North Falls Trail

North Falls Trail explores the northern canyon system of Silver Falls State Park, visiting the spectacular North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Twin Falls in a rewarding out-and-back hike through old-growth forest and basalt canyon scenery. North Falls is the second largest waterfall in the park at 136 feet, cascading over a wide basalt lip into a large pool where hikers can again walk behind the falls on a natural ledge. The upper canyon has a different character from the more heavily visited South Falls area, with a quieter, more intimate atmosphere and dense old-growth forest pressing close to the creek corridor. Upper North Falls drops 65 feet in a narrower plunge, while nearby Twin Falls presents a split cascade where the creek divides around a basalt island before reuniting in the pool below. The North Fork of Silver Creek has carved a sinuous canyon through the basalt with multiple small cascades and deep green pools between the named falls, providing continuous scenic interest throughout the hike. The canyon walls display beautiful examples of columnar basalt jointing, with the hexagonal columns clearly visible in several locations along the route. Dipper birds bob on midstream rocks and fly through the spray zone of the falls. The moss-draped old-growth Douglas firs lining the canyon create a primeval atmosphere especially evocative on foggy days. This trail offers a satisfying experience with fewer crowds than the main South Falls area during peak season.