Welcome to another round of Kelso Family Adventures! Silver Falls is a traditional hike for #MySweetandSticky every year in December. It fits perfectly into that week after Christmas when all the days run together and everyone needs to get outside. If you have family in town and need an outing in the Salem area, this is it.
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Silver Falls in December
I like this hike in December because there is usually a ton of water running over the falls and they’re bigger. You do need to bundle up though because you’re going to get wet, and cold. Of course, this is the perfect hike for the boys to wear their Black Bear Hoods though!
Shop My Etsy Shop: Black Bear Character Hoods
Grab a candy cane and head for South Falls! It’s a beautiful hike that is very easy for kids and grandparents. The entire trail has these handrails and is very well maintained. Once you’ve made it to South Falls you can turn around and head back up the trail. In December, with the water higher, it’s not safe to go down to the bottom of the falls, hiker discretion is advised.
Silver Falls in September
The other time of year that we hike Silver Falls is September when all the leaves are changing. The water isn’t flowing as much either, which allows us to hike down to the bottom of the waterfall. You do need to go off-roading and it’s much harder to get to this part, so be aware. You’ll want really good shoes as it is slippery.
There are no bathrooms along the trail, but there is a very nice cafe when you finish the loop. Here is the technical and detailed information about Silver Falls if you’re interested:
Everything you need to know about Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park, located in the heart of Oregon, is a natural gem that offers an array of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Spanning over 9,000 acres, it is the largest state park in Oregon and is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park’s centerpiece is the Trail of Ten Falls, an 8.7-mile loop that takes visitors on a journey through dense woods and past ten majestic waterfalls, including the iconic South Falls, which plunges 177 feet into a serene pool below. This trail is not only a hiker’s paradise but also offers unique opportunities to walk behind several of the waterfalls, providing a refreshing and immersive experience.
In addition to hiking, Silver Falls State Park caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts well-maintained campgrounds, picnic areas, and spots for bird watching, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers. For those interested in more adventurous pursuits, there are designated areas for mountain biking and horseback riding. The park’s rich biodiversity means that visitors might encounter deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species, adding to the sense of wilderness and adventure.
Educational programs and guided tours are also available, offering insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecology. Silver Falls State Park has a storied past, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years. It became a state park in the 1930s, thanks in part to the efforts of local conservationists and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, it stands as a testament to natural beauty and conservation. While inviting visitors of all ages to explore and appreciate the wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or education, Silver Falls State Park promises to leave a lasting impression.
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