Are there fees or permits required for Silverwood Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Silverwood Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Silverwood Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silverwood Falls.

Silverwood Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silverwood Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Silverwood Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

San Bernardino National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Before you go

The falls are in the San Gorgonio Wilderness with no known trail. A free wilderness permit is required for day hikes and overnight trips, requested through the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association.

Photo Credits (5)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Silverwood Falls

Silverwood Falls is a named waterfall at about 8,000 feet on the East Fork of the South Fork Whitewater River, roughly 1.5 miles south-southeast of the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain. It lies in the San Gorgonio Wilderness of the San Bernardino National Forest, east-northeast of Oak Glen, and is not near Silverwood Lake, which is more than 30 miles to the northwest. We found no maintained trail or published route to the falls; the nearest mapped trails (Vivian Creek and Sky High) pass more than a mile away.

The Setting

Silverwood Falls sits at 7,976 feet within San Bernardino National Forest, in the high mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Big Falls (500 ft) lies 4.5 miles to the west.

Big Falls

Trail & Hike Details

USFS Trail

VIVIAN CREEK #1E08.1

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

10-12%

USFS Segment

2.90 mi

Accessibility

The trail to Silverwood Falls is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and elevation gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silverwood Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silverwood Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Silverwood Falls is during the spring when the waterfall is most likely to be flowing due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with San Bernardino National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rainfall. Watch for wildlife and stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Carry sufficient water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Oak Glen hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Silverwood Falls Frozen?

Updated about 23 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Silverwood Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 44°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: no gauge

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.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 311 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 7,937 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 456 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 244 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Silverwood Falls near Oak Glen, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Silverwood Falls near Oak Glen, California, showing about 311 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,937 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 311 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Elevation

7,976 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.075604° N, -116.817543° W

Land Management

San Bernardino National Forest NF

Managed by USFS Restricted Access

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may have uneven or rocky sections. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before heading out, as the area may be affected by seasonal closures or weather-related issues.

This trail sits at 7,976 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 32% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

5.9 miles away · 0 sites

These 19 yellow post sites are individual camping sites. Each campsite will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations.Each site is limited to a maximum of 8 persons at any one time. There is limited parking at these sites for 2 vehicles. Amenities includes 1 picnic table and 1 fire ring. There are no restroom facilities. There is no drinking water.Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the

Book on Recreation.gov