Overview

• Location: Marion County, Silver Falls State Park

• Waterfall Type: Horsetail

• Height: ~134 feet (41 m) — seasonal waterfall, often dry by late summer

• Trail Distance: ~1.7 miles round-trip from the Winter Falls Trailhead; ~3 miles from South Falls trailhead

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring; often dry in summer and early fall

History & Background

Winter Falls is a dramatic 134-foot seasonal horsetail in Silver Falls State Park, flowing on Dry Creek — a name that accurately describes its character from mid-summer through early fall when the waterfall ceases to flow entirely. Winter Falls is at its finest from November through May when winter and spring rains and snowmelt fill Dry Creek and send it plunging powerfully over the basalt cliff. The name ‘Winter Falls’ perfectly captures this seasonal personality, and it is one of the few named Oregon waterfalls that visitors are explicitly warned may be dry on arrival. Despite its seasonal nature, Winter Falls is one of the most spectacular of the park’s ten falls when flowing, and its own accessible trailhead on Highway 214 makes it a quick visit when conditions are right.

Geology

Winter Falls plunges 134 feet over the 15-million-year-old Columbia River Basalt at approximately 1,480 feet elevation on Dry Creek. The creek’s seasonal character reflects its small watershed — unlike the North and South Forks of Silver Creek which have substantial spring-fed upper drainages, Dry Creek has limited groundwater storage and depends almost entirely on surface precipitation and snowmelt. The falls and surrounding cliff display the characteristic columnar basalt jointing visible throughout Silver Falls State Park.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Silverton, OR (~12 miles northwest); Salem, OR (~33 miles west)

• Trail Information:

  • From the Winter Falls Trailhead on Highway 214 (between the South Falls and North Falls trailheads), a 0.85-mile trail leads to the base of the falls; check water levels before visiting — the falls are often dry from July through October

  • The Winter Falls Trailhead connects to the Winter Falls Loop (5 miles) which also visits Middle North Falls and parts of the North Silver Creek drainage; dogs are permitted on trails from the Winter Falls Trailhead

• Parking:

  • Winter Falls Trailhead parking area on Highway 214; Oregon State Parks day-use fee or annual pass required; pit toilet available

• Accessibility:

  • Relatively short and easy trail; generally accessible for most visitors

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Peak flows from March through May; the full 134-foot seasonal horsetail at its finest

• Summer: Often completely dry by July — check conditions before making the drive specifically for Winter Falls

• Fall: Dry or just beginning to flow again in October; variable conditions

• Winter: Flows begin with fall rains and are at maximum in January and February; dramatic conditions

Nearby Attractions

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

• North Falls (136 ft, walk-behind)

• Twin Falls (31 ft)

• South Falls (177 ft, walk-behind)

• Drake Falls (27 ft, named for photographer June Drake)

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