In July, I hiked the 2.6-mile South Falls Loop trail through the wilderness of Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. This route, past South Falls and Lower South Falls, is part of the Trail of Ten Falls. See the map of the trails at the end of this post.

I parked in the lot near South Falls, hiking north along the Canyon Trail and then heading south along Maple Ridge Trail. Though I’ve visited the park before, I had my dogs, and they are only allowed on a few trails. This time I was going solo.

I took the short trail to the South Falls overlook from the parking area. You get great views from above of the 177-foot-tall waterfall.

If you have limited time, take the ¼-mile trail to the South Falls overlook. If you have more time, walk the 1-mile loop trail behind the falls.

Loop trail – clockwise route

After a brief stop at the overlook, I walked to the lower trail that goes behind the falls. Cool (literally)!

The photo below shows part of the rock wall that leads behind the falls.

As you keep heading north, looking back, you get views of the curving rock formations surrounding the falls.

The moderate trail runs parallel to South Fork Silver Creek.

When you’re getting close to Lower South Falls, you’ll descend a series of stairs.

As you descend, you get dramatic views of the 93-foot-tall Lower South Falls.

The trail once again winds behind the falls.

Here’s the rock wall behind the falls partially covered with maidenhair fern, one of my favorite plants!

Once you cross the river, you can continue north on the Canyon Trail or take the Maple Ridge Trail to the east, back to the parking area.

I took the Maple Ridge Trail, and it soon ascends in a series of switchbacks. On the map at the trailhead, it says “Steep” with a red exclamation point warning sign. Yeah, they aren’t kidding.

I took plenty of breaks during this part of the hike because my exercise-induced asthma kicked in. At one point, as I tired, I noticed a bench at the end of the switchback. Yay! A quick break was just what I needed.

“Somebody should set up a GoFundMe for more benches on this part of the trail,” I thought.

Continuing up the trail, I spotted another bench at the next switchback. The next turn had yet another bench. Someone must have been reading my thoughts!

The trail levels out after a short distance. In the summer months, lush green vegetation surrounds the trail. Several kinds of fern grow well in the humid environment. Majestic Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and maple trees grow beside the trail.

It’s a beautiful slice of wilderness, and when I hiked it, I saw very few people.

South Falls Loop vicinity

Consider a stop at the Nature Store on the way back. It’s small but full of treasures. There’s also a lodge & café, day-use area, and off-leash dog park near the parking area. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, there are charging stations here. There are camping sites, cabins, and lodges nearby for overnight visitors.

To park here, you must pay a fee for a permit. There are pay stations in the parking area for $5 day-use permits or you can buy 12 or 24 month state park permits online here.

Silver Falls State Park, at 9,000+ acres in size, is the largest in the state of Oregon. It’s often referred to as the “crown jewel” of parks in the state.

Here’s a map of the Trail of Ten Falls.

Ragtag Daily Post: Wilderness!