Lower South Falls
Oregon • 93 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.9 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Lower South Falls
Lower South Falls is one of the ten waterfalls located within Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. It is known for its picturesque beauty and the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall along the trail.
The Setting
Lower South Falls sits at 994 feet within Silver Falls State Park, in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 93 feet.
Height: 93 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
South Falls (177 ft) lies 0.5 miles to the south. Also nearby: Winter Falls (134 ft, 1.0 mi) and Middle North Falls (106 ft, 0.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.9-mile loop trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Lower South Falls is part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a scenic loop that features multiple waterfalls. The path includes a mix of dirt and paved sections, with some steep stairs leading down to and behind the waterfall. The trail offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 93 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 South Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower South Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is at its peak due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfall and during wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Be cautious of steep drop-offs.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Santiam River, 7 miles away, not on Lower South Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
2,340 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 111 years of record
4.03 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
2527 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
2475 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
2380 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
2498 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
2838 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
2756 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
2943 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
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.
Is Lower South Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Lower South Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 47°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1650 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower South Falls is located within Silver Falls State Park, approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon. The trailhead can be accessed from the South Falls Day Use Area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the South Falls Day Use Area, which serves as the main access point for the Trail of Ten Falls. A day-use parking fee is required.
Elevation
994 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.885374° N, -122.661018° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfall. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds, particularly during weekends and holidays. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
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With 1.9 miles and 200 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
La Quinta by Wyndham Salem OR
Best Western Premier Keizer Salem Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Salem Northeast
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
10.7 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
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls, including South Falls and Middle North Falls. The Silver Falls State Park Nature Store and picnic areas are also nearby.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, squirrels, various bird species, and occasionally black bears. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Lower South Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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