The Trail of Ten Falls is in Silver Falls State Park in northeast Oregon. As the name suggests, his breathtaking hike features ten majestic waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind. There are four trailheads with the full loop being 7.2 miles (11.5 km) round trip. With several trail options and a relatively flat terrain, this trail offers something for every hiker. Read on for everything you need to know about this stunning trail and my personal experience hiking it.
The South Falls Day-use Area has a cafΓ©, 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.
Planning Your Visit
The full loop is 7.2 miles (11.5 km) round trip, but you can choose shorter routes to suit your schedule. If you prefer a shorter hike, consider:
A 2.6-mile loop to see the iconic South Falls
A 5-mile loop to view 7 of the 10 waterfalls
Approximately 6 miles to see 8 of the 10 falls
For a comprehensive experience, hike the 6-mile loop and then drive to the North Falls parking lot for a brief walk to see all ten waterfalls. The hike is relatively flat with an 800-meter elevation gain, and it typically takes 4-5 hours to complete, including breaks and photo opportunities.
Starting Point: The South Falls Day-use Area is an excellent starting point with a cafΓ©, gift shop, and restrooms. There’s a small fee of $5 USD per vehicle for parking. Check out the full map here!
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.
Swimming 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!
Waterfall Highlights
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).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3 replies on “Trail of Ten Falls | Full Guide of this Stunning Waterfall Hike with Photos”
One of my fave hikes OF ALL TIME
Me too!! Gorgeous at every turn!
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