On January 18, 2026, my wife and I finally made our first medium-length hike of the year at Silver Falls State Park, hoping to walk as much of the legendary Trail of Ten Falls as winter would allow. December’s storms had done real damage across western Oregon, and in the weeks leading up to our visit we’d been watching the park’s closure notices closely. What we found was a quieter, pared-down version of the loop — but one that was still very much worth the trip.
Current Trail Conditions (as of January 18, 2026)
At the time of our visit, much of the Trail of Ten Falls system remained under emergency closure due to landslides and downed trees. According to the park’s official notice, only one short section of the loop was open:
- Open section: Trail of Ten Falls between the South Falls–Canyon Trail junction and the Maple Ridge Loop
- Open trails we used: Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail
- Closed: Rim Trail, Bike Loop, North Canyon District, North Falls Trailhead, Winter Falls Trailhead, and all other sections of the main loop
All closed trailheads and junctions were clearly barricaded and well signed. There was no risk of wandering into a closed area by mistake — every closure was obvious and impossible to miss.
If you’re planning a visit this winter, check the park’s official closure page before you go:
Crews were actively clearing storm debris, and it seemed likely that more sections would reopen as time and weather allowed.
Parking, Permits, and Logistics
We parked at the South Falls Lodge trailhead parking lot, which at the time was the only practical access point for seeing any of the waterfalls. All other trailheads and parking areas for the northern falls were closed.
A day-use permit is required. You can purchase one at the trailhead or online in advance. We brought a printed copy and placed it on the dashboard, which worked fine.
Crowds were light in the morning, especially in the cold. By early afternoon — even in mid-January — the overflow parking lot was starting to fill and the trail was noticeably busier. With only one short section of trail open, everyone was funneled into the same route.
Our Route: South Falls to Lower South Falls
Our hike followed a simple and scenic loop:
- Down the Canyon Trail to South Falls
- North along the canyon to Lower South Falls
- Back up via the Maple Ridge Trail
We tracked 2.75 miles total on Strava, making this a short but satisfying winter hike. It’s a good option if you’re easing back into hiking after the holidays, or if you’re traveling with limited time.
Trail and Weather Conditions
The weather was cold but sunny, ideal for a winter hike. Most of the trail was clean, clear, and in good shape given the recent storms. Fallen trees and branches were visible throughout the forest, but everything on the open trails had been cleared.
Two things to be aware of:
- Muddy sections near South Falls, especially where mist constantly wets the trail. This is typical here in winter.
- Icy stairs. Several stair sections were shaded and extremely slippery, even where the rest of the trail was dry. Below-freezing nights make these a real hazard. Take your time, use handrails, and consider traction if temperatures have been low.
Standard hiking shoes or boots were fine for us — no special gear required — but good tread is important.
The Waterfalls in Winter
With only two waterfalls accessible, the focus was entirely on South Falls and Lower South Falls — and in winter, that’s not a bad thing at all.
South Falls was roaring, with noticeably higher flow than in summer. Mist filled the canyon, coating nearby rocks and trees. Along the trail we noticed delicate ice crystal formations on the ground, bright green moss on fallen logs, and beautiful winter light filtering through the forest.
Lower South Falls was quieter and more intimate, with fewer people lingering there. Together, the two falls made the short hike feel complete, even without the rest of the loop.
Personal Impressions
We’re avid hikers, but this was our first medium-length hike of the year, and we’d originally hoped to walk much more of the full loop. Even so, the experience felt rewarding.
Storm damage was visible everywhere in the forest — snapped branches, uprooted trees, and fresh clearings where crews had worked — but the trails themselves felt well maintained and safe. Arriving early made a big difference: modest crowds, quiet trails, and time to enjoy the scenery before the afternoon rush.
Is It Still Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — with a few expectations set.
- Don’t plan on seeing all ten waterfalls.
- Expect higher crowding during peak hours since access is limited to one short route.
- Arrive early for a calmer experience.
- Be especially cautious on stairs and shaded sections if temperatures are near freezing.
If you’re flexible and check closures ahead of time, a winter visit can still be a beautiful way to experience Silver Falls State Park, even in a partially closed season.
Final Tips for Winter Visitors
- Always check current closures on the official site before driving out.
- Bring traction-ready footwear for icy stairs.
- Arrive early to avoid crowding.
- Expect conditions to change as crews reopen additional sections of the Trail of Ten Falls.
Even with limited access, hiking to South Falls and Lower South Falls in January 2026 was well worth the trip — a quieter, wintry version of one of Oregon’s most famous trails.