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APPEAL TRIBUNE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Life in the
Valley y
sanews@salem.gannett.com
ZACH URNESS / STATESMAN JOURNAL FILE
The 4-mile paved bike trail winds through lush forest at Silver Falls State Park.
SILVER FALLS ADVENTURES
State park has a playground, bike trails and a swimming hole
ZACH URNESS
STATESMAN JOURNAL
Silver Falls State Park is about more
than just waterfalls.
Yes, the main attraction is the 10 spec-
tacular cascades that occupy the canyon
— and no trip would be complete without
viewing at least one of them — but there
are many other things to do at the park as
summer heats up.
Here are five great adventures that
don’t include a single waterfall, but all
add to the fun at Oregon’s largest state
park.
‘Nature Play’ area
Instead of swings, slides and merry-
go-rounds, the equipment at this nature-
inspired playground includes hollowed-
out logs, boulders, a nest and tree-climb-
ing options.
Located at the North Falls Group
Camp parking lot, a quarter-mile path-
way takes children to three increasingly
challenging play areas intended for dif-
ferent ages.
The first, Bird, is the easiest and
home to a nest and tree children can
climb into. The next, Bear (my daugh-
ter’s favorite), has hollowed out logs and
a big climbing tree. The final one, Cou-
gar, has large boulders for climbing up
and a more challenging climb up another
large tree-like feature. At the top, there’s
a bullhorn where kids can show off their
loudest “rarrr!”
Bike, stroller or dog-walking
route
This hike doesn’t have waterfall
views, but it does provide one very im-
portant option for families.
The waterfall trails don’t allow pets
(even if leashed) or bikes, and they’re not
great for strollers.
So, if you have dogs and infants along
— or want to go for a leisurely ride — it
makes sense for some members of the
family to hike or ride the paved bike path
that begins at South Falls Day Use Area.
The pathway is a 4-mile loop — you
don’t have to do the entire thing — and
passes some absolutely massive trees.
The route starts at the far end of the
South Falls parking area and is easy to
find by following little green bike point-
ers.
Conference center trails
This hike begins at Silver Falls’ con-
ference center and follows 3.5 miles that
highlight the gigantic trees of the park’s
backcounty.
ZACH URNESS / STATESMAN JOURNAL
Lucy Urness plays in a nature-inspired playground at Silver Falls State Park.
From the conference center, the route
follows Howard Creek Loop, Buck
Mountain Loop and Cutoff Trail back to
the conference center. Horses some-
times use the trail, but that’s part of what
makes it interesting. The trial is best in
the summer when dry, as it gets fairly
muddy in winter.
To get started, follow signs for the
conference center and look for the trails
leading out into the forest. Ask for help
at the front of the office if you’re con-
fused or want a detailed map.
Mountain biking
The backcounty of Silver Falls is be-
coming a mountain-biking destination.
The Catamount Trail, which begins at
the 214 Trailhead, is a great option for be-
ginner- to moderate-level mountain bik-
ers.
The 4.5-mile cross-county trail is built
for mountain bikers and has features
such as turns, berms and rock features
that make it more interesting than just a
path in the forest. Even so, it’s not too dif-
ficult for your average rider.
Coming soon to the area will be a
mountain bike loop designed for begin-
ners.
Swimming/playground
When the weather gets scorching hot
during summer — and a tour behind
South Falls just isn’t enough to cool you
down — head for the swimming area on
South Fork Silver Creek.
Located upstream of South Falls —
don’t worry, it’s blocked off so you won’t
float off the waterfall — is a nice desig-
nated swimming spot perfect for hot
days.
The swimming area can be reached
from the South Falls Day Use area,
which also is home to a dog park, play-
ground and is close to South Falls Lodge,
where food and drinks can be had.
Come to think of it, who needs water-
falls when you have a swimming spot,
playground, spot to let the dog run, beau-
tiful trails and place for lunch all in one
area?
STATESMAN JOURNAL FILE
The main swimming area at Silver Falls State
Park gets packed when heat hits the area.
Park officials said the park is typically 5 to 10
degrees cooler than the valley.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors
writer, photographer and videographer
in Oregon for eight years. He is the author
of the book “Hiking Southern Oregon”
and
can
be
reached
at
zurness@StatesmanJournal.com
or
(503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at
@ZachsORoutdoors.