Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
by Jamie Hale | The Oregonian, OregonLive
Silver Falls gets all the attention. Considered the crown jewel of Oregon's state park system – as well as the largest of our state parks – Silver Falls definitely deserves the hype, with more than 9,000 acres of lush forest and the famous Trail of Ten Falls, which showcases a series of breathtaking waterfalls.
But for those who have been to Silver Falls a time or two before, or those who are looking to avoid the popular state park, there are other places to see waterfalls nearby. After all, cascading falls know no boundaries made by man.
Each of these waterfalls is spectacular in its own way, and each stands up to those found at Silver Falls. It might take some driving down bumpy gravel roads to see them all, but the adventure will be well worth it in the end. It’s not every day you get to supplement your waterfall fix with more waterfalls.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
1. Abiqua Falls
Distance: .8 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Gravel parking area at trailhead
One of the most spectacular waterfalls on this list, Abiqua Falls is also one of the most popular and, paradoxically, one of the most difficult to get to. The Abiqua Falls Trailhead is found about 19 miles northeast of Silverton. From Route 213, turn east onto Mt. Angel Scotts Mills Rd. to the small town of Scotts Mills. In town, turn right onto Crooked Finger Rd. and follow it about 9.5 miles until the pavement ends, then another 1.4 miles on gravel until you reach a poorly-marked junction on the right. Turn right and follow the bumpy road downhill (you may want four-wheel drive for this) until it dead-ends at a parking area by a closed gate.
Park at the gate and walk back up the road a short distance. Soon a trail will emerge on the right, leading down a steep slope to Abiqua Creek (a rope is there to help you down and back up). Turn left when you reach the creek, and follow it less than a half-mile to the falls.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
2. Upper Butte Creek Falls
Distance: 1 mile loop, for both falls
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Restroom, parking area at trailhead
The Butte Creek Falls trail is a great place for hikers of all ages and abilities – as long as you steer clear of the cliffs. Overall, the hike is easy and family friendly, measuring only about a mile for a loop that goes to the base of the Upper Falls and a cliff overlooking the lower falls. A path leads down to the base of the latter, but it’s definitely dangerous, and a fall could be fatal. The upper falls, on the other hand, cascade into a broad pool that makes for a nice place to wade or relax. The water here is shallow and calm – perfect for kids.
To get to the trailhead, follow the directions to Abiqua Falls, but continue an additional half mile down Crooked Finger Rd. Turn left onto Road CF400, and follow it 1.9 miles to the parking area at the trailhead. A map is posted that shows the loop trail.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
3. Lower Butte Creek Falls (a.k.a. Butte Creek Falls)
Distance: 1 mile loop, for both falls
Difficulty: Easy (overlook), Difficult (hike to base)
Amenities: Restroom, parking area at trailhead
As I explained above, the loop trail leads to a viewpoint above Lower Butte Creek Falls (also called Butte Creek Falls), with a rough path that climbs down to the base. Kids or inexperienced hikers should definitely avoid heading down, and those with experience should use caution – a drop from the cliffs could be fatal. The waterfall itself is more impressive than the upper falls, however, measuring 78 feet tall.
Again, to get to the trailhead, follow the directions to Abiqua Falls, but continue an additional half mile down Crooked Finger Rd. Turn left onto Road CF400, and follow it 1.9 miles to the parking area at the trailhead. A map is posted that shows the loop trail.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
4. Shellburg Falls
Distance: 2.8 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Gravel parking area at trailhead
A gorgeous 100-foot plunge waterfall, Shellburg Falls is another easy hike to get to, found south of Silver Falls State Park. The trail leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls, but also goes up and behind the waterfall itself, where you can sit on a bench and soak in the scenery.
The trailhead is easy to get to, though it can get crowded on summer weekends. To find it, take Route 22 east of Salem, and turn left onto Fern Ridge Rd. just before the junction with Route 226. After 1.2 miles, the trailhead will be on the right. Park there and walk up Shellburg Rd., through the closed yellow gate. After 1.2 miles, the road crosses Shellburg Creek – on your left is the trail to Shellburg Falls, and on your right is Lower Shellburg Falls, a smaller waterfall at the bridge over the creek.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
5. Lower Shellburg Falls
Distance: 2.4 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Gravel parking area at trailhead
As I mentioned above, Lower Shellburg Falls is found at the bridge over Shellburg Creek, along the trail to Shellburg Falls – the main attraction. Just across the bridge you’ll see a picnic table and small viewing area of the modest 40-foot waterfall, which is lovely albeit small in comparison to its big sibling up the creek.
Again, the trailhead is easy to get to, though it can get crowded on summer weekends. To find it, take Route 22 east of Salem, and turn left onto Fern Ridge Rd. just before the junction with Route 226. After 1.2 miles, the trailhead will be on the right. Park there and walk up Shellburg Rd., through the closed yellow gate.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
6. Stasel Falls
Distance: 3.2 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy (overlook), Difficult (hike to base)
Amenities: Gravel parking area at trailhead
Like Lower Butte Creek Falls, Stasel Falls is a magnificent waterfall that’s easy to see from above, but requires a little adventure to see from its base. Follow the same directions to Lower Shellburg Falls, but continue down Shellburg Rd. another .2 miles. You’ll see an unmarked trail on the right, just before the road curves around to the left. Before it gets to a clearcut, the trail branches out to the right, and forks again – go left to the top of Stasel Falls, or right to the base. The trail right goes down a very steep hill that could be dangerous, though a series of ropes are in place to help you down.
Once again, the trailhead is easy to get to, though it can get crowded on summer weekends. To find it, take Route 22 east of Salem, and turn left onto Fern Ridge Rd. just before the junction with Route 226. After 1.2 miles, the trailhead will be on the right. Park there and walk up Shellburg Rd., through the closed yellow gate.
20 reasons to love Silverton: Done with the waterfalls? Hang out in the area! Here are 20 reasons to check out Silverton, including food, beer and more attractions around town.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
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--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB
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