A mere half hour northeast of Salem, Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park, offering a multitude of recreational opportunites, including 25 miles of hiking trails. The most popular of these trails, by far, is the Trail of Ten Falls, attracting throngs of visitors - and photographers - on any nice spring or summer weekend. The hike starts at the South Falls trailhead, at parking lot F. South Falls Immediately you will be faced with the option of the Canyon Trail or the Rim Trail. Save the Rim Trail for the return trip and start descending into the canyon. Halfway down, a short spur leads to small Frenchie Falls (not considered one of the ten), worth a quick look. Continue down to the South Falls junction; go straight to loop through the cool, dripping cavern behind plunging 177' South Falls (1), or fork right to switchback down to the bridge below the falls. This is usually the busiest of the falls, being so close to the parking and picnic areas, however, several locations offer viewing and photographing opportunities from various angles. Having traversed to the west side of the canyon, the main trail continues by heading north to curtain-shaped 93' Lower South Falls (2) at the bottom of a series of switchbacks. After looping behind this falls, the trail turns northeast, and the next time you see the creek, you'll notice it flowing the opposite direction. You just transitioned from the South Fork Silver Creek to the North Fork Silver Creek. Middle North The next four waterfalls come in rapid succession: 30' sheet-type Lower North Falls (3); a short spur off the main trail to 178' Double Falls (4), the tallest falls in the park, a stepped ribbon falls, with a pretty fan at the bottom; 27' Drake Falls (5), a cascading sheet; and 106' Middle North Falls (6), a curtain with cascading fan at the base. Stop and savor each one for its own unique beauty. Shortly past this group is the junction with the Winter Trail, leading to Winter Falls and a connection with the Rim Trail. Use this for a shorter 5.25-mile, 7-falls loop; otherwise, stay straight on the Canyon Trail, and pick up Winter Falls on the return trip. The next fall is cascading 31' Twin Falls (7), with a fenced area offering limited views. From this point the trail continues another mile up the canyon offering peeks of horsetail-type 136' North Falls (8), where the trail descends behind the falls into a huge cavern. Enjoy views from all angles. Upper North Falls On the other side of North Falls, the Canyon Trail ascends to meet the Rim Trail junction. A 0.25 mi. spur heads east to 65' Upper North Falls (9), a curtain-type falls that fills a large, deep pool. Many visitors opt out of this one, instead choosing to start the return trip - to their loss, and the gain of those looking for more solitude. Head up the trail, crossing under the park road, and find a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch and a refreshing dip. When you've had your fill, or a new party has entered the area, return to the Rim Trail and head west. After 1.25 mi., you'll come to the upper junction of the Winter Trail. Descend 0.1 mi. for a view of wispy 134' Winter Falls (10), a ribbon with a pretty fan at the base. Return to the Rim Trail and head south, then west, through more fir and hemlock forest to return to your starting point. Image gallery See a GPS track of this hike at Backpacker.com.