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APPEAL TRIBUNE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
Life in the
Valley y
sanews@salem.gannett.com
Silver Falls flourishes in fall
The final full week of October produced a picture-perfect scenery of fall colors and full streams in Silver Creek Canyon. PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MUCH | STAYTON MAIL
JUSTIN MUCH STAYTON MAIL
Days following the deluge described
by some regional meteorologists as “a
river in the sky,” a warm spell descend-
ed on the area, providing opportunities
to enjoy the outdoors.
Neither the rains nor the winds had
yet washed much of the autumn color
from the landscape. Yet the sky’s “riv-
er” did manage to fill out many trib-
utaries, including those cascading over
Silver Falls State Park and funneling
down through Silver Creek Canyon.
That seasonal warm spell brought
visitors to the park.
“Yes, very popular,” affirmed Lou
Nelson of the Friends of Silver Falls, a
volunteer group that helps oversee the
pristine area and promotes special
events. “We are setting visitation rec-
ords, and our store is going to break
another record.”
Silver Falls is a year-round draw for
its trails and sights, but the colors com-
bined with full streams boosted the
photography element, especially in
areas like the South Falls.
“I took a walk around the park look-
ing at fall colors. Some of the best are
walking from the main parking lot
down to the top of South Falls. One of
my favorite places to take a photo is the
bridge going over the creek by the
main restroom,” Nelson said.
“You can get fall color with the
bridge in the photo and it looks very
nice. The walk by the creek to South
Falls is another place for some good
photo opportunities."
“The falls all have more water this
week and are looking better.”
The vibrant look opened a window
for those given to enjoy the park, pos-
sibly a final view before rain and wind
move in for the winter season.
Silver Creek Canyon proves popular year-round, but the changing colors of the leaves draw in a
large number of guests this time of year.
Visitation to the park has seen an increase
recently thanks to the warm weather.
Colors from the fall foliage mix with the
peaceful cascade of the waterfall at Silver
Falls.
Silver Falls is where you will often find
photographers of all experience levels
attempting to grab a photo of the falls.
Many guests are attempting to take in as
much of Silver Creek Canyon as they can
before the cold weather rolls in.