Silver Falls State Park Is the Single Best State Park in Oregon and It’s Just Waiting To Be Explored

Oregon State Parks are extraordinary, period. The Oregon State Park system is one of the most popular in the country, attracting over 53 million visitors each year to its 255 superlative parks. All of Oregon's state parks are worthy of a visit; each and every one of them offers its own unique geography, geological features, climates (temperate rainforests in Oregon? You bet!), and experiences. But, today we're playing favorites, which is why we're naming Silver Falls State Park as *the best* state park in Oregon. This park is breathtakingly beautiful; it possesses many of the Beaver State's unique features and wonders; and with an abundance of stellar trails and campsites, Silver Falls stands out as Oregon's single best state park.

Silver Falls State Park is a vision; a portrait of pure, pristine, perfect Oregon beauty. Widely considered the ‘crown jewel’ of Oregon’s state park system, this gem is located just outside of Salem, not far from Eugene and Portland. At 9,000 glorious acres, Silver Falls is the largest and most popular state park in Oregon, and it's easy to see why once you see all this wondrous place has to offer.

One of the most unique things about Oregon's state parks is their incredible diversity. Even within one singular park, you'll find a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Silver Falls State Park, for example, is home to a lush temperate rainforest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Oregon grape, and other native trees and plants.

The camping at Silver Falls State Park is spectacular; if you're into pitching a tent and having an authentic experience in Oregon nature, this is the place to do it. If you're into a more "glamping" kind of experience, Silver Falls State Park has 14 of the most charming, cozy cabins available to reserve.

Of course, this Oregon state park is best known for its waterfalls, with South Falls the most spectacular, and the smaller North Falls and Middle Falls also often visited. On the Trail of Ten Falls Loop, you can visit all 10 of the park's winsome waterfalls.

We'll start with the showstopper: the beautiful, 177-foot South Falls. Where else but in Oregon can you actually walk behind a waterfall curtain? Seeing the famous South Falls from this vantage point is truly an Oregon bucket list experience.

Not to be overshadowed, North Falls plunges 136 feet over a moss-covered basalt cliff, in a thunderous display of pure power.

Middle North Falls is another of the park's collection of cascades. The 106-foot-tall waterfall takes the form of a series of narrow columns of water, creating a unique effect that looks almost too perfect to be real. (In case you couldn't tell, Silver Falls State Park really is just bursting with beauty, and it's hard to narrow down our favorite features!)

If you really want to take your experience of Silver Falls State Park to the next level, however, go during the fall. In the autumn, the fall foliage and filtered sunlight create a golden glow around this picture-perfect Oregon park, and the effect will totally take your breath away.

Do you agree with our choice of the best state park in Oregon? If not, which Oregon State Park is your favorite? Nominate it for a chance to be featured on Only In Your State! And if you are looking for even more travel inspiration in the Beaver State, check out our list featuring a dozen of the most spectacular, unique state parks in Oregon.