Oregon Has The Best Waterfall Hike In The US (2025)

In spring and summer, many nature lovers hop on scenic treks that reward them with beautiful waterfalls around the US that people can actually swim in, from Delaware’s Stony Kill Falls to Georgia’s Bridal Veil Falls and Arizona’s iconic Havasu Falls. Others prefer America's beautiful frozen waterfall hikes in the colder months that transport hikers to magical winter wonderlands, such as New York’s Niagara Falls or Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls.

Still, the nation’s most popular waterfall-studded route happens to be in Oregon; simply designated as the Trail of Ten Falls, it’s located within the confines of Silver Falls State Park, in Marion County. Here are the reasons why this unforgettable trail and the stunning park it's located in are bucket-list material for hikers.

America's Best Waterfall Hike Is In Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

The park is dubbed the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system

Silver Falls State Park is one of those breathtaking places in Oregon that genuinely feel like magic, along with Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, and the dazzling Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, arguably number one among Oregon's most beautiful ocean overlooks.

Established in 1933, Silver Falls State Park currently draws over a million visitors, be they photographers, naturalists, hikers, mountain bikers, picnickers, campers, or equestrians. As for wildlife observers, they’ll have to access the park’s most remote areas for bears and cougars. Colorful flowers commonly found include the baldhip rose, the western wild ginger, the broadleaf lupine, and the snow queen.

Other than a wide range of facilities like accessible restrooms and cabins/yurts, a playground, and barbecue stands, there is also the South Falls Lodge Café; it’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and serves burgers, sandwiches, kids’ meals, and desserts.

What Does The Trail Of Ten Falls Entail?

The Trail of Ten Falls is a hike to every waterfall in Silver Falls State Park

The well-maintained Trail Of Ten Falls will take visitors past every waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, or at least the most picturesque of them, and through a serene forested canyon. Undoubtedly, its highlight is walking behind the curtains of the 177-foot South Falls and the 136-foot North Falls, two of the park’s most-photographed spots.

The mapped route is a combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail, and it begins at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead. Going clockwise will allow hikers to explore the falls in this order: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls.

The Best Time To Visit Silver Falls State Park & Hike The Trail Of Ten Falls

The trail is beautiful year-round, with March to October being the best period, but each season provides different experiences

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Silver Falls State Park is a true testament to the beauty of America’s natural wonders, but when is it best explored for ultimate enjoyment? March to October is generally considered the best time to visit and hike the Trail of Ten Falls.

That said, for fall foliage lovers, the official website recommends clocking in mid-October when several areas featuring bigleaf and vine maple “will provide the best range of color.” However, the spring is when the park's waterfalls are at their peak because they're fed by snowmelt.

As for AllTrails, it states that the hike itself can be completed from May through October, but people who've actually visited the park and hiked the Trail of Ten Falls claim that February through April is the peak time for water flowing from the falls. Plus, the park is less crowded during this time, although rain is more likely.

Regarding crowds, September to April has fewer visitors but a lusher forest, while May to August offers the warmest weather, wild berries, and the highest influx of visitors.

Other Tips For Visiting Silver Falls State Park & Hiking The Trail Of Ten Falls