The One Park in Oregon With Waterfalls, Camping, Trails, and a Beach Truly Has It All

We love visiting Oregon's state parks. Each one has something special to offer, but there's one that we're particularly fond of—Silver Falls State Park. This beautiful destination checks off all the boxes for a place that travelers and locals alike will love: wildflowers, camping, hiking trails, and even a beach. But there is one type of natural feature that people travel far and wide to see—the Silver Falls State Park waterfalls.

What To Know About Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in the Beaver State, and its 9,200 acres are full of things to see and do. If for some reason you haven't yet visited this park, make plans to do so asap. This may be one of the busiest parks in Oregon, but after you visit just once, you’ll immediately understand why it's at the top of so many travelers' bucket lists. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and near the city of Salem, the beauty of this park is astounding. Silver Falls State Park is home to a deep, rocky canyon where you’ll not only find gorgeous forest views but also a series of waterfalls.

Highlights of the Trail of Ten Falls

Start your visit with a hike on one of the park's gorgeous trails. With more than 35 miles of backcountry trails, there are plenty of places to explore in this Oregon park. However, the Trail of Ten Falls is where you should start. The Trail of Ten Falls is the park's most popular trail and takes you past ten stunning waterfalls. The 7.8-mile loop trail is an easy stroll that takes most people three to five hours, depending on how long you stand gazing in wonder at each waterfall. If you're short on time, you can cut the trail short via different shortcuts along the way.

The Best Waterfalls You Can See (And Walk Behind)

South Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls, and is where you can experience the view from behind a waterfall. Also near South Falls, you’ll find a day-use area complete with a lodge, café, and nature store. This is a terrific area to enjoy a picnic, rest, and stop for a snack. Plus, you’ll find a designated swimming area here if you want some time along a soft shore. You can access the Trail of Ten Falls at this day-use area, and it is a great place to begin and end your hiking journey, if you wish.

Things to Know Before You Visit Silver Falls State Park

While this Oregon state park is open throughout the year, spring is often the best time to visit if you wish to see the waterfalls truly roar. Keep your eyes open for beautiful wildflowers scattered all throughout the park during this time of year, as well. These bright blooms are found everywhere, and the park even has a wildflower guide to help you identify them.

While you can certainly enjoy a day trip to this park, we recommend spending the night. There are 48 electrical campsites with water, 43 tent sites (these are seasonal campsites), and 14 cabins you can reserve. Not all campsites are available throughout the year. However, no matter when you visit, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made up to six months in advance. Reservations are required for all cabin stays.

There is a reason Silver Falls State Park is known as the "crown jewel" of the Oregon parks—it is magical. From its Silver Falls hike to the home of Oregon's best waterfalls, it is a little slice of heaven for outdoor lovers, waterfall chasers, and those who just want to capture countless remarkable views. This is an Oregon state park that truly has it all.