Overview

• Location: Marion County, Silver Falls State Park

• Waterfall Type: Curtain

• Height: ~65 feet (20 m) — pet-friendly waterfall in Silver Falls State Park

• Trail Distance: ~0.6 miles round-trip from the North Falls Trailhead

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round; best flow winter and spring

History & Background

Upper North Falls is a 65-foot curtain waterfall on North Silver Creek in Silver Falls State Park — and notably, the only waterfall in the park that allows dogs on the trail leading to it, making it a favorite for visitors with four-legged companions. While the park’s famous Canyon Trail (Trail of Ten Falls) prohibits dogs for safety reasons, the short path to Upper North Falls from the North Falls parking area is dog-friendly. The falls drop over a wide basalt ledge above a clear pool that the park website specifically notes is suitable for on-leash dogs to swim and drink from — a rare treat in a park that otherwise asks dogs to stay on the rim trails. Upper North Falls is encountered just before reaching the 136-foot North Falls, the tallest walk-behind falls in the park.

Geology

Upper North Falls spreads 65 feet as a curtain over the 15-million-year-old Columbia River Basalt at approximately 1,450 feet elevation on North Silver Creek. The falls occur upstream from the more dramatic 136-foot North Falls on the same creek, reflecting the stepped character of the North Fork Silver Creek as it descends through successive resistant basalt ledges. The clear pool at the base is fed by cold, clean water from the upper Silver Creek watershed, and the rock here lacks the overhang character needed for a walk-behind cave.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Silverton, OR (~14 miles northwest); Salem, OR (~35 miles west)

• Trail Information:

  • From the North Falls Trailhead parking area, follow the short trail upstream approximately 0.3 miles to Upper North Falls; the path continues another 0.3 miles to North Falls (136 ft, walk-behind)

  • Upper North Falls is one of only two waterfalls in the park where dogs are permitted (along with the approach to South Falls viewpoint, before the Canyon Trail begins); leash required; the pool is suitable for supervised dog swimming

• Parking:

  • North Falls Trailhead parking area; Oregon State Parks day-use fee or annual pass required; pit toilets at trailhead

• Accessibility:

  • Short, relatively flat trail to Upper North Falls; generally accessible for most visitors

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Full flows; the North Silver Creek drainage at its most active

• Summer: Lower flows; the pool is excellent for wading in warm weather; popular with families and dog owners

• Fall: Flows return with October rains; fewer visitors; beautiful fall colors in the canyon

• Winter: Full flows; trail open year-round; icy conditions possible near falls

Nearby Attractions

• North Falls (136 ft, walk-behind — 0.3 miles further on same trail)

• Twin Falls (31 ft)

• Middle North Falls (106 ft, walk-behind)

• Drake Falls (27 ft)

• South Falls (177 ft, walk-behind)

References

• Links:

  • Oregon State Parks – Silver Falls State Park

  • Travel Oregon – Silver Falls State Park

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest