Woman in a blue jacket and white ball cap, with her blonde hair in a ponytail, looking out at a waterfall. She has her hands on a wood railing that is wet from the mist from the waterfall. The waterfall in the background is falling from a rock canyon with people walking behind it.

Trail of Ten Falls | Full Guide with Photos

May 16, 2024 /

The Trail of Ten Falls is in Silver Falls State Park in northeast Oregon. As the name suggests, it’s a hiking trail with 10 waterfalls. Four of the ten waterfalls you can walk behind! There are four trailheads with the full loop being 7.2 miles (11.5 km) round trip. If you’re not up for the full hike, you can opt for a 2.6 mile loop to see just the South Falls (arguably the most impressive), a 5 mile loop to see 7 of the 10 falls, or approximately 6 miles to see 8 of the 10. You can also do the 6 mile loop to see most of the falls, and then drive to the North Falls parking lot for a shorter hike to see all 10 total. It’s a relatively flat hike, with 800 m elevation gain total. It took us about 4-5 hours to see all 10 waterfalls, stop for a lunch break, and take a lot of photos.

The South Falls Day-use Area has a café, gift shop, and restrooms, and is a great starting point. There is a small fee ($5USD per vehicle) for the day use parking lots. You can see the full map here! Read on to see photos of each of the ten waterfalls along this wonderful trail.

Table of Contents

When is the Best Time to Hike the Trail of Ten Falls?

Silver Falls State Park is open year-round for hiking, but waterfalls are most impressive in the spring (February to April). If you’re able to travel during this season, opt for April when there are typically less tourists too! Even better, plan the hike for a weekday. The fall season would also be spectacular with the bright fall foliage.

We arrived on a Sunday morning in April. It was relatively busy but we were able to see the South Falls with almost no one else around. However, by the time we got back to the trailhead after lunch, the South Falls Day Area was packed with people! An earlier start time is definitely better during the peak tourist seasons.

Can you swim at the Trail of Ten Falls?

Swimming is permitted at the Upper North Falls. There is a relatively flat rock to put your clothes on, and a pretty wide pool at the base of the falls. If you’re up for it, jump in!

South Falls

What might be the most impressive falls along the entire trail is the South Falls. The trail is about 2.6 miles to see just this waterfall, with a 0.8 mile hike in, about 1 mile loop to go from the top of the falls to the bottom, and then back to the parking lot. It’s relatively accessible to get to (with some steeper sections) and absolutely stunning. It’s also the first of four waterfalls you can walk behind (so be prepared to get a bit wet).

Woman in a blue jacket and white ball cap, with her blonde hair in a ponytail, looking out at a waterfall. She has her hands on a wood railing that is wet from the mist from the waterfall. The waterfall in the background is falling from a rock canyon with people walking behind it.

Lower South Falls

The second waterfall on the trail is the beautiful Lower South Falls: the second one you can walk behind! You also get to see this one from all sides, as the trail goes up to it on one side, wraps behind the falls, and heads along on the other side. It’s set in a wonderful landscape. Be careful if you hop on the rock wall, especially because it’s slippery behind the falls.

Waterfall over the edge of a rock canyon with a walking path behind it.

Lower North Falls

As you walk along the trail, you’ll spot the Lower North Falls to the right through the trees. There is a small spot to step off from the trail to take some photos and lookout at the waterfall. There’s also a lovely bridge crossing over the falls, as you can see in the photo below!

A waterfall in the middle of a river/canyon. There is a bridge just beyond the top of the waterfall to cross on, and a fallen tree in the water, trailing down the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by green foliage and trees, with the river flowing below.

Double Falls

Located just off the main path is the magical Double Falls. It’s a bit hard to see, but there is a small waterfall above the large waterfall, before they fall into a small pool of water.

Two women standing on a fallen tree in front of the Double Falls in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The two women have their arms around each others shoulders with their outside arms up. The waterfall in the background is almost four times the height of the women, falling from the top of a canyon onto moss covered rocks.
Woman walking towards a tall waterfall in Oregon. There is a tree fallen across the path leading to the waterfall, with an opening to pass under. The waterfall is falling from a rock cliff surrounded by green foliage.

Drake Falls

Off to the side of the trail is the Drake Falls. This one is a smaller waterfall and harder to see then the others.

Waterfall in the middle of a river canyon, surrounded by green foliage and trees.

Middle North Falls

One of the four waterfalls you can walk behind on this trail. You can see it from further away along the trail (pictured below). Then continue along the trail until you walk behind it. Finally, if you continue just past the waterfall, you can see it from a bit closer from the front!

Middle North Falls is a two level waterfall. The first level is falling from the edge of a canyon onto rocks. The second level flows down the a rock cliff into a pool of water. The photo has the waterfall in the background with bokeh leaves in the foreground.
Woman in a blue jacket, white ball cap, and a purple MEC Hiking daypack standing on a sandy ledge. She is looking out at a waterfall in the distance, falling into a river that winds in front of her. The area is surrounded by green trees and foliage.

Winter Falls

The Winter Falls has a gorgeous moss covered rock that the water flows over. I love seeing the close-up shots of the water falling over the rocks, especially in a long exposure!

Winter Falls in Silver Falls State Park is a two level waterfalls. The first level is falling from the edge of a canyon onto moss covered rocks. The second level flows down the moss covered rocks into a pool of water.
A trail from a waterfall over moss moss covered rocks. The water is smooth from a long exposure photo of the waterfall.

Twin Falls

Similar to the Drake Falls, the Twin Falls is a smaller waterfall off the side of the trail. It’s a bit harder to see from any vantage, and there is a rope railing to deter people from climbing out on the rocks. It also dries up most summers and is the least visited falls along the trail.

The Twin Falls in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The waterfall is a relatively small waterfall in the middle of a river falling down the side of eroded rocks. There is green foliage along the edge of the river.

North Falls

If you’re feeling tired or pressed for time, you can cut out about 2 miles from the round trip by driving to the North Falls Trailhead. The North Falls Trailhead is between the two waterfalls and absolutely worth the stop. The North Falls is another waterfall you can walk behind. It also has a pretty significant cavern which makes it more unique than the others. There is a large set of stairs to get down, and a viewing point further along the path.

Large waterfall flowing from a river with small waterfalls, and a walking path behind the waterfall. There is a rock cliff, and green trees.
A large cavern is cut through the cliff with a waterfall falling off the edge of a canyon.

Upper North Falls

Finally, the last of the waterfalls is the beautiful Upper North Falls. Take a short walk from the North Falls Trailhead, to this fairly large pool of water at the base of the Upper North Falls.

Waterfall flowing into a pool of water with a woman in a blue jacket, grey lululemon pants, and white Vessi ball cap standing on a flat rock.
Waterfall flowing into a pool of water with flat rocks to stand on.

The Trail of Ten Falls Hike

Lastly, the trail between all the falls is gorgeous. The moss covered trees and winding creeks and rivers lend a fairy-esque feeling along the trail. The trail is relatively flat for a majority of the hike. There are a few steeper sections to get down to some of the falls.

Looking up at the tops of Douglas Fir Trees in Oregon Silver Falls State Park along the Trail of Ten Falls
Woman walking along a path in the woods of the Trail of Ten Falls. The left side of the path is protected by a wooden railing as tall as the woman, and the right is a rock cliff. Tree branches reach out over the path and woman.
Moss covered tree branches along a hiking trail at the Trail of Ten Falls. There is a wooden railing in the background.

What to Wear and Bring on the Hike

I’ve started bringing a day pack on every hike, even short ones! A day pack is great to have water, snacks, an emergency first aid kit, and somewhere to store layers. I hiked around Ontario for about 8 years before picking up a day pack and now I can’t imagine hiking without one. Thrifting is also a great way to find gently used hiking gear, like tops and bottoms. You don’t have to spend a fortune on new outfits to enjoy the outdoors!

Day Pack: I have a small 18L daypack from MEC and so far I’ve loved it. You can often find it on sale for under $40. I recommend finding a day pack with a hydration sleeve for a hydration pack, side pockets for extra water/snacks, and a small pocket to access things like keys.

Hiking Shoes: You can definitely get away with just sneakers here, but I’ve been finding that hiking with proper hiking shoes makes a huge difference for me. I love my Oboz Sawtooth shoes, and they are also waterproof. One of the big differences I notice with proper hiking shoes compared to sneakers is the sole: hiking shoes have a sturdy sole so you don’t feel rocks and branches as you’re walking. Trust me, your feet will thank you later.

Hiking Socks: Another big difference I’ve noticed when hiking is wearing proper hiking socks. I usually wear ankle socks on regular days at home, but hiking socks with padding and support help immensely.

Hiking Tops: Natural fibres are the best (merino wool) for odor-reducing, moisture-wicking and comfort levels. I almost always wear layers, bringing a lightweight jacket for moments when I stop along the trail or at a summit. Even in the summer, after sweating along the hike, a small jacket will help you stay warm and not cool down too much.

Hiking Bottoms: I exclusively hike in leggings. Not only does it help with ticks in Ontario, but I like the compression and comfort of pants, even in the summer. However, there are plenty of bottoms for people who like pants, crops, or shorts! Wear what you feel most comfortable in.

Water and Snacks: Another reason to have a day pack: somewhere to store water and snacks. A hydration pack is great, because the mouthpiece is convenient and you don’t have to stop to drink. You can take small sips throughout the hike to stay hydrated. Snacks are also key, especially on longer hikes, to stay fueled and energized. Even a small protein bar or piece of fruit goes a long way on a hike!

Read more: Hiking Essentials | Complete List from a Beginner

Woman in a blue jacket and white ball cap, with her blonde hair in a ponytail, looking out at a waterfall. She has her hands on a wood railing that is wet from the mist from the waterfall. The waterfall in the background is falling from a rock canyon with people walking behind it.
A woman crossing her feet with Oboz hiking shoes on with a waterfall on the Trail of Ten Falls in the background.
Woman in a blue jacket, white ball cap, and a purple MEC Hiking daypack standing on a sandy ledge. She is looking out at a waterfall in the distance, falling into a river that winds in front of her. The area is surrounded by green trees and foliage.

LEAVE NO TRACE WHEN HIKING THE TRAIL OF TEN FALLS

For all hikes and outdoor adventures, you should follow the Leave No Trace Principles (LNT). These principles are guidelines that help people plan, prepare, and adventure more consciously. You are reducing your impact when enjoying nature when you follow LNT principles. This includes staying the centre of the path (even when it’s muddy), not leaving anything behind (including apple cores, banana peels, etc.), and others to help wildlife and the ecosystem you’re travelling through.

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