Silver Falls State Park, OR: Trail of Ten Falls

A waterfall lover’s—and photographer’s—nirvana, the Trail of Ten Falls features spectacular views above, below, and behind cascades of all shapes and sizes. Start at the South Falls trailhead, near parking lot F and descend the Canyon Trail to a short spur leading to Frenchie Falls. Soon afterwards, the route meets the South Falls junction. Go straight to trek through a cool, dripping cavern behind South Falls, or fork right to switchback down to the bridge below the falls.
On the west side of the canyon, continue along the main trail heading north to Lower South Falls. After traveling behind Lower South Falls, the trail turns northeast and starts following the North Fork Silver Creek. Next, tour four waterfalls in rapid succession: Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, and Middle North Falls. Stop and savor each one for its own unique beauty.
After 3 miles, continue straight on Canyon Trail at the junction with Winter Trail. The next fall is cascading Twin Falls where a fenced area offers limited views. The trail continues another mile up the canyon offering peeks of North Falls, then descends behind the falls into a huge cavern. Enjoy views from all angles.
On the other side of North Falls, ascend to a spur that leads east to Upper North Falls. Take the spur to another gorgeous waterfall spilling into a deep, quiet pool. After a snack and a refreshing dip, start your return on the Rim Trail. At mile 5.2, turn right onto Winter Trail and descend 900 feet to views of wispy Winter Falls. Return to the Rim Trail and head south, then west, through more fir and hemlock forest to return to your starting point.
Note: An extremely popular location during spring and summer weekends, hikers will find more solitude by hiking this loop mid-week.
-Mapped by Eli Boschetto, Bosco Mountain Photo

Trail Facts

• Distance: 12.4

Waypoints

TEN001

Location: 44.880865, -122.656986

Trail of Ten Falls trailhead.

TEN002

Location: 44.880923, -122.65752

At the junction of the Canyon and Rim trails, bear left onto Canyon Trail.

TEN003

Location: 44.880407, -122.658765

Turn right onto the short spur to visit Frenchie Falls.

TEN004

Location: 44.880696, -122.658068

Frenchie Falls: This small waterfall off the main trail is not included as one of the Ten Falls.

TEN005

Location: 44.879403, -122.658974

You have 2 options at the South Falls junction. 1. Go straight to take the trail behind the waterfall. 2. Take the right fork to descend to the bridge below the falls.

TEN006

Location: 44.879403, -122.659929

Cross the bridge below South Falls.

TEN007

Location: 44.885321, -122.661152

Take in the 93-foot Lower South Falls.

TEN008

Location: 44.888046, -122.66216

Stay left on Canyon Trail at the junction with Rim Trail.

TEN009

Location: 44.892143, -122.647226

Peer through the trees for views of the 30-foot Lower North Falls. Note: The access trail to water level is washed out.

TEN010

Location: 44.891702, -122.646512

Turn left onto the 0.25-mile spur to Double Falls.

TEN011

Location: 44.891968, -122.645262

Double Falls: Dropping 178 feet, this cascading waterfall is the tallest in the park.

TEN012

Location: 44.889878, -122.646089

Drake Falls: A platform high above the river offers views of this 27-foot cascade.

TEN013

Location: 44.889156, -122.643122

Turn right and descend the short spur to pass behind the 106-foot Middle North Falls.

TEN014

Location: 44.888495, -122.640349

Continue straight on Canyon Trail at the 3-way junction with Winter Trail. Note: To shorten this trip by 3 miles, turn right onto Winter Trail and follow it 0.4 mile to Waypoint 20.

TEN015

Location: 44.885568, -122.637076

Twin Falls: Protruding rocks split the North Fork Silver Creek to create the 31-foot Twin Falls; limited views.

TEN016

Location: 44.88493, -122.622399

North Falls: This 136-foot waterfall drops over a cavern.

TEN017

Location: 44.88442, -122.621745

Continue straight for a 0.8-mile out-and-back to Upper North Falls.

TEN018

Location: 44.882512, -122.614782

Upper North Falls: Often bypassed by other hikers, this 65-foot waterfall plunges into a deep pool.

TEN019

Location: 44.883691, -122.627195

North Falls viewpoint: Near the top of the loop, the trail cuts deeply behind this 136-foot “horsetail” waterfall.

TEN020

Location: 44.88455, -122.639871

Turn right at 3-way onto Winter Trail for a 0.3-mile round-trip to Winter Falls.

TEN021

Location: 44.884618, -122.640987

Winter Falls: This wispy, 134-foot cascade reaches its peak flow in early spring.

TEN022

Location: 44.87957, -122.65317

Cross the road and pick up the trail on the other side.

TEN023

Location: 44.879798, -122.656914

Pass a restroom. The trail continues north back to the trailhead.

Upper North Falls

Location: 44.882512, -122.614653

© Eli Boschetto

Frenchie Falls

Location: 44.880699, -122.658003

© Eli Boschetto

South Falls

Location: 44.879183, -122.65973

Trail loops behind these 177-foot falls for spectacular views.© Eli Boschetto

Columbia Windflower

Location: 44.882087, -122.659382

Delicate white flowers along the Trail of Ten Falls. © Eli Boschetto

Switchbacks

Location: 44.885466, -122.661763

Descending the Trail of Ten Falls to Lower South Falls. © Eli Boschetto

Lower South Falls

Location: 44.885401, -122.661029

Hiker on the trail behind Lower South Falls.

Lower North Falls

Location: 44.892151, -122.647065

© Eli Boschetto

Double Cascade

Location: 44.891976, -122.645193

© Eli Boschetto

Drake Falls

Location: 44.889893, -122.645949

© Eli Boschetto

Middle North

Location: 44.889186, -122.643787

© Eli Boschetto

Winter Bridge

Location: 44.888472, -122.640231

Bridge over the North Fork Silver Creek to Winter Falls and Rim Trail. © Eli Boschetto

Rainforest

Location: 44.888411, -122.639995

Sun filtering through the trees along the Winter Trail. © Eli Boschetto

Twin Falls

Location: 44.885553, -122.636755

© Eli Boschetto

North Falls

Location: 44.884937, -122.62226

View from inside the cavern. © Eli Boschetto

North Falls View

Location: 44.883668, -122.626981

© Eli Boschetto

Winter Falls

Location: 44.884626, -122.640912

© Eli Boschetto

Rim Trail

Location: 44.879152, -122.646475

After getting your fill of waterfalls, take a leisurely stroll back to the trailhead through shady woods. © Eli Boschetto