i.

When Jessie says Silver Falls State Park is one of her favourite places on the planet, I believe her. It’s almost April and the countryside is embroidered with flowers in a multitude of shapes and colours. We are standing behind the majestic South Falls— my first experience of standing behind a dancing veil of smokey water— silently, spraying cooling our faces. The rocks are damp with velvety pockets of atrociously green moss. Shards of sunlight sparkle like diamantes on the pool below the cascade. I do not jump in ecstasy. Instead, I stand close to Jessie, perhaps for assurance from a fellow human being, and stare in awe at the abundance that envelopes our insignificant selves.

South Falls Viewpoint

ii.

On the wooden bridge facing South Falls, we decide to hike half of The Trail of Ten Falls and return to Silver Falls State Park to hike the remaining miles another time. Impatient to capture the immaculate beauty of the waterfall, I forget to look at it without the curtain of my camera lenses. I know I seek an escape from the modern world but I lack the determination. I have Instagram on my mind as we hike through the woods, green and brown and dappled with sunlight, to Lower South Falls. On the steep staircase hewn along the hillside, my heart skips a beat as a child attempts to slide its slender body through the railings. We navigate the slippery trail, tiptoe across puddles to reach the chiaroscuro of geometric rock formations behind the watery veil. The sound of water hitting the creek below creates an echo chamber.

Also read: Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) Hike, Oregon

Lower South Falls, Silver Falls State Park
Lower South Falls

iii.

“A Steller’s Jay!” Jessie exclaims. The handsome blue bird is sitting on a low branch. The trail bifurcates here and we continue along the fork that goes towards Lower North Falls. Below the trail, Silver Creek flows unhurriedly through the canyon. We talk about our favourite books for a while, a conversation I usually find taxing and too intimate. When I tell Jessie that my favourite book is Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, it sounds like an indulgent confession. I do not know when this fear drilled roots into my ribcage but in my program, everyone seems unimpressed by the works of “dead, white writers,” especially if they are men. I haven’t read a lot of contemporary literature, I am ashamed of confessing. I return to the British Romantic poets for solace, I am afraid of confessing. But Jessie loves the novel too. We talk at some length about elitism and how a well-known contemporary American poet talked about her superior tastes in words that included phrases like “will never read Dickens” and “don’t expect me to read Hardy.” We settle down on a fallen log facing the graceful waterfall and eat soggy sandwiches. The pool below is uncharacteristically teal. “Fancy a swim?” I ask Jessie though I know it is prohibited.

Also read:  Trekking to the Living Double Decker Root Bridge in Cherrapunji

Lower North Falls

iv.

“The breeze creates an awesome 3D effect! The rainbow appears to be approaching the viewer,” a visitor remarks on his way back from Double Falls. We press closer and let the rainbow serenade us. Why are we drawn to illusions, I wonder? Is it the knowledge that we cannot reach them, cannot touch them? Jessie has been one of my pillars of support in this foreign land, encouraging me and inspiring me every single day. In the photo I click, the sunlight does not illuminate her; she is the sun.

Double Falls, Silver Falls State Park

v.

When I return to Silver Falls State Park with Emmanuel in the middle of May, there are flowers everywhere. Last time, we had seen four of the ten falls on the Canyon Trail before huffing and puffing to the parking lot along the steep switchbacks of the Maple Ridge Trail, past Frenchie Falls. This time we start at the other end and after circling the parking lot for some fifteen minutes in search of an empty spot, we begin our hike, past clumps of bluebells and buttercups, to Upper North Falls. I realize I have forgotten to insert the battery in my camera but it’s good to be back in the woods again. The hillside is deliriously bronze in the bright sunshine. There is nobody around and we spend long minutes watching the stream of water leap elegantly from the cliff and into the luminous blue pool at its base. The temptation to take off my clothes and dive into the pool is strong.

Upper North Falls, Silver Falls State Park

vi.

Emmanuel finds it hilarious that I lugged a heavy camera without its battery pack all the way. He is clicking photos of humongous mushrooms and narrow streams chuckling down the hillside on his phone. We can hear the roar of North Falls from afar and I start walking faster, impatient to see the source of the sound. It doesn’t disappoint. A frothy cascade free-falls from 136 ft to embrace the Silver Creek. We gingerly make our way into the dark, cavernous area behind the falls. The difference in temperature is evident; it feels as if we are standing inside a subterranean cave, the mouth of which is curtained by a shimmering veil. The scent is unique: damp and musty, an exhalation of the earth.

North Falls, Silver Falls State Park

vii.

Soon we have descended to the base of the canyon, walking leisurely through a tunnel of trees and shrubs, past a massive tree with gigantic roots exposed like fat veins sprawling on the hillside. We rest for a few minutes on a log at the edge of the creek and eat strawberries as the water swirls and eddies by us. The wind whistles through the canyon; above us the great breathing sky, periwinkle blue and endless. We are a little disappointed with Twin Falls because it does not match our expectations. The boundaries that we construct in our minds! I make a conscious attempt at crossing the threshold to find delight in finding something that is nothing like the picture I had painted in my head. I seek solace in the mossy articulations of the woods. Twin Falls is split in the middle by a craggy rock, thus the name. I miss Jessie. I wonder what she would have to say about this unimaginative nomenclature.

Silver Falls State Park Trail

viii.

My forgetfulness has actually been a boon. I am looking around more, sensing the environment more. I am touching the wild roses, inhaling their perfume. I am kneeling to look closely at wildflowers. I am more attuned to bird calls. Instagram is not the thing taking up most of my brain space. I am more perceptive, more attuned to the self and to the abundance of joy around me. Columns of sunlight slip between branches with glossy, green leaves. The descent to Middle North Falls is muddy. We move slower, slip behind the waterfalls, and emerge with our faces wet and radiant. From a distance, the waterfall appears squarish like a flat veil of tulle. There are not many hikers in this part of the park. Solitude is a blessing.

Silver Creek

ix.

Just 0.2 miles further down the canyon is Drake Falls. At 27 ft, it is one of the shortest in the park. There is something unkempt about its beauty, something not quite graspable. A boy skips stones into the creek from the overlook. We stop for a while chitchatting about the price of rentals in Corvallis. The conversation then moves to Emmanuel’s mother’s Mexican cooking classes and the mouth-watering description of a choco-flan she makes.

Silver Creek
Silver Falls State Park

x.

We trace our steps back, pausing a while in the damp cavern behind Middle North Falls, then getting on the Winter Trail towards Winter Falls. It is loud, the water plunging from 134 ft into the rocky creek below. Emmanuel points at the striations on the hillside: bedrock, smaller particles of rock, packed soil but all the talk about food has made me hungry. We take the Rim Trail to the car park, stopping frequently to examine wildflowers and plants. A Steller’s Jay flutters ahead of us for sometime before disappearing into the wilderness.

Silver Falls State Park is undoubtedly one of Oregon’s gems. The Trail of Ten Falls hike is 8.7 miles long and takes at least 4 hrs. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on a log by the creek or on a bench behind one of the waterfalls. Check the trail map here.

Silver Falls State Park Hike

Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

46 responses to “Field Notes: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon”

  1. Dalibro Avatar
    Dalibro

    Wow, these look insane! Totally writing down Oregon on my list 🙂 Great photos by the way 😉

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Dalibro! Oregon is gorgeous, really…all of it!

  2. Alan @ MorePassportStamps.com Avatar
    Alan @ MorePassportStamps.com

    Silver Falls State Park looks lovely. As much as I love the waterfalls, my favourite photo is the one with the blue bird!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks! Yes, the Steller’s Jay is such a magnificent shade of blue.

  3. Lance Avatar
    Lance

    Silver Falls State Park is beautiful. Of course, most of the state of Oregon is amazing. I love the lush landscapes of the Oregon woods. And those waterfalls are impressive. I love the picture of the Steller’s Jay. It’s blue coloring is a great contrast to the greens and browns of the park. And for the record, I love Wuthering Heights too.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      We seem to share a lot of likes 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by!

  4. Michelle Joy (@harborsnhavens) Avatar
    Michelle Joy (@harborsnhavens)

    I love chasing waterfalls! We haven’t been to Oregon in such a long time, but we’ll definitely have to check this one out the next time we’re in the state!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Oregon is pretty much THE place for waterfall chasers! You much visit the Columbia Gorge. It’s breathtaking.

  5. Smita Chandra Avatar
    Smita Chandra

    Wow, lovely pics and writeup. I didn’t know the waterfalls in Oregon were so gorgeous, will definitely put it on my travel wish list!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you, Smita! Oregon has numerous waterfalls. My favourites are the ones in Silver Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.

  6. Jhoana Carla Avatar
    Jhoana Carla

    Nature never ceases to amaze me and it is evident just how beautiful and calming nature is in your photos! Just look at the waterfalls!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Jhoana. It’s like an oasis of peace.

  7. Kylee Avatar
    Kylee

    What gorgeous photos and an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Kylee!

  8. Vy Nguyen Avatar
    Vy Nguyen

    Those photos are so wonderful. I want to visit the Silver Falls State Park someday.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      You must! It’s so beautiful and tranquil.

  9. Candy Avatar
    Candy

    Silver Falls State Park looks like so much fun! I love going on hikes with waterfalls. I’ll definitely bring some snacks and extra batteries for my heavy camera 🙂

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Yes! The extra batteries are a must!

  10. SecretMoona Avatar
    SecretMoona

    This Silver Falls State Park looks amazing and tranquil. I can picture myself there enjoying the sights and the sounds of the birds chirping. Love the photos too!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks! Silver Falls State Park is an escape from the cacophony of life 🙂

  11. Mama Travels Earth Avatar
    Mama Travels Earth

    Beautifully written, very poetic and lovely photos. Reading this, totally evokes the atmosphere of the place.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you so much for stopping by!

  12. alice ford Avatar
    alice ford

    This was one of the best guides to a hike I have ever read. I loved how you seamlessly made this walk into a tale of beauty and exploration. It didn’t fee like or read like a hiking guide, but I learned all the things i wanted to and experienced it truly through your eyes.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Alicia! We wanted to offer our experience instead of providing information about the hike all of which is available on numerous sites on the internet.

  13. catherinemryan Avatar
    catherinemryan

    I live in Oregon and am so glad you found this gem of a state park. I’ve hiked this route a number of times over the years and never get tired of its beauty.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      All I want is to go back 🙂

  14. NEXTINATION Avatar
    NEXTINATION

    Wow!!! I am also a waterfall chaser. These ones are amazing!! I remember to see some amazing ones while in Bali and of course in Iguazu.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Gotta go to Bali someday 🙂
      Thanks for stopping by.

  15. cheerfultrails Avatar
    cheerfultrails

    Wow! The waterfall looks so amazing. I can only imagine how it must be experiencing the trip there. You have captured the waterfall very beautifully. Great narration as well👍🏻

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you so much!

  16. Jewels Rhode Avatar
    Jewels Rhode

    Silver Falls look so serene! This is my first time hearing about this. I would love to visit soon.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      You must! Thanks for stopping by.

  17. Flying Fluskey Avatar
    Flying Fluskey

    How could you ever get bored of a State Park full of such ogrgeous waterfalls. I mean, if changes that much between April and May, imagine the differences in October, or a frozen December day. I am not surprised you guys keep coming back…and don’t worry, we all have the Instagram niggle when we see something so gorgeous. We just want to share it!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Haha! Thanks for your kind words. I’d love to go back in the winter when South Falls is frozen and everything is covered with a quiet film of snow. The silence must be so heavy.

  18. Delisa Zak Avatar
    Delisa Zak

    Love these falls! I’m in Oregon right now but haven’t been to Silver Falls in about 20 years. Time to go back!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Yes! Silver Falls is stunning 🙂

  19. Ashfina Avatar
    Ashfina

    your pictures are simply outstanding. love the tones 🙂

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Ashfina!

  20. ARI Avatar
    ARI

    YOUR WRITING IS LIKE POETRY. MAN I ONLY REMEMBER OREGON FROM ONE CAMPING TRIP IN MY CHILDHOOD, BUT YOU TOOK ME ON QUITE THE ADVENTURE WITH YOU JUST NOW. WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK! INCREDIBLE!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you so much!

  21. Shaily Avatar
    Shaily

    Wow! What an awe-inspiring experience! Silver Falls State Park looks extremely beautiful. I love your description of the falls and your style of writing. When we are in the midst of raw nature experiencing its abundance and significance, our ego and self proclaimed significance seems futile. This self realisation is such a heavenly experience. Hopefully, I’ll explore this park someday to soak in its untainted beauty and take a journey within. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Shaily. Solitude is such a blessing in this world.

  22. Alex Trembath Avatar
    Alex Trembath

    I’m hearing more and more about Oregon. We are planning to do a roadtrip down the west coast of the USA starting in Vancouver and ending in Mexico. At first we were most excited about the likes of San Francisco, Redwood California and Vegas, but now Oregon is very much on that list! The falls look amazing and it seems a great place to trek and explore.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      The Oregon Coast is gorgeous. Our favourite hikes on the coast are Cape Perpetua and Neahkahnie Mountain. I highly recommend doing a detour to see the Columbia River Gorge. It’s so picturesque!

  23. Ankan Avatar
    Ankan

    very well put…the place got some poetic touch through your writing…
    i was listening to some white music and started reading this…it got arranged so beautifully..made my read more mesmerizing..try reading it with the below music in background…hope you will feel much more celebrating..

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      I will! Thanks, Ankan 🙂

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