Hike Behind the South Falls Waterfall

Silverton, Oregon

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Details

Distance

1 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lindsey Banks

Awesome waterfall views177 foot waterfall that you can walk behindOregon's largest state park hosting camping, RV and cabin spots, picnicking, hikes, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Silver Falls State Park is located about 30 minutes east of Salem, Oregon and is the largest state park in Oregon.

It is most famous for South Falls, a 177 foot waterfall that you can view from behind.

You can view the South Falls from a short 1 mile loop hike that will take you behind the waterfall, or along the Trail of Ten Falls, a 9-mile loop hike.

To access the South Falls hike, start at the South Falls day use parking area. This is a large parking lot so you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot. Walk on the paved trail past the South Falls Lodge. The South Falls hike will take you into a cave behind the falls and around to a bridge where you can view the falls from the front. To return to the trailhead, you will hike up a fairly steep incline.

The area behind the falls can be wet and muddy so proper shoes are recommended.

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Waterfall

Hike Behind the South Falls Waterfall Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Trail of Ten Falls Loop

The unique feature of South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls are the paths that pass behind the falls providing an amazing visual and auditory experience; however, be sure to have a good bag for your equipment to avoid water damage and a decent jacket (preferably water-resistant). One should be cautious when walking behind the waterfalls as the ground can be slippery or icy depe...

Camp in Silver Falls State Park

If you're thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls Loop and staying overnight, there are 42 tent campsites (available from April – Oct) as well as 14 rustic cabins. With multiple beds, heat, electricity, a covered porch, and a small fridge, they provide the perfect respite after a long day of exploring the park’s cool and often damp trails.Make your reservations here.

South Silver Falls

Shellburg Falls

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Abiqua Falls

This trail is unmarked and a little rough and rugged. The land is privately owned by Mount Angel Abbey, but they don't appear to have problems with courteous hikers. Walking out of the parking area back up the road in the direction you came from, you’ll pass one dirt trail right at the ending of the parking area. Look about a little further down the road (~100 feet) and find the second trail – ...

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