WaterfallNear Me

Lower South Falls

Marion County, Oregon

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
92 ft (28 m)
Location
Marion County, Oregon
Access status
State park trail from South Falls Lodge; walk behind the falls
The walk
1.5 miles on foot from the South Falls Lodge Trailhead
Ground & access
Canyon trail with about 150 feet of irregular stone stairs beside the falls; wet and slippery behind the falls. No dogs on the canyon trails.

Lower South Falls is a 93-foot curtain on the South Fork Silver Creek that you can walk behind. From the South Falls Lodge area, take the trail down past the South Falls viewpoint and behind South Falls, then follow the Canyon Trail downstream through mossy forest for about a long half mile. The trail drops by switchbacking stone stairs to Lower South Falls and passes behind it in a large grotto. Return the same way or continue on the Maple Ridge Loop or the Trail of Ten Falls.

Plan your visit

South Falls Lodge Trailhead in Silver Falls State Park, Canyon Trail behind South Falls and downstream to Lower South Falls

Oregon Hikers gives 1.5 miles on foot from the South Falls Lodge Trailhead to Lower South Falls. Its Maple Ridge Loop, which visits South Falls and Lower South Falls, is 2.6 miles.

Canyon trail with about 150 feet of irregular stone stairs beside the falls; wet and slippery behind the falls. No dogs on the canyon trails.

Where to start

Main parking area at South Falls, past the toll booth, off Highway 214 in Silver Falls State Park.

Timing & water

Oregon State Parks says the park is open for day use year round. Flow is highest in winter and spring.

Before you go

Oregon State Parks day-use parking permit required: $10 for Oregon residents, $12 for out-of-state residents. Northwest Forest Passes and America the Beautiful passes are not valid.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Oregon

Waterfall location

Marion County, Oregon.

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