Silver Falls
Oregon • 259 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
515 ft
About Silver Falls
Silver Falls drops about 259 feet over a sandstone dome on Silver Creek in Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area, about 24 miles east of Coos Bay in the Coast Range. It is not the Silver Falls State Park near Salem. Short trails from the natural area's picnic area lead to Silver Falls and to nearby Golden Falls on Glenn Creek. Silver Falls can slow to a trickle in late summer.
The Setting
Silver Falls sits at 689 feet in the foothills of Oregon. At 259 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 259 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 3.1-mile out-and-back trail gains 515 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Three short out-and-back trails start at the picnic area: one to a view of Silver Falls, one to the top of Golden Falls, and a middle trail that visits the bases of both. Oregon Hikers lists all three together as about 3.1 miles round trip with 515 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The Silver Falls viewpoint is about a quarter mile from the parking area; the path near the base is muddy and slick when wet and may have fallen trees to climb over.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 259 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 Silver Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed; Oregon State Parks requires leashes no longer than six feet.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Winter through spring, when rain keeps both falls running. Silver Falls can nearly dry up in late summer.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Trail sections near the waterfalls can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of cliffs or waterfalls. Be cautious of falling rocks and debris.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little Wolf Creek, 17.9 miles away, not on Silver Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
1.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE WOLF CREEK NEAR TYEE, OR (29 km away).
Today
Roaring
3 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
3 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
3 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
6 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to early January, peaking in January.
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 Saunders Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Silver Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Silver Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 48°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 3 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 Highway 101 in Coos Bay, turn at the signs for Eastside and Coos River (Newport Avenue) and follow Coos River Road toward Allegany and the state park signs. The natural area is at the end of the road about 24 miles from Highway 101; the final stretch is a one-lane gravel road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A small parking and picnic area with an outhouse is at the end of the road.
Elevation
689 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.488449° N, -123.934546° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in winter or spring for the strongest flow. At the top of Golden Falls, keep well back from the edge, where chunks of rock break away.
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This easy 3.1 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Where to Stay
Seadrift Motel & RV Park
Winchester Bay Inn
Itty Bitty Inn
Plainview Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
LOON LAKE RECREATION SITE
8.9 miles away · 52 sites
Overview The Bureau of Land Management's Loon Lake Recreation Site is located in the heart of Oregon's Coast Range at an elevation of 392 feet, just 20 miles east-southeast of Reedsport, Oregon. Loon Lake Recreation Site is one of the Coast Range's few recreation areas with a warm, sandy beach. The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities. The site offers a campground and day use area. Loon Lake Recreation Site's operating season is from Memorial Day weekend to S
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Golden Falls, about 254 feet, is in the same natural area on Glenn Creek.
Wildlife
The park 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 Silver Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Silver Falls
16 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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