Feature
The CI ac I camas P rìnt
WedNsdAy, ApRiL 11, 2001
Vanquish those winter blues with a
springtime hike through Silver Falls
MIKE POLLOCK
Photo Editor
Now that winter is gone
it’s time to get back outdoors to
rediscover Oregon’s beautiful
scenery. Spring is one of the best
times to go in search of water
falls. With all of the water runoff
from the mountians the falls will
be in full force, creating a power
ful yet tranquil roar and a spec
tacular sight.
After a long winter of
sitting indoors nothing is better
to release all that built-up energy
and tension than a nice hike
through the wilderness, breath
ing in that fresh air, clearing your
mind of all worries and just
enjoying the sights. One of the
best places to do this is in the
8,700-acre Silver Falls State
Park. With 11 falls and 21 miles
of hiking, biking and horseback
riding trails, Silver Falls has
something for everybody. The
most popular hike is the seven
mile Canyon Trail that loops
through all 11 waterfalls.
If you don’t feel up to
walking all seven miles, which
can take more than three hours at
a leisurely pace, there are also
shorter loops you can take.
Another suggestion is to take two
cars,-leaving one at the'trail head
at Winter Falls and starting your
hike at the South Falls Day Use
Lodge; this will avoid the long
return hike that runs along the
highway.
The trails are for every
hiking ability, but be prepared to
do a lot of climbing. Also it
might be a good idea to wear
boots or an old pair of shoes
because the trails can get a little
muddy. There are also some
steps that can get rather slippery
so whatever you wear make sure
you have good traction. Plan on
going early because it does take
about one hour to get to the day
use area from Oregon City. I
would also recommend packing
a lunch. One reason is there are
many beautiful places to have a
picnic at the park, but also
because there are not many
stores near.Silver Falls.
Many of the falls have
trails that take you behind the
falling water where you can
experience the awesome thun
der-like roar in a natural
amphitheater. The cool spray
from the falls also makes Silver
Falls a great oasis from a hot day.
Silver Falls, located 15
miles East of Silverton on Hwy.
214, is not your only option for
hiking, but it is one of my
favorites. The important thing is
that you get out and shake those
winter time blues.
Top right: Lower South Falls is only a short hike from the lodge.
Above: Lower North Falls is the lowest falls on the North Fork of
Silver Creek. Middle right: A fallen tree creates an obstacle
across the path. Right: Canyon Trail winds beside Silver Creek.
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