Winter at Silver Falls State Park

As the weather warms up and the sun come out, checking out a favorite waterfall can be a fun adventure after a few days of freezing temperatures and some snowfall. For me, that place is the South Falls at Silver Falls State Park. This morning happened to be a great time to go as the trail down to the bridge below South Falls was not too icy, and I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Icicles that were possibly up to 6 feet long clung to the sides of the cliff that the waterfall goes over, the biggest being along the trail behind South Falls; and trees were dusted with snow and frost.

Frenchie Falls, a rather small waterfall, was decorated with icicles as well; while an un-named cascade was in full view on the other side of the canyon.

Once on the bridge at the bottom, you can see how high the water splashes up from the waterfall. And viewing the bridge in from of the falls looks more like something in a painting.

Once back at the top, the South Falls Lodge and Nature Store are usually open for people to get warm, talk too others, and buy souvenirs. I've been told that the Nature Store is the oldest building in the park, and is the only building the CCC made with only wood. When it was first built, it was a powder house for the women that were visiting.

On days and mornings that have fewer people hiking, you can occasionally catch a glimpse of other types of visitors. This morning, three deer happened to be browsing the foliage near the Nature Store.

 If you happen to be traveling between Salem and this park, you should stop at the little parking lot that offers a view of a valley that the East Fork Drift Creek starts in. A well-built sign marks the spot.

If you feel like visiting this state park during winter, but don't want to deal with bad weather, I suggest waiting for a sunny day after a winter freeze, ice storm, or snow storm. Until then, get outside and enjoy some other part of the great Oregon Outdoors.