Trail of Ten Falls - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Trail of Ten Falls
Country:	United States
State:	Oregon
Nearby Town:	Salem
Rating:
Directions:	From Portland, take I-5 to Salem and get off on Oregon 22 going East. Hwy 214 will split off to the left and stay on it following the signs for Silver Falls.
Total Hike Distance:	10.40 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Permit Required:	Yes
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	North Falls Trailhead
Trails Used:	Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail & Rim Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams
Management:	State Park Service
Contact Information:	Silver Falls State Park http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php 503-873-8681 x23
Best Season:	Spring
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	This hike is about an hour and a half south of downtown Portland and is about as much bang for the buck ($3, actually) you will get out of a day hike. The trail is pretty easy with gradual climbs and dips. If there is a steep area, the park service has installed steps. The trail is VERY vell groomed - it has to be since this trail is probably one of the more heavily used in Oregon. I will advise to watch where you step as there are many red-bellied newts crossing the trail. We spotted about 15 within a couple of hundred yards at one point. Thankfully, it was a typical Northwest morning of cool weather (50 or so), light rain, and a pretty vacant park. The crowd picked up around 11, so the earlier you start the better. The hike passes falls that range in height from 30 feet to just under 200 feet. There are also 3 or 4 of them that you are able to walk behind and get good picts (to come later) and vantage points. Water is plentiful, but I would definitely treat it given the traffic. Given the cool, damp weather, I didn't really drink any until I got to the lodge - and you can purchase some there. I would recommend going CCW along the trail as well as starting early to miss the crowds. There is not much to see after the lodge, except for the North Falls Viewpoint - well worth it! It is easy to take close to 40-50 pictures for this hike. Total hike time was about 4 hours. It can be completed in a shorter time, but isn't that half the fun - to take your time and enjoy the scenery? Watch out for the newts!