North Falls
Oregon • 136 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About North Falls
North Falls is a 136-foot plunge on the North Fork of Silver Creek in Silver Falls State Park, about 25 miles east of Salem. The Canyon Trail, part of the Trail of Ten Falls, passes through the large grotto behind the falls. It is about 0.3 miles from the North Falls Trailhead on Highway 214.
The Setting
North Falls sits at 1,421 feet within Silver Falls State Park, in the foothills of Oregon. At 136 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 136 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Winter Falls (134 ft) lies 0.9 miles to the west. Also nearby: Middle North Falls (106 ft, 1.0 mi) and Upper North Falls (65 ft, 0.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the North Falls Trailhead, cross the footbridge and take the Canyon Trail about 100 feet west of it; the trail descends several flights of stairs and passes behind North Falls, about 0.3 miles from the parking area. Upper North Falls is on a separate short trail that branches just past the footbridge. The full Trail of Ten Falls loop from here is about 7.8 to 8.7 miles with roughly 1,300 feet of gain.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 136 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at North Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets are not allowed on the Canyon Trail that passes behind North Falls; leashed pets may use the short trail to Upper North Falls.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at North Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting North Falls, as the water flow is at its peak. 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. Exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Watch for falling rocks when walking behind the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Santiam River, 6.6 miles away, not on North 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 North Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
North Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 46°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
From Silverton, follow Highway 214 about 13.8 miles to the North Falls Trailhead parking area on the right. The park is about 25 miles east of Salem.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The North Falls Trailhead has a parking area with pit toilets and fee machines. A day-use parking permit is required: $10 for Oregon residents or $12 for out-of-state visitors, or an Oregon State Parks pass; federal and Northwest Forest passes are not accepted.
Elevation
1,421 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.884747° N, -122.622356° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery near the waterfall. Bring a rain jacket or waterproof gear, as you may get wet while walking behind the falls.
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
9.3 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 Lodge and nearby picnic areas are also worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds, including woodpeckers and owls. Keep an eye out for native plants like ferns and wildflowers.
Cities near North Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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