South Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

South Falls is the highlight of Silver Falls State Park, and due to its proximity to the Salem metro area, may very well be the most popular waterfall in Oregon outside of the Columbia River Gorge. A trail circumnavigates the 177 foot plunge and its large pool, passing behind the falling water. Recent renovations to the trail system leading from the large parking areas to the falls have made the falls all that more enjoyable. A rotunda with a brief history of the park's discovery and some vintage photographs by June Drake are passed before reaching the falls - as is the historical South Falls Lodge. Approaching the falls, there is access to both the brink and base via the loop around the falls. Be sure to walk behind the falls to see the holes in the cliffs formed where the lava flows covered trees. After the lava cooled, the trees decomposed and left natural "skylights" in the cliff face.

HISTORY AND NAMES

South 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. South Falls was likely named such because it is the primary waterfall along South Silver Creek.

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. South Falls is accessed from the South Falls Day Use Area, located about 16 miles east of Highway 22, and about 16 miles south of Silverton. Park as close to the South Falls Lodge to minimize necessary walking, if you like, and follow the marked trails downstream to the falls. From the parking lot, it's about 1/3 of a mile to the base of the falls.

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South 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
Frenchie Falls	0.15 mi / 0.24 km
Lower South Falls	0.46 mi / 0.74 km
Winter Falls	0.97 mi / 1.55 km
Drake Falls	1 mi / 1.59 km
Middle North Falls	1.03 mi / 1.65 km
Lower North Falls	1.06 mi / 1.7 km
Double Falls	1.14 mi / 1.82 km
Twin Falls	1.16 mi / 1.85 km
North Falls	1.82 mi / 2.91 km
Upper North Falls	2.21 mi / 3.54 km

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Photography tips

There are many great views of South Falls, so my best recommendation is to move around and take lots of pictures. My personal favorite perspectives are from the beach at the base of the falls, from the trail to the left (north) of the falls, looking at the footbridge from behind the falls, and from the trail to Lower South Falls, with the footbridge in the foreground. When South Silver Creek is running at its fullest, be sure to carry a cloth because the falls create an immense amount of spray.

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South Falls Marion County, Oregon, United States