South Falls Loop Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: South Falls Lodge Trailhead
- End point: South Falls
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 0.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 280 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Year round (best in spring)
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
This is a quick hike for first time visitors to Silver Falls Park. From the South Falls Lodge, head west on the Canyon Trail to the South Falls Viewpoint. Take the time to read the signs and soak in a little history. Then head down the trail passed the junction for Frenchie Falls. Frenchie Falls is worth a trip only during a spring rain and then only because it's a 100 yard hike. (Think small, people) When you come to a second fork, take the right path, marked Canyon Trail.
This trail drops down to a footbridge over the creek. There are views of South Falls through the trees all the way down. The view from the bridge itself is one of the best. At the bridge, there's another trail junction. Here. you'll turn left and head back up the cliff face. The trail curves behind the waterfall in a large cave like area. There's even a bench here, sheltered from the rain, although it's completely in the spray if the wind is wrong.
The trail continues around the amphitheater, gradually climbing back to the earlier trail junction.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- State Park Pass required. $3.00 daily at the parking lot gatekeeper.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for South Falls Loop Hike
- (Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for South Falls Loop Hike
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland by Paul Gerald
- Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver, by Douglas Lorain
- 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan
More Links
- See more information at Describe the link here
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)