Lower North Falls
Oregon • 30 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
7.2 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Lower North Falls
Lower North Falls is a picturesque 30-foot waterfall located within Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. It is part of the renowned Trail of Ten Falls, a scenic hiking loop that features multiple waterfalls.
The Setting
Lower North Falls sits at 1,030 feet within Silver Falls State Park, fed by the North Santiam River, in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Double Falls (178 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the east. Also nearby: Winter Falls (134 ft, 0.6 mi) and Middle North Falls (106 ft, 0.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 7.2-mile loop trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Lower North Falls is part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a well-maintained loop that showcases several waterfalls. The section leading to Lower North Falls is relatively flat and shaded, making it accessible for most hikers. The waterfall is easily visible from the trail, and a short spur trail provides a closer view.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower North Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower North Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with fewer visitors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall and on wet or slippery sections of the trail. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging vegetation and for your safety. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
1,280 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 109 years of record
3.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AT MEHAMA, OR (12 km away).
Today
Strong
1459 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
1428 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
1374 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
1300 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
1227 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
1219 cfs
8/10Fri
Strong
1306 cfs
8/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late January, peaking in November.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mehama hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower North Falls is located within Silver Falls State Park, approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon. The park is accessible via Highway 214. Follow signs to the South Falls Day Use Area, where the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls begins.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the South Falls Day Use Area. A valid Oregon State Parks parking pass or daily fee is required.
Elevation
1,030 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.891724° N, -122.646772° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early, especially during weekends and holidays, as the park can become crowded. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as some sections of the trail may be muddy or slippery. Bring water and snacks, and consider a rain jacket if visiting during the rainy season.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 7.2 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Oregon Garden Resort
The 1908 Bungalow
La Quinta by Wyndham Salem OR
Best Western Premier Keizer Salem Hotel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Aquila Vista Recreation Site
9.9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees. Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season, when it reopens, will be mid-May through mid-October. The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Mehama, Oregon
Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs flows at 136°F deep in Mount Hood National Forest at 2,272 feet elevation, requiring a 3,720-foot hike from F...
Austin Hot Springs
Austin Hot Springs discharges at 186°F along the Clackamas River at 1,680 feet elevation, emerging just 310 feet from Clackamas...
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Breitenbush Hot Springs emerges at 198°F along the Breitenbush River, ranking as one of Oregon's hottest thermal features with ...
Bigelow Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs, also called Deer Creek Hot Springs, emerges at 142°F just 400 feet from Deer Creek Road in the Willamette ...
Swim Warm Springs
Swim Warm Springs emerges at 79°F within Mount Hood National Forest at 4,063 feet elevation, flowing just 6.9 meters from White...
Belknap Springs
Belknap Springs flows at 160°F along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Range, emerging just 510 feet from North Belknap Springs...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Mehama, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
Explore Oregon springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls, including South Falls, North Falls, and Middle North Falls. The Silver Falls State Park Nature Store and picnic areas are also nearby.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildflowers along the trail.
Cities near Lower North Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Lower North Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.