Trail of Ten Falls Oregon
Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State
Park, located about twenty miles southeast of Salem, is the largest state park
in Oregon. The 9,064-acre park is notable for its numerous waterfalls, the
tallest of which is Double Falls, at 178 feet. The best-known falls in the park
is South Falls, at 177 feet.
The Trail of Ten
Falls is a designated National Recreation Trail, and lures photographers,
hikers and waterfall enthusiasts alike.
Listed as a moderate hike with 800 feet elevation variation, sturdy
shoes and a camera are encouraged. Each of the three trailheads leading into
the canyon starts atop of an over one hundred foot waterfall. The decent into
the pristine canyon begins within the canopy of towering Douglas Firs, as it
meanders down to the undergrowth of ferns into the heart of the canyon, meeting
up with the winding creek. Whether you
are up for the full seven mile trek or a shortened journey, the Trail of 10
Falls is and enjoyable and beautiful hike as you as explore from one falls to
the next.
The full Trail of
10 Falls consist of Canyon Trail and Rim Trail, for a 7 mile loop. Parking for
these trail heads are South Falls and North Falls. Day Use parking passes may
be purchased at both locations. Entry to the Canyon Trail can also be accessed
via the Maple Ridge, Winter and North Group Access trail.
There are four
water falls that you are able to walk behind. South Falls is the famous one,
though Lower South, North and Middle North all have an amphitheater that
provides enough room for a trail. The
water of Silver Creek flows over a thick basalt lava flow that is resting on softer,
older rock. As the water loses elevation this softer layer beneath erodes and
created a natural pathway.
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