The Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park
Sublimity, Oregon, U.S.A.

waterfall and trail as viewed from the North Falls Viewpoint

We knew the Trail of Ten Falls was going to be an epic hike when we saw this view from the first pull off as we entered the park in Sublimity, Oregon!

The Trail of Ten Falls Oregon was a DREAM find while researching and planning our Oregonian waterfall chasing trip in early 2020.

And since that trip, after multiple conversations, we both agree that it was the most epically awesome waterfall hike that we have ever embarked on!

The park the trail resides in, Silver Falls State Park, is described as the crown jewel of Oregon State Parks and although we haven't really seen or explored all of the others, we definitely agree that it is amazing!

Where to Start on The Trail of Ten Falls?

One of the cool things about the Trail of Ten Falls loop is that it is just that...a loopish trail system, so you can start at various points and still see all of it.

In researching our trip, I decided that we should start at the South Falls parking area and work our way around, which is exactly what we did and never regretted a moment of it.

map of the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

The Trail of Ten Falls Map (from Winter Falls parking area)

So, looking toward the lower lefthand corner of the map above, you'll find our starting point as we parked the car in South Falls Parking and headed towards the mighty and beautiful South Falls and very quickly all but had our breath taken away by this massively gorgeous first waterfall on this end of the trail.

view of South Falls from the brink and into the canyon

We then worked our way down into the canyon and proceeded clockwise, taking in all of the wondrous waterfalls that the Trail of Ten Falls had to offer.

Besides the plethora of captivating cascades and chutes we found along the trail. We stood in awe of the bountiful shades of green as we found is so prevalent in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest in general.

Can you find me in this photo? Hint: I'm wearing green!

We often joke that my rain jacket is Oregon Moss Green which isn't it's "official" color, but clearly should be!

In fact, several times we took pictures on the trail and noticed that it was sometimes a challenge to find me since I was so camouflaged.

We also took note that, especially since we were hiking here in a wet weather winter month like February, the trail was very muddy and slick.

We got through that well with our waterproof Altra hiking shoes that had awesome grip for treacherous trail conditions.

My Altra Lone Peak All-Weather hiking boots were the perfect footwear for these muddy trails.

Seriously though, for the dedicated waterfall hiker, the conditions would never stop us, especially on a waterfall trail this extraordinary!

So we pressed on to see and experience all of the remaining celebrity waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls...

Lower North Falls

Double Falls

Drake Falls

Middle North Falls

Twin Falls

North Falls

Upper North Falls

Winter Falls

...and finally the surprise 11th fall, Frenchie Falls near our starting point at the South Falls parking lot.

Of course at that point, we had to visit the gift shop as well as the concessions and museum that is housed in what used to be the historic South Falls Lodge.

While there, we shared a hot chocolate by the fireplace while we waited on a delicious tomato bisque and grilled cheese sandwich from the concessionaire.

Then we looked through the museum a bit before heading back to the AirBnB for the night.

Dogs Allowed - But in Limited Areas and Trails

One of the factors that we did not have to consider at the time, but we would if we ever went back to Silver Falls State Park, especially if planning to do the Trail of Ten Falls Loop again, is the dog policy of the park.

The official policy on the Oregon State Parks website says, "For everyone’s safety— absolutely no pets allowed on the Canyon Trail. Pets on leash are allowed on all other trails."

So, although a bit restrictive and it would not allow us and fellow pet owners to take our fur babies on the entire loop to see every fall, you would be able to actually see South Falls from the rim, Winter Falls, some beautiful views of North Falls (distant, but gorgeous due to the lush green forest and mosses that frame it up), and you could even go all the way to Upper North Falls.

So that's still a good bit you could see with your fur friends, but you could always kennel them for the day or maybe leave them in a climate controlled camper, etc so that you can take in the whole shebang.