16 | Willamette Valley 2022 Travel Guide EXPLORE THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY’S MAJESTIC WATERFALLS At times, the Willamette Valley and its nearly two dozen waterfalls can feel like a fairy tale. After all, where else can you walk behind thundering cascades, admire fastmoving chutes from forested riverbanks and walk across ancient lava flows before gazing upon crystal-clear falls? You can do it all—and more—at picturesque waterfalls in the Oregon Coast Range and across the West Cascades. Begin your scenic trip here, and learn more about the other waterfalls of the Willamette Valley at willamettevalley.org/guide-to-waterfalls. SILVER FALLS STATE PARK AND THE TRAIL OF TEN FALLS Silver Falls State Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system— and its namesake waterfalls routinely draw visitors from around the world. The 7.2-mile (round-trip) Trail of Ten Falls hike is easily the park’s most popular attraction. Here a trail descends into a forested river canyon where hikers can view an astounding 10 waterfalls. Five of those are taller than 100 feet, and hikers can walk behind four. Don’t have time for all 10? You can still view many of the park’s waterfalls along several shorter loops that begin from the South Falls and North Falls day-use areas. Whichever hike you choose, keep in mind that Silver Falls State Park is rightfully popular—so try to visit before 9:00 a.m., and aim for a weekday outing to enjoy some solitude. Silver Falls State Park Natural Wonders | Willamette Valley Travel Guide S ver Falls State Park’s namesake waterfalls rou nely d w tors from around e world.
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