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.
East of Lincoln City, OR, is Drift Creek Falls. This short hike will only take an afternoon. Just before crossing the gorge that Drift Creek Falls empties into you will walk across a 240 foot suspension bridge. This is longest suspension bridge in Oregon or Washington State.
Looking down 100 feet below you can see the pool created by the waterfall. After crossing the bridge it is just a short hike down to the creek. You can walk right up to the pool under the waterfall, take a dip if you dare (burrr). Here you will find a host of small animals and a large variety of ferns. Drift Creek Falls is 75 feet high.
Directions: