Lower South Falls in May 2010

Lower South Falls really doesn’t sound like an extremely exciting waterfall, but it is one of the amazingly beautiful waterfalls to be found in Silver Falls State Park. And there are a number of really spectacular ones!

Silver Falls State Park is a waterfall-seeker’s dream. When I counted, the were 11 named waterfalls, and at least 6 other smaller, unnamed falls. A few of the larger falls are not particularly breathtaking, but six or seven are truly amazing. Lower South Falls is one of the four waterfalls that you can walk behind (as part of the trail visiting all of the falls). It’s hard to tell in this picture, as I was taking the photograph at a different vantage point.

And just a thought…Many of Oregon’s waterfalls are just so intensely green! Obviously, the water isn’t green, but the landscape around the falls is. I can often tell Oregon (and Washington) waterfalls apart from others because of that intensity.

Directions:

1. From Salem, drive east on US-22 to the junction of US-22 and OR-214.
2. Head north on OR-214 for 15 miles, following the numerous signs to Silver Falls State Park.
3. You can park at either the South Falls or North Falls parking areas. The South Falls parking area is larger, and the Waterfall Trail leads you past all of the falls.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 93′
Length of Hike: 8.7 miles round-trip (to see all waterfalls in the park)

Where in the World is Lower South Falls?