Trail of Ten Falls: A Hiking Guide to Silver Falls State Park (With Photos)

The Trail of Ten Falls is an 8-mile loop at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, passing ten waterfalls, four of which you can walk directly behind! It’s about 75 minutes from Portland and 35 minutes from Salem, and it’s consistently one of the most-hiked trails in the state.

I’ve done it twice: once in heavy rain, once on a clear Memorial Day weekend. Both times were worth it. Inside is everything you need to plan your visit to one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.

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Complete Guide to the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park

Everything you need for a beautiful trip is below, so let’s dive in and have a great time!

On the Trail – Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls

Quick Trail of Ten Falls Trail Details:

• Length: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 3-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Parking Fee: $5 per vehicle (day-use) – Dogs: Not allowed on the Canyon Trail portion where the waterfalls are

The Trail of Ten Falls is a 8-mile loop that takes you in front of, behind, and up close to an incredible array of gorgeous waterfalls. You’ll be blown away at every turn.

The roaring cascades, ranging from gentle trickles to thundering torrents, create a symphony of sounds harmonizing with the rustling leaves and birdsong.

The trail meanders through rugged canyons, moss-covered cliffs, and wooden footbridges, adding a touch of magic to the experience. Be prepared to get up close and personal with some falls, allowing you to feel the refreshing spray on your face and reconnect with nature on an intimate level.

As you progress along the path, don’t miss the magnificent South Falls, where an awe-inspiring cavern allows you to walk behind the thundering cascade, a thrilling experience that remains etched in memory.

For the second trip, it was a busy Sunday during Memorial Day Weekend, so we opted to do the trail counterclockwise, putting the famous South Falls at the end. This also means we had a leisurely two-mile walk to start in the forest with no waterfalls to look at.

But this also meant we backloaded the waterfalls, giving us magical moments to look forward to.

Waterfalls You’ll See on the Trail of Ten Falls

Starting clockwise according to the map below:

South Falls (Parking Area Nearby)

Lower South Falls

Lower North Falls

Double Falls

Drake Falls

This one’s hard to photograph, and it’s also the smallest of the falls on the hike.

Middle North Falls

Twin Falls

North Falls (Parking Area Nearby)

Upper North Falls

We didn’t get to this one due to time constraints. It is a 3/4-mile to 1-mile round-trip detour.

Winter Falls (Parking Area Nearby)

Winter falls can be seen by hiking down, but we were doing the full loop. You can see a part of it from the top, but it didn’t warrant photos.

The Walk-Behind Waterfalls

The defining feature of this hike is that four of the ten waterfalls have trails that pass directly behind the curtain of water — South Falls, Lower South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls.

South Falls is the most dramatic of the four at 177 feet, and it’s the first one you hit going clockwise from the main trailhead. If you only have time for a short visit, the South Falls loop alone is worth the drive.

Trail of Ten Falls Map

See the map of the trail of 10 falls. You can plan to go clockwise or counterclockwise. Or do a shorter route by cutting it in half by Winter Falls and then driving to the North Falls.

What makes the Trail of Ten Falls so cool?

It’s an elaborate trail full of magical waterfalls. Ten waterfalls, in fact, come roaring out of every nook and cranny as it tumbles down towards the river below. Plus, the 7.5-mile hike isn’t too strenuous (only 1,100 feet of gain), so it’s super doable.

If you love walking in forests, seeing waterfalls, and enjoying a serene scene, this hike is for you!

This is a great way to get your waterfall fix while exploring Oregon!

Are you heading to Bend? I’ve got you covered with the best waterfalls!

Is the Trail of Ten Falls worth it?

100% yes, the Trail of Ten Falls is worth visiting. It might be the best display of waterfalls in all of Oregon (Columbia River Gorge is a good rival), and it’s so good for the entire family. You will have the best time here and leave with good memories.

I’ve been here twice, but the first time was pouring on me. The second time, we had a bluebird day, and it was unbelievably beautiful. I honestly think this is one of the must-do hikes in the entire state of Oregon.

Everything you need to know before visiting Silver Falls State Park

How do I get to the Trail of Ten Falls?

You’ll want to head southeast of Salem, Oregon, to reach Silver Falls State Park and the Trail of Ten Falls. It’s about half an hour’s drive from the state capital. From Portland, it’s around 75 minutes.

Once you enter the state park, the main parking area is just a few minutes ahead.

What is the best time to visit the Trail of Ten Falls?

The most optimal time to visit is the spring and summer. While spring is the rainy season in Oregon, it’s also when the waterfalls are at their peak. The first time I visited, it was pouring, but I still enjoyed exploring the park.

When it’s raining, the crowds are limited, which makes for a more enjoyable experience.

In the Fall and Winter, you’ll have much fewer crowds, but the days will be colder, shorter, and probably rainy (definitely cloudy). But this might be your cup of tea to enjoy the views without swarms of people around.

Lastly, and this goes for all seasons, visiting during the week will drastically reduce how many people are on the trail with you.

What is my favorite waterfall on the Trail of Ten Falls?

South Falls, the first one you come to, is the best, in my opinion. They didn’t think building up would be good, haha! Moments after leaving the trailhead/parking lot, you’ll head down and behind the waterfall. To say it’s stunning is an understatement.

During my second trip, Middle North Falls captivated me! I loved the various angles you could photograph, and its medium-sized flow rate created stunning long-exposure photos! Plus, it was less crowded, thanks to being in the middle of the hike.

Which way should I hike the loop in Silver Falls State Park?

Most people start by walking under the South Falls, which means you will complete the hike clockwise. However, it doesn’t matter too much.

If you go counterclockwise, which I did the second time, you won’t get your first waterfall for two miles. You’re basically crossing off the boringest part of the hike (and most of the uphill) at the beginning.

Essential items to pack for the Trail of Ten Falls.

Here’s what I would recommend for hiking the Trail of Ten Falls. The heavier rain gear may not be needed if it’s sunny! You can find all you need at REI.

Photography Gear I Brought on the Hike

Lodging options for visitors exploring the Trail of Ten Falls

Silver Falls State Park Campground

There’s a lovely campground inside Silver Falls State Park. It’s about half a mile from the Trail of Ten Falls Trailhead, making it easy to access. I only slept here one night on my trip – and it rained cats and dogs – but I enjoyed it, and the facilities were well-kept!

Does Silver Falls State Park have full hookups?

Yes, the campground has ten full RV hookups on Loop A.

How many campsites does it have? (Via Oregon State Parks website)

• 48 electrical sites with water (18+ sites open year-round)
• 43 tent sites with water nearby (seasonal May–Oct.)
• 14 cabins (7 pet-friendly, open year-round)
• Flush toilets and showers
• Universal Access: Campsites B2 and B4, four cabins, and campground restrooms/showers are accessible.

Cabins Near Silver Falls State Park

There are a few cabins and smaller glamping arrangments near Silver Fall State Park. However, I might just go with staying in Salem and having more amenities.

Best Hotel Options Close to Trail of Ten Falls

The nearest hotels are around Salem and will be the best bang for your buck. It’s a 35-minute drive to the park. None that I particularly recommend, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find something that works.

Recreate Responsibly on the Trail of Ten Falls

As you hike around the Trail of Ten Falls, remember to stay on the trail, don’t cut switchbacks, and leave it as you found it. Creating atmospheres where the people who visit after you enjoy just as much as you did is vital to welcoming more people into the outdoors and environmental movement.

Also, be observant of people taking photos. Everyone wants to get “the shot” so try not to hog the spots for longer than necessary.

FAQ – Silver Falls State Park

Let’s answer some lingering questions!

How long does it take to hike the Trail of Ten Falls?

You won’t be speed hiking this, that’s for sure. Give yourself 3-5 hours on this trail to enjoy it and snap all the photos you can imagine.

I only have 90 minutes to explore. What should I do?

I would drive, park at South Falls, and do the short loop around there. It should only take you about 30 minutes to hike it. Then, go to North Falls and do that short hike to walk under the falls.

If you have more time, you could do a 5-mile day and see Lower North Falls, Drake, and Double Falls. This would be only going halfway clockwise and then turning around.

Are there bears in Silver Falls State Park?

I’m sure some bears are in the area, but with how crowded the park and area are, they will stay away. If you are camping, store your food appropriately, and remember NEVER to feed the wildlife.

Final Thoughts on Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls

The Trail of Ten Falls is one of those hikes that holds up every time. The waterfalls don’t
get old, the forest stays green year-round, and the fact that you can walk behind four of them
never stops being a good experience. I’d put it in the top tier of day hikes in the Pacific
Northwest, not just Oregon.

If you go on a dry weekday in spring, you’ll have long stretches of the trail mostly to
yourself. If you go on a sunny summer weekend, you won’t — but it’ll still be worth it.

Bring waterproof shoes regardless of the forecast. The spray near the falls keeps the rocks
wet all year.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube