Trail of Ten Falls: Hiking Silver Falls State Park in Oregon

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Sometimes I forget that as a single adult with zero children, I have the free will to book a flight and just go somewhere domestically with zero obligations holding me back. Well, except fiscal responsibility, which, at age 35, my philosophy is still pretty millennial-esque with a little YOLO thrown in.

That’s exactly how I found myself in Oregon for a long weekend, hiking one of the most famous waterfall trails in the Pacific Northwest: the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park.

After spending several months working on my walking endurance and increasing my weekly mileage, I wanted to put some of that progress to the test. When a friend shared a video of Silver Falls State Park, I immediately added it to my travel wish list. A few weeks later, I had a plane ticket booked.

And honestly? It was worth every mile.

Where Is the Trail of Ten Falls?

The Trail of Ten Falls is located inside Silver Falls State Park, approximately 20 miles east of Salem, Oregon. The park is one of Oregon’s most popular state parks and is particularly well known for its collection of waterfalls tucked into a lush, forested landscape.

The park’s famous waterfall loop takes hikers through a temperate rainforest filled with towering Douglas fir trees, moss-covered rocks, ferns, and, of course, waterfalls.

What makes this trail especially unique is that several of the waterfalls have paths that allow you to walk behind the cascading water. It’s not every day you get to experience a waterfall from both sides! This was something I have had on my bucket list forever (walking behind a waterfall), and I am so glad I got to mark it off the list. That is what life is all about!

Trail of Ten Falls Hiking Details

Before heading out, here are a few details to help you plan your visit.

• Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
• Trail: Trail of Ten Falls
• Distance: Approximately 7.6 miles for the full loop
• Difficulty: Moderate (honestly, most of it is EASY, but it’s the changes in elevation that may get you)
• Elevation: Rolling terrain with some significant climbs
• Waterfalls: Ten named waterfalls along the route
• Trail type: Loop
• Best for: Waterfall enthusiasts, nature photography, and hikers looking for a longer day hike

The trail can be completed in either direction. I chose to hike counterclockwise, but regardless of which direction you choose, expect a combination of forest paths, stairs, inclines, and muddy sections depending on recent weather.

Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in October

I visited Silver Falls State Park in October, which turned out to be a wonderful time to experience the trail.

Coming from South Georgia, where fall temperatures can be a little questionable, I was excited to experience actual cool hiking weather. Temperatures were hovering around 40 degrees when I started, making it ideal for a longer hike.

The forest was beautiful, with fallen leaves covering portions of the trail and moss growing along the rocks and trees. It had that classic Pacific Northwest atmosphere that makes you want to stop every few minutes to take another picture.

I arrived around 8:30 a.m. and was surprised to see the parking lot already filling up. There was also a race taking place that weekend, which likely contributed to the additional crowds.

My advice? Arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.

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What to Expect Along the Trail

The biggest attraction, naturally, is the waterfalls. The Trail of Ten Falls features ten named waterfalls, each offering a slightly different view and experience.

One of my favorite parts of the hike was getting to walk behind several of the waterfalls. The trails take you through natural rock formations and behind the falling water, giving you a completely different perspective than simply viewing a waterfall from the trail.

You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for photography, from wide waterfall views to smaller details throughout the forest.

I managed to see nine of the ten waterfalls during my visit. One was dry, which can happen depending on seasonal water levels and recent rainfall.

If you’re visiting specifically for the waterfalls, keep in mind that their flow can vary throughout the year. Fall offers beautiful scenery, but spring and early summer can be particularly rewarding for waterfall viewing.

The Hardest Part of the Trail of Ten Falls

For most of the hike, I felt fantastic. The terrain was manageable, the scenery was beautiful, and I was enjoying every minute.

Then came the last mile and a half.

I don’t know who decided that the final stretch needed quite so much elevation gain, but I would like to have a conversation.

The final portion involved a combination of stairs and steep inclines that made for a pretty challenging finish. According to my watch, I climbed the equivalent of 55 floors throughout the hike.

Fifty-five!

After spending most of the morning wandering through the forest and admiring waterfalls, that final uphill stretch definitely reminded me that this was, in fact, a 7.6-mile hike.

I made it back to the trailhead, tired but incredibly happy with myself.

Having spent the last several months gradually increasing my walking distance, it was rewarding to see how much my endurance had improved.

Tips for Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls

If you’re planning a visit to Silver Falls State Park, here are a few things I’d recommend:

1. Arrive early. Parking can fill up, particularly on weekends and during popular travel seasons. I arrived around 8:30 a.m. and the lot was already getting busy.

2. Wear shoes with good traction. The forest floor can be muddy, wet, and slippery. Waterproof hiking shoes are worth considering.

3. Bring a camera. Between the waterfalls, forest scenery, and unique views from behind the falls, there are plenty of photo opportunities.

4. Dress in layers. Temperatures can be cool in the morning, especially during fall and winter. You’ll likely warm up once you start hiking.

5. Bring water and snacks. A 7.6-mile hike takes time, and you’ll want to stay hydrated and have something to eat along the way.

6. Don’t underestimate the elevation. While much of the trail is enjoyable and relatively manageable, the final uphill sections can be challenging. Save a little energy for the return to the trailhead.

7. Check trail conditions before visiting. Weather, seasonal water levels, and trail closures can affect your experience. Check the Oregon State Parks website before heading out.

Is the Trail of Ten Falls Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is one of those hikes that makes you appreciate just how beautiful the outdoors can be. Between the ten named waterfalls, the ability to walk behind several of them, and the incredible forest scenery, there’s a reason this trail is such a popular Oregon destination.

I traveled across the country specifically to hike this trail, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Was the last mile and a half a little brutal? Yes. Did I question my life choices while climbing what felt like an endless staircase? Also yes.

But it was magical, challenging, and completely worth it.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned lately, it’s that sometimes the best adventures start with a little spontaneity, a plane ticket, and a willingness to see what your legs can do.