover as it emerges between the trees and around the bend when you walk from Drake Falls, a tiny 0.2 miles.
Middle North Falls 103 feet high.
Return to:
Silver Creek Falls State Park
Pictured here from a small wooden deck is Drake Falls. Drake Falls is a cute little watershoot, maybe 45 to 50 degrees in slope.
A sign there reads:
Drake Falls was named after Mr. J.D. Drake, a Silverton photographer. He was instrumental in the creation of Silver Falls State Park, which was dedicated on July 23, 1933.
The fall is a steep rapid rather than a vertical waterfall. The layers of rock are equally hard and erode at the same rate.
Next waterfall on trail:
Middle North Falls
Return to:
Silver Creek Falls State Park
If you need a little coaxing, let me tell you that the extra 0.1 miles you have to walk from the main trail to visit Double Falls is quite worth the little stroll around the bend.
Double Falls is the highest waterfall in Silver Creek Falls State Park. Water drops a full 178 feet before splashing into the small pool at its base. Double Falls is a combination of two individual waterfalls. The highest, and smallest, waterfall can be seen near the top right of the picture.
Next waterfall on trail:
Drake Falls
Return to:
Silver Creek Falls State Park
Lower North Falls is a short 1.3 mile hike from Lower South Falls.
Notice the young couple sitting out on the edge of the waterfall in this picture. This is NOT recommeneded! Although the summer water levels are relatively low, one misstep or a slippery rock could ruin your day. Don’t take chances with Mother Nature
Lower North Falls is 30 feet high.
Next waterfall on trail:
Double Falls
Return to:
Silver Creek Falls State Park
Lower South Falls is just a little over one mile downstream from “South Falls.” The hike is quite easy, but there are some steps that must be traversed to reach the trail which goes behind the falls. Some times these steps can be wet and muddy so watch your footing.
Lower South Falls 93 feet high.
Next waterfall on trail
Lower North Falls
Return to
Silver Creek Falls State Park
At 177 feet high, South Falls is the most popular waterfall in the park. Although it is the largest of the Silver Creek Falls, Double Falls is one foot higher at 178 feet. Some argue the point that Double Falls is just that, two falls and thus should not be counted as one for height purposes.
Located a short quarter mile from the main parking lot, South Falls has a paved trail which forms a short loop. The loop is moderately steep in places and has a few switchbacks to and from the falls. As you hike along the trail you will travel behind the waterfall for a spectactual view, be prepared to get a little damp.
When you reach the bottom you will cross the bridge from which this picture was taken. You will find a nice pool to take a dip in if you brought your swimming outfits. From here you can take the trail to Lower South Falls or make the short assent back to the picnic and headquarters area.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Next waterfall on trail
Lower South Falls
Return to
Silver Creek Falls State Park
Nestled in the hills east of Salem, Oregon, Silver Creek Falls State Park is a favorite of both locals and out-of-towners alike. An easy half hour drive from Salem, you would be hard pressed to find a better park in which to observe so many beautiful waterfalls.
Silver Creek has two branches, the north and the south. South Falls and Lower South Falls are both formed by the southern branch of Silver Creek. The northern branch contains the large remainder of the waterfalls found in this park.
The best times of the year to view waterfalls is shortly after the spring snowmelt has begun. This will allow you to catch a view while the waterflow is at it’s maximum. April has been proven a good viewing month.
Take a hike with us as we visit the many beautiful waterfalls that Silver Creek’s two branches have developed.
Hikes vary in distance from 0.5 to 7.5 miles round trip.
hiking distance |
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| Hike from park HQ to South Falls and return. Most of the trail is paved but portions are steep and wet so use caution. | |
| The Mini Tour – Visit South Falls and Lower South Falls | |
| The Maxi Tour – Visit 6 of the 10 major waterfalls. South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls and Middle North Falls |
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| The Grand Tour – Visit all 10 Silver Creek waterfalls. |
Oregon State Park day use fee $3.00. The automated permit system accepts $5, $1 and $0.25.
Fort Rock is located in the high Oregon desert some 70 miles southeast of Bend, OR. Part of the northern Great Basin, the Fort Rock Valley is part of an ancient dried lake. Fort Rock itself is an extinct volcano. Native Americans made this place their home as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1938, archaeologist Luther Cressman found sandals made of bark and sagebrush in a nearby cave . They were carbon dated to over 9,000 years old It is reported that you can find trinkets and arrowheads in this area. (NOTE: It is a crime to remove any material from a State Park.)
The smell of sagebrush is strong in the air. Temperatures are in the extremes. In the summer it can become hotter than 100 degrees, in the winter freezing is expected. The growing season in Fort Rock Valley is very short but with modern irrigation farmers can produce up to three crops of high quality alfalfa.
The hike around the interior is about a 1 mile round trip.
Directions:
There are no Oregon State Park day use fees for this park
Pictured here is the beach of Cape Meares State Park.
If you like to hunt agates and other earth treasures this beach is for you. There is plenty of space to walk, listen to the waves and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to walk south towards the basalt face of Cape Meares and get a closer view of this geologic wonder.
From the beach, a short drive south on the main road will allow you a close view of the Cape Meares Lighthouse.
Cape Meares State Park is located about 15 miles west of Tillamook, OR.