Take a Family Hike to 10 Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and, most notably, Multnomah Falls. However, there is another waterfall wonderland just a short drive from Portland to the south. This lush park is Silver Falls State Park, nestled amongst the Cascade Mountains. Featuring every imaginable hue of green, this park is a delight to the young and old. If your family, like mine, loves the outdoors, then pack a picnic lunch and head out for a day of adventure at Silver Falls.

Quick Stats
Admission: $5 per day or you can purchase an annual states park pass for $30
Location: Oregon Highway 214 south of Portland and east of Salem
Pets Allowed: Not allowed along the canyon trail; allowed along the rim trail
Amenities: Campground, day use lodge, picnic shelters, gift shop, ADA buildings, ranger programs, and more
Website: yes

The Waterfalls and Canyon Trail

Silver Falls State Park contains 10 beautiful waterfalls, all viewable via the Canyon Trail (also known as the Trail of Ten Falls). This trail system loops around the park through a rich, moss-encrusted forest. Dainty wildflowers are hidden amongst the greenery, sometimes vivid and sometimes muted. I like to let my young hikers take kid-friendly binoculars to examine the flowers and birds along the trail.

The trail often has steep cliffs and drop-offs so watch your children carefully. You can actually feel the mist and view waterfalls from the backside on 4 different falls including South Falls (177 feet), Lower South Falls (93 feet), Middle North Falls (106 feet), and North Falls (136 feet). Be prepared to get a bit wet and take some protective plastic for your camera. I took a short video of the walk behind Lower South Falls here.

Allow a full-day if you want to hike to all 10 waterfalls. Some of the waterfalls are accessible via short spur trails off the main Canyon Trail so total mileage will vary depending on how many falls you want to visit.

My favorite family hiking experience in the park starts at the South Falls Day Use Area. Taking the Canyon Trail from South Falls, we usually hike along the loop and see seven total falls. With a sturdy daypack containing lunch and plenty of water, we have a great day absorbing nature and enjoying family time.

Hiking Silver Falls with Young Children

Young children may not have the stamina to do the Canyon Trail loop. You can still hike a short distance and let them experience the majesty of this waterfall wonderland. At South Falls Day Use Area, you can see the falls by taking a very short walk to the overlook.

If you just want to walk behind one waterfall, then you can hike a short distance down the Canyon Trail, go behind South Falls, and hike back up. While driving into the park, you can also stop at North Falls or Winter Falls and hike a short distance along the trail to see each waterfall.

To keep young children entertained, I like to bring a small nature notepad. Take a small pad of paper and draw a few items that you are likely to see along the hike. Let your children color in the items or cross them off like a scavenger hunt. Have a few blank pages where your children can write or draw in other items that catch their interest like a pretty leaf or a strange bug.