Last Updated: August 18, 2025
Thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon? Read on for our top-to-bottom guide with photos, maps, tips, highlights, and more.
Where: Sublimity, Oregon
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,420 feet
Time to Complete: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: May – October
Park Fee: $5
Hiker Traffic: Heavy
Cell Service: Little to none
Noel’s Rating: 
4.5 out of 5
It’s ridiculous that I waited over a year after moving to Oregon to hike the Trail of Ten Falls, but I finally made it at long last.
This 8.6-mile loop cuts through dense mossy forest, past ten (yes, ten) waterfalls, shaded canyons, and calm watering holes you’ll be tempted to dive into.
In this article, I’ll cover when to go, how to get to the trail, what to expect, what to pack, and all the highlights.
Keep reading to learn how to make the most of one of Oregon’s best day hikes, just over an hour from Portland.
Map of Trail of Ten Falls Hike
The Trail of Ten Falls is within the Silver Falls State Park
Getting Prepared
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Trail of Ten Falls depends on what you’re after.
If you’re chasing peak flow, visit in late spring when glacial melt swells the waterfalls.
For the full experience — think sun, volume, and swimming weather — aim for a warm, clear day in May or early June.
That said, there’s no wrong time to hike this loop; it’s a good excuse to get outside, rain, shine, flow, or no flow.
What to Bring
Come prepared to maximize your experience on the Trail of Ten Falls.
Grippy shoes are a must, as sections of this hike, especially near the waterfalls, can get quite slick.
Waterproof gear is wise even on sunny days, as the falls throw plenty of spray onto the trail.
And don’t forget the obvious: water, snacks, and offline maps (more on these later).
Check out my day hiking checklist and the best hiking and backpacking gear of 2025 for more gear recommendations.
Trail Maps
The Trail of Ten Falls is well marked, but it’s still easy to miss a turn if you’re not paying attention.
I used AllTrails with offline maps, which worked great.
Cell service was nonexistent for me for much of the trail (T-Mobile), so be sure to download an offline map before you arrive.
If you don’t want to pay for AllTrails, Google Maps or Maps.me should get the job done.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Trail of Ten Falls sits in Silver Falls State Park, about an hour and 15 minutes from Portland or 35 minutes from Salem.
I recommend starting at the South Falls Day Use Area, which you can plug into Google Maps for easy navigation.
Parking costs five bucks, and there’s usually plenty of space if you arrive early in the day.
(You can also start at the North lot if you prefer.)
Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
If you hike the loop clockwise (which I recommend), you’ll start with the 177-foot South Falls (pictured above), one of the most dramatic on the trail.
It’s a short walk from the parking lot, but don’t stop once you get there.
You’ve got nine more waterfalls to check out, remember?
Because of the epic views and proximity to the parking lot, the first stretch of trail is usually crowded.
Be patient, as the gawking bystanders tend to turn back early, and the trail opens up fast once you put a little distance behind you.
An Easy Trail to Follow
The trail is wide, lush, and easy to follow for most of the loop.
Some sections of the trail are paved, but much of it is packed dirt.
Expect muddy patches if it’s rained recently, and keep an eye on your maps to avoid wandering onto side trails.
In terms of elevation, this is a relatively flat loop that gains about 1,300 feet over 8.5 miles.
It’s not a huff-and-puff climb but more of a steady cruiser, making it accessible for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness.
Waterfalls at Every Turn
You were likely drawn to this trail for its breathtaking waterfalls, and, boy, does it deliver.
They come fast and often, especially in the first half of the loop.
Each one is dramatic in its own unique way.
I expected to be impressed, and I was not let down.
Behind me is Lower South Falls, a 93-foot cascade that may have been my favorite on the loop.
Coming from dry, rugged Colorado, where waterfalls are rare, this one felt real exotic.
Oregon’s Lush Rainforest is Fantastic
Oregon’s rainforest is dense, green, and full of life.
Ferns, moss, and towering trees line the trail from start to finish.
You’ll feel tucked into the landscape the entire time.
I didn’t see much wildlife, but I did catch a majestic bird of prey soaring near the canyon.
The real highlight, though, is the scenery — green in every direction you look.
Oh, and did I mention the waterfalls?!
Walking Behind the Waterfalls
One of the most exhilarating parts of this trail is the chance to walk behind several waterfalls.
Few things put their size and power into perspective like standing beneath the spray.
The photo above shows the trail behind Lower South Falls, the 93-foot beauty I mentioned earlier.
Bring rain gear and a waterproof backpack or pack cover, even if the forecast looks clear.
The spray from the falls can soak you in a hurry.
That said, if it’s hot out, skipping the layers, getting soaked, and drip drying might be the way to enjoy your adventure.
Watering Holes a Plenty
If you hike this loop on a hot day, you’ll pass plenty of tempting spots to cool off.
Several pools along the trail are clear, calm, and inviting.
When I hiked, it was 50 degrees Fahrenheit out.
Not quite swimming weather for me, but next time… there’s always next time.
If you plan on jumping in the water, keep in mind that you can only swim in designated spots (marked on this map) and be mindful of what you’re wearing.
Traditional sunscreen, deodorant, and lotion can harm water quality.
Stick with biodegradable products when possible, and rinse off before the hike.
Leave no trace, and do everything you can to keep this water pristine.
Glad I Brought My Waterproof Gear
Did I mention this trail can get wet, even under a clear sky?
Between waterfall spray and slick sections, things stay damp.
I recently upgraded to a legit camera (Fujifilm X-T4), so I was glad I packed a waterproof backpack.
It saved my precious, precious camera.
Oregon sees plenty of rain, especially in the fall and spring.
When the 50-degree drizzle kicked in, I was glad to have my Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket.
It kept me warm and dry.
(I love hiking and backpacking gear, if you haven’t noticed already.)
Yes, There Really Are Ten Waterfalls
In terms of waterfall density, this trail is hard to beat.
Ten waterfalls in just 8.5 miles is a delicious ratio.
That’s more than one per mile.
I’ve never hiked anything like it, and honestly, I may never again.
Here’s the full list, from tallest to shortest:
- South Falls: 177 feet
- Lower South Falls: 93 feet
- Lower North Falls: 30 feet
- Double Falls: 184 feet
- Drake Falls: 27 feet
- Middle North Falls: 60 feet
- Twin Falls: 31 feet
- North Falls: 65 feet
- Upper North Falls: 65 feet
- Winter Falls: 134 feet
Views from Above and Below
Gazing up at waterfalls from below and walking behind them is a thrill, but don’t skip the views from above.
Standing at the top gives you a better feel for their scale.
The drop-offs are dramatic and deliver a real wow factor.
I took the photo above from the top of South Falls, which drops 177 feet into the canyon below.
This spot gives you a rare top-down view of a waterfall doing its thing at full force.
South Falls makes another appearance here, and for good reason: It’s completely awe-inspiring.
Rules & Regulations: Silver Falls State Park
Most of the rules you need to know are displayed on the trailhead signage.
No dogs, bikes, kayaks, or rock climbing allowed on the Trail of Ten Falls.
A few bike paths intersect the loop, so stay alert and follow posted trail markers.
You can’t camp along the Trail of Ten Falls itself; it’s day-use only, which makes sense given the fact that it’s a state park with immense foot traffic.
But you can camp inside Silver Falls State Park at the main campground, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and group areas.
It’s a solid base for exploring the surrounding area.
Leave No Trace
As always, leave the trail better than you found it.
Don’t leave trash, gear, or anything else behind to prove you were there.
Stay on the trail, pack out everything you bring, and grab any litter you see along the way.
Bonus points if you bring along an adventure bag to pick up any trash you find.
Final Thoughts: Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls
Thank goodness I finally hiked the Trail of Ten Falls.
With ten roaring waterfalls, lush forest, 8.6 miles of smooth cruising, and a few watering holes along the way, the Trail of Ten Falls is easily one of the best day hikes in Oregon.
Don’t believe me?
Go see it for yourself.
Ready to plan a trip of your own?
Check the forecast, pack your gear, and make it happen.
You won’t regret spending a single second out here.
Stunning guide! Ten waterfalls in one trail—hiking heaven for nature lovers.