Best trails near South Falls
4.7(35,932 reviews)
Want to check out South Falls from the trail? Good news: 7 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 14 scenic trails in the South Falls area. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Looking for a challenge? Choose from 7 moderate or hard routes. No matter how you like to get out in nature, the trails through South Falls are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(19608)
•Moderate
•7.4 mi
•Est. 3h 21m
Located under an hour from Salem, Silver Falls State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular route to see all the falls, with just a moderate level of difficulty.
The route itself is actually a combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail. You’ll start out at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead. The loop can be done in either direction, but the mapped route on this page goes in a clockwise direction. There are also many alternate trailheads, some of which...
2
(9759)
•Moderate
•4.8 mi
•Est. 2h 20m
Winter Falls Loop is located in Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon and features seven waterfalls. This is a slightly shorter version of the Trail of Ten Falls.
For the best experience, hikers recommend taking this loop clockwise since the start of the trail nearest South Falls will be the busiest. Elevation gain is also more accessible in this orientation.
When you connect to the Rim Trail during the final mile of hiking, you may take the paved multi-use trail or the natural...
3
(3298)
•Moderate
•2.6 mi
•Est. 1h 10m
This trail takes you to South Falls via the Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail. Along the route, you will pass by Frenchie Falls, Lower South Falls, and South Falls Theater. The waterfalls are stunning and are surrounded by lush forests. At the falls, you can opt to walk underneath and behind them. The trail is well-maintained, and the terrain is wet, and muddy, with rocky and slippery sections.
4
(1407)
•Moderate
•0.8 mi
•Est. 26m
One of the most popular attractions here, South Falls, is the second-tallest fall in Silver Falls State Park and the tallest single-drop fall. The views at the falls are spectacular, as they are surrounded by lush green forests with a dense canopy. The trail begins at the parking lot and goes past the South Falls Theater. It is well-maintained and has a slight incline.
5
(1095)
•Moderate
•5.4 mi
•Est. 2h 18m
The Winter Falls and Upper North Falls via Rim Trail provide a scenic hike through thick forests with breathtaking views of two spectacular waterfalls. There are a couple of steep inclines on the Rim Trail. Hikers can expect to observe a variety of flora and animals, including moss-covered trees and ferns, deer, squirrels, and other bird species.
Beginning with the Winter Falls Trail, the hike crosses the creek via a footbridge and gradually ascends to the base of Winter Falls. Winter Falls...
6
(465)
•Hard
•9.3 mi
•Est. 4h 4m
This loop brings you through some of the lesser trafficked corners of Silver Falls State Park. The stretch of trail near the waterfalls will be the busiest, but the remainder is a great place to experience the solitude of the forest. At one point you will need to walk along the road and across the parking area for the beach.
7
(300)
•Hard
•16.9 mi
•Est. 7h 29m
The Trail of Ten Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in all of Oregon. The path leads past stunning waterfalls crashing into Silver Creek.
The park first opened in 1933 and many of the original buildings were built by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps. The park has about 1 million visitors annually.
Trail reviews for South Falls
Everything was great. Trail has one portion that is off to be able to see 10 waterfalls. Winter waterfalls you’ll have to go down to it.
Conditions: Muddy, No bugs, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained
Trail of Ten Falls
I would argue that going clockwise through the trail is the way to go. Near the end of that route, you will encounter a steep man-made staircase, but it beats having to go uphill for the last 30 minutes of your hike. This way you will be going down in the beginning which is nice.
Conditions: Muddy
I’ve been to a lot of water falls but this one is just different. I had a lot of fun there. Highly recommend.
Views were amazing. Easy to park, we used the pay lot for $10. Hiking poles were a +++ and could not have complete with out them. Quite slippery in some places. Goal was the short trail, not sure where I went wrong however a wrong turn was a 9 mile hike, no regrets,. 4.5 hrs on the trail. I would rate this hike moderate a+.
Difficulty: Moderate
South Falls via Canyon Trail
We had to stay on the outer rim due to having our dog with us. Only able to see one waterfall.
Winter Falls and Upper North Falls via Rim Trail
GPS says it was 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Beautiful day. A few muddy spots on the trail, but generally great conditions and easy to navigate. The terrain isn't too hard, but it is very long and gets warm in the afternoon! Some great wildflowers. Spotted at least three species of orchid.
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail of Ten Falls and Buck Mountain Loop
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails near South Falls?
There are plenty of things to do on hiking trails near South Falls. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 7 hiking trails, and more.
Where is the best place to hike near South Falls?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike near South Falls is Trail of Ten Falls, which has a 4.9 star rating from 19,608 reviews. This trail is 7.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,181 ft.
What is the longest trail near South Falls?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail near South Falls is Trail of Ten Falls and Buck Mountain Loop. This trail is estimated to be 16.9 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain near South Falls?
South Falls: With an ascent of 2,536 ft, Trail of Ten Falls and Buck Mountain Loop has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Perimeter, Rackett Ridge, and Rim Trail Loop with 1,354 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail near South Falls?
The most popular and difficult trail near South Falls is Perimeter, Rackett Ridge, and Rim Trail Loop with a 4.5-star rating from 465 reviews.