This mature forest paradise is a destination of its own. You can camp at Silver Falls State Park, and explore its 10-Waterfall-Trail.
I could spend a month here, easily. If you wanted to extend your stay, you could use it as a base to explore your
Beautiful Oregon! It's a three hour (or less) drive to the Winter Wonderlands of Mt. Hood or Hoodoo Ski Resorts, for skiing or boarding; the Oregon Coast, with its Whales (I know many people in our Community love whales) to watch at Depoe Bay, Cape Foulweather, and MANY other prime locations; its Waterfront in Newport; or the World-Famous Tillamook Ice Creamery!...
...I, however, take portraits of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the falls, and their surroundings. So, I was privileged to spend all my time, even though it was only a day, at Silver Falls State Park :)
If you Love it, Thank a Columbia River Basin basalt flow during the Miocene Epoch, about 15 million years ago. If you go behind several of the falls you can see the seam between the existing shale and the basalt that overflowed it. Eons and an unimaginable volume of water went to work, carving out the softer material underneath, revealing the basalt ceiling.
There are some interesting patterns formed at these junctions.
Here is the Spectacular 137 foot drop of the North Falls! The Trail itself is long, at over 7 miles; and it is a vigorous hike. But, the views and wonders that you encounter will truly reward your effort!
The near constant spray from the falls maintains the perfect high-humidity environment in which many shade-loving plants thrive. This tiny Erythranthe alsinoides, formerly classified in the genus Mimulus, or Monkey Flower, its blossom is smaller than your fingernail, is shown here with a penny for scale:
This is a Dicentra species, or Bleeding Heart, shown here with some ripening seed pods.
And, bearing little resemblance to the hybrids found in local nurseries.
Nearby I found one of my favorite ferns, the Maidenhair (Adiantum). It has incredibly delicate and velvety leaves, an orbiculate leaf pattern and (usually) black stalks.
Maidenhair Fern - Adiantum pedatum
I don't think these qualified as falls, having a less than three foot drop. This, however, did not diminish their tranquility. This was a quiet place to meditate and relax; sitting (on a towel or blanket) on its basalt plateau invoked solace and reflection.
And, of course, what Oregon forest story could be complete without a gratuitous upshot of the canopy :]
You're Welcome :)
I will leave you with a portrait of the Middle North Falls' 106 foot drop. This was during a drought on a day that was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The time of the year that you visit will greatly determines the amount, and even state, of each of the waterfalls. They have a much higher volume of water (cubic feet per minute) during the rainy season; Spring, when the snow melts. Freezing is not unheard of for some of the falls when the temperature falls enough. However, if you visit during the Winter, trails may be limited, or hazardous, if there is snow present.
Thank you for joining me on my journey to Silver Falls State Park, gem of our Oregon State Parks System and #YourLand :)
Come On Over!
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