Silver Falls State Park is the perfect way to eliminate the distractions of a life we all find ourselves tethered to computers and phones and heck now watches! Deep in the woods, in Oregon that references the University of Oregon’s basketball court but one has to wonder if Silver Falls wasn’t what they had in mind when they designed their court. You’ll be beneath a canopy of Douglas Firs and surrounded by a bevy of waterfalls and trails and any other outdoor activity you might want.
Stay In Silver Falls
Silver Falls isn’t a place to take a day trip. If you want to go to Silver Falls make sure you plan more than a couple of hours. This is a 9,000 acre park that will more than satisfy your adventurous side.
We chose to stay in a cabin, though that certainly wasn’t the only option. You can set up a tent or an RV easily and just as affordably. The cabins are small and very basic. A table and four chairs, a couch and three single beds and a double bed. There is heat and lights, but no outlets, no internet (the lodge does have free wifi) and no cell service. Bring your own bedding and food. It’s also a ridiculous bargain, 40 dollars a night and whatever you spend in groceries. We grabbed peanut butter and jelly so for under $50 we were completely covered.
At this point I’m guessing half of you love this idea and half hate it, and usually I’d be in the latter camp. There’s something very different about this place, it’s like camping on steroids. The sights, sounds, views and smells are all much more vivid in Silver Falls.
The Wildlife In Silver Falls
Black Tailed Deer crossing in front of our Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in Silver Falls State Park.
Within the first hour after waking up we spotted an owl, at least 20 black tail deer and about a half dozen rabbits. With a very tight schedule and some confusion with regards to the time the trails open we were unable to do the long “trail of ten falls.” We were able to go to a number of view points including the South and North Falls.
Due to the limited time we did have in Silver Falls and not walking any trails we didn’t see any of the other wildlife that Silver Falls boasts. Those animals include elk, gophers, beavers, black bears and cougars just to name a few.
If you’re a birder, there are plenty of species you can spot. Listed on friends of silver falls, there are 13 different species of birds and looking at owls alone there are 8 different owl breeds alone.
The Falls of Silver Falls
Oregon’s largest state park, Silver Falls, has more than 15 waterfalls and over 24 miles of walking trails. The jewel of the park is South Falls. If you’re not able or inclined to doing the trail of ten falls you can still see this enormous water fall by walking less than a mile. From there you will see a beautiful overhead view of the falls, you’ll also be able to view what the trails look like and make a determination if you’d like to move forward. A little ways down the road there is a place you’re able to pull of and get a very similar view of the North Falls.
Staying in Silver Falls is an experience I’ll never forget. The smell of pine and the staggering cover of Douglas fir trees that are some of the biggest I’ve ever seen in my entire life. The beautiful scenery and wildlife that surrounds you and the serenity and simplification that not having the normal connection to the outside world that runs our lives now. With that said there is free WiFi at the lodge, so if you’re going to stay a few days or even a week, you’ll be able to get your fix!