Silver Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 264 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Silver Falls

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Siskiyou National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
firepile CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
agarwalak2010 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
4.
Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Silver Falls

Silver Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Siskiyou National Forest near Selma, Oregon. It is known for its serene surroundings and lush forested setting, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Silver Falls sits at 1,818 feet within Siskiyou National Forest, fed by the Illinois River, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Silver Falls Overlook (#1134A), a 1.5-mile out and back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

SILVER FALLS OVERLOOK #1134A

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.07 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Silver Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a lush forest. The path is well-maintained and features gentle inclines, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail leads to a viewing area where visitors can enjoy the waterfall cascading into a serene pool below.

What to Expect

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

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Siskiyou National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms, as flash flooding may occur.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

264 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 22 years of record

3.97 ft

Water depth at gauge

70°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a refreshing 70 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 14378200
14.7 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 988 sq mi
Altitude: 112 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge ILLINOIS RIVER NEAR AGNESS, OR (24 km away).

Moderate confidence
Moderate right now
264 cfs
→ Holding steady
46423838384650TodayTomorrowMonTueWedThuFri

Today

Moderate

285 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

265 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

250 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

242 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

238 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

252 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

257 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early April, 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 Selma hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Silver Falls is located approximately 16.5 miles from Selma, Oregon. To reach the falls, visitors typically drive along Redwood Highway (US-199) and follow signs for the Siskiyou National Forest. The final approach may involve gravel or dirt roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended during wet seasons.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.

Hours

Elevation

1,818 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.475322° N, -123.780091° W

Land Management

Siskiyou National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

ONION MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

8.5 miles away · 0 sites

Reservable

Overview THIS FACILITY IS CLOSED TO RESERVATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Onion Mountain lookout sits atop a 12-foot tower at an elevation of 4,438 feet, offering guests expansive mountain views in southwestern Oregon. The original Onion Mountain Lookout was a raised platform, built on top of a tower in 1916. In 1924, a second lookout without a tower was built on site. The current structure was placed on site in 1952 and served as a fire lookout and Aircraft Warning Service observation station. The l

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Redwood Highway scenic drive.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter salamanders and other amphibians near the water.

Cities near Silver Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

33.9 miles away
Oregon
Moderate
4.5 miles 500 ft

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