Upper North Falls
Oregon • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper North Falls
Upper North Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. It is one of the ten waterfalls featured along the Trail of Ten Falls, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility.
The Setting
Upper North Falls sits at 1,522 feet within Silver Falls State Park, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
North Falls (136 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Winter Falls (134 ft, 1.3 mi) and Middle North Falls (106 ft, 1.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Upper North Falls is a short and easy walk, making it accessible for most visitors. The path is well-maintained and follows a gentle route along North Silver Creek, leading directly to the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.
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 Upper North Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper North Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall and snowmelt. However, the falls are beautiful year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery when wet, so exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Santiam River, 6.5 miles away, not on Upper 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 (10 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 Upper North Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Upper 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
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.
The ground through the falls loses about 123 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 65 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,541 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 67 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 74 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,541 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 123 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper North Falls is located within Silver Falls State Park, approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon. Visitors can access the falls via the North Falls parking area, which is a short drive from the main park entrance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the North Falls parking area. A valid Oregon State Parks day-use parking pass or annual pass is required.
Elevation
1,522 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.883243° N, -122.614200° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be wet or muddy, particularly in the spring and winter months. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
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
9.2 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 in Silver Falls State Park, including South Falls and North Falls. The Trail of Ten Falls offers a longer hike to explore multiple waterfalls in the park.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, deer, and other small wildlife along the trail. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildflowers, especially in spring.
Cities near Upper North Falls
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