Middle North Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Like its bigger brother upstream, Middle North Falls bests Silver Falls State Park's main attraction, South Falls, in the grandeur category despite being significantly shorter. This 106 foot fall changes shape dramatically depending on the stream flow. When the creek us running at normal, or low summer flows, the falls consist of a narrow but powerful plunge. During the winter and spring, North Silver Creek spreads out over a flat bench and forms a sheet of falling water stretching over 50 feet wide. Unfortunately, during my last visit, Oregon had been experiencing a major winter drought, and North Silver Creek was running just barely too low to morph into this exceptionally scenic form. Like three of the other waterfalls in the park, a trail passes behind Middle North Falls, using the undercut ledge to provide shelter from the falling water. Views from both sides of the falls are well worth time spent.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Middle North Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

The waterfalls of Silver Falls State Park were discovered and named by local photographer June Drake in the late 1880's. Middle North Falls was likely named such because the three other waterfalls below North Falls are not nearly as significant, and it made sense to name the largest waterfall in succession after North Falls in the same manor.

Location and directions

Silver Falls State Park is located East of Salem and South of the town of Silverton, along Highway 214. From Interstate 5 in Salem, exit to eastbound Highway 22, and proceed for about 5 miles to SR 214. Exit onto 214 and follow the signs to Silver Falls State Park. Middle North Falls is most easily accessed from the Winter Falls trailhead, located about 17 miles east of Highway 22, and about 15 miles south of Silverton. From the parking lot, head downstream, passing Winter Falls almost immediately, to North Silver Creek in ½ mile, then turn left and walk another ¼ mile to the top of Middle North Falls. The spur trail leading behind the falls branches off a short distance further, with the best trailside view of the falls visible about 500 feet beyond the top of the falls.

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Middle North Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Drake Falls	0.18 mi / 0.28 km
Double Falls	0.25 mi / 0.4 km
Lower North Falls	0.25 mi / 0.4 km
Winter Falls	0.31 mi / 0.49 km
Twin Falls	0.38 mi / 0.61 km
Lower South Falls	0.9 mi / 1.45 km
Frenchie Falls	0.93 mi / 1.49 km
South Falls	1.03 mi / 1.65 km
North Falls	1.03 mi / 1.65 km
Upper North Falls	1.47 mi / 2.34 km

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Photography tips

Middle North Falls is rightly one of the most popular waterfalls for photographers in the park. The views from either side of the falls are nice, but the best view is from the main trail, about 500 feet downstream from the spur leading behind the falls. Framing the falls with the deciduous trees on either side of the creek, especially in the fall, is one of the cornerstone compositions for any photographer at this location. Views from the stream bed are also quite good, though access is difficult due to the steep slopes.

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Middle North Falls Marion County, Oregon, United States