WaterfallNear Me

South Falls

Marion County, Oregon

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
177 ft (54 m)
Location
Marion County, Oregon
Access status
Paved rim view and short loop behind the falls
The walk
0.4 mile on foot from the trailhead; the South Falls Loop is 1.6 miles
Ground & access
Paved rim paths; the canyon section has switchbacks and short sets of steps, wet behind the falls. No dogs on the canyon trails.
Oregon Hikers Field Guide: South Falls Loop Hike

South Falls is the 177-foot centerpiece of Silver Falls State Park. From the main South Falls parking area, walk past the restrooms and the South Falls Lodge. Paved paths on the rim lead to the South Falls Viewpoint. For the loop, take the Canyon Trail down by switchbacks with views of the falls, cross the footbridge over the South Fork Silver Creek, then climb steps on the west side into the grotto behind the falls and back up to the rim. Visitors who do not want to go into the canyon can see the falls from the upper paved loop.

Plan your visit

South Falls Lodge in Silver Falls State Park, paved rim trail to the South Falls viewpoint and Canyon Trail behind the falls

Oregon Hikers gives 0.4 mile on foot from the South Falls Lodge Trailhead to South Falls and 1.6 miles for the South Falls Loop with 240 feet of elevation gain.

Paved rim paths; the canyon section has switchbacks and short sets of steps, wet 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. Very crowded on sunny weekends.

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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