Trail Talk Thursday #3

The Upper North Falls Trail

With a round-trip distance of 0.4 miles, the Upper North Falls Trail at Silver Falls State Park offers park visitors a nice hike that starts just a short distance from the North Falls Parking Area. After hiking across the footbridge over the north fork of Silver Creek, the trail splits into three, with the Upper North Falls Trail meandering back under the footbridge. The trail then crosses under Highway 214 on its way to the Upper North Falls. As you get close to the waterfall, several smaller waterfalls will be passed by; these are mostly fed by winter runoff and have not been named. Once at Upper North Falls, you can stop for a picnic on the rocks near the base of the waterfall. As this waterfall is not technically in the canyon, visitors can enjoy a swim at the base of Upper North Falls, but as the rules may have changed about where you can swim in the park, it would be a good idea to check with the park staff before swimming at this location.

 Two of the small waterfalls along the trail that have no name.

As with any hike, be prepared, as their might be snow, ice, standing water, and/or large branches on the trail. Roots and rocks can also be sticking out as well. Last year, a tree fell across the creek and the roots of that tree ripped out a chunk of trail. Unlike the Rim Trail that connects to it, pets are not allowed on the Upper North Falls Trail. One last reminder, if you decide to hike this trail between December and April, go on the Silver Falls State Park web page to check the current conditions of the trails and always use caution.

So if you feel like taking a short hike during winter, check out the Upper North Falls Trail at Silver Falls State Park. Until next time, get outside and and enjoy hiking on one of the many trails in the great Oregon Outdoors.