Getting There

When travel south from Portland or anywhere north of Wilsonville, Google Maps recommends taking OR-551, just south of Charbonneau. I think it's a more enjoyable route that taking I-5 to Woodburn but I did take that route home. I preferred the freeway in the rain to a narrow two-lane highway.

I found gas (a 76 station) in Hubbard, OR. I think the per gallon cost was around $4.50.

Both routes go through Woodburn and you take a left on OR-214. This takes you through Mt Angel, where the big Oktoberfest is held. (Funny that the event is Sept 14-17, not even in October - WTF?)

Point of Interest

There is a covered bridge called the Gallon House Bridge on the right (south) about 1/2 way between Mt Angel and Silverton. This one you drive over the Abiqua Creek and through the countryside. Take Downs Road NE, the left on Gallon House Road NE/Oak Lane. You can get back to OR-214 at Hobart Road NE.

Continued

After about 13.5 miles from Silverton on OR-214, you'll come to the North Falls Trailhead parking lot and a hard right gooseneck turn. Continue another 2 miles to the South Falls Day Use Area. It's $5 a day for parking.

The Hike

Distance: 5.09 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,060 feet

I hadn't been out here in years. It's a bit touristy for my hiking tastes but I knew the waterfalls would make for some good pictures and I wanted to do something a little less strenuous. It was National Public Lands Day! The North Falls parking lot was nearly full and I knew the South Falls area had ample parking. It's where I'd started from on previous visits, including my last and that time I went with Brian and Andy and Jodie's dog, Miles, but had to leave him in the truck (sad face).

I found a trail ambassador with a big sign but while I was looking at where to go, a group came and rudely crowded me out. Dicks! I just started going on the first trail I saw, the Rim Trail which connects the South Falls Day area with Winter Falls and North Falls parking lots. I dropped into the canyon at Winter Falls and continued on the Canyon Trail.

The water levels were really low and two of the 10 falls were dry. No matter, most were flowing enough and were spectacular just the same. Silver Falls is known for it's trails that are carved into the rocks and go behind the waterfalls.

I kept going and although it seemed liked I was going away from my car at South Falls, the trail slowly curves around and back.

Somewhere I remembered hiking there and vaguely remember going in the opposite direction. I specifically remember going down the switchbacks at Lower South Falls and looping back in the Maple Ridge Trail, clockwise. This time I was going counterclockwise and enjoying the views just the same.

Close the South Falls, I saw a man that was sitting on the ground oddly. When some people ahead of me stopped to help him get up, I realized he wasn't just resting. This partner looked a bit concerned. When I got closer, I heard him say that he was experiencing a bit of vertigo. My volunteer/trail steward/first aid instincts kicked in. To my disappointment, he pointed at two guys behind me and asked for the "big strong guy" to help him negotiate a bumpy section of trail. I guess I didn't look sturdy enough. I followed and chatted with the man's partner.

When he told the other guys he was fine to carry on without them, they took off. I offered my hiking poles and said the 3-points-of-contact would add stability. He took them and started down the trail confidently. I continued to walk a bit behind him with his partner. When we got to another rock/bumpy section, she asked me to help by offering my hand and/or shoulder to lean on. I sped up and offered to take one of the poles in exchange for my hand. He put both poles in his right and I grabbed his hand. We introduced ourselves and I tried to lighten the mood by talking about the beautiful surroundings and being a volunteer at MSH.

We go to the bridge below South Falls. They said they were good to continue from there. I wasn't sure but a man's got his pride and there were lots of other people. Some other hikers had sent for some park rangers so they were going to wait for them. I wished them well and took the waterfall loop.

As I made my way to the other side, I saw the couple again. They had climbed a steeper incline and were making good progress. I offered my poles again but the partner said he was doing well with the railing for support. Shortly thereafter, two park rangers appeared. I knew they would take it from there. I wished the partner well again as the rangers were asking the man how he felt, etc. As I walked by I waved and he told them, I'd given my poles to use. I was glad to help someone out that was in-need on the trail and get (most of the way) back to the parking lot.

It was good 5 miles hike and I'd come back when the waterfalls were flowing again in the Fall after we get some rain!