Behind Washington State, Oregon boasts the most waterfalls in the US making it a waterfall chaser’s paradise. The Silver Falls trail near Silverton brings you to 10 waterfalls if you walk the entire 6.5-mile Canyon/Rim loop. Unfortunately quantity does not equal quality, as the majority of the waterfalls are quite underwhelming, and only 3 – North, Middle North, and South falls, are worth checking out. The most unique aspects to these waterfalls are that you can walk behind them.

The Silver Falls State Park has 2 parking lots. Of the 2, the South Falls parking lot is the largest and is well equipped with restrooms and a cafe/shop. The $5 parking permit is paid at the vending kiosk.

But as always with hiking, the further you go, the more solitude you’ll get.

Once at the North Falls you have the option to return on the Canyon Trail, or complete the loop on the Rim trail. I’d recommend going back on the Canyon trail as the Rim trail hugs the road and there isn’t much to see on the trail.

This is a great hike for waterfall lovers and “virgins”. Unfortunately, for me, Havasu falls has ruined my ability to be impressed by regular waterfalls. I still appreciate them, but I’m no longer in awe.

• Hiking
• Oregon
• Travel
• USA