Silver Falls waterfall hiking tour from Portland: 4-6 waterfalls

Walk behind a waterfall and through century-old forest in one afternoon

A guided hiking tour from Portland to Silver Falls State Park explores 4-6 waterfalls over three hours in the canyon, with medium-intensity trails ranging from 1-2 miles to 5 miles depending on your group's choice. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, light snacks, bottled water, and a drive through the Willamette Valley past hazelnut orchards, vineyards and Garry Oak savannah on the way. A live English-speaking guide leads the hike, which features up-and-down terrain and stairways but is doable for most visitors comfortable with walking distance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfall hiking and valley drive

• Drive through Willamette Valley
• Pass hazelnut orchards and vineyards
• Pass old logging town Silverton
• Pass German town Mt. Angel
• Hike 3-6 waterfalls in canyon
• Walk around and behind South Falls
• See lava tree casts at North Falls
• Return drive through Willamette Valley

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Portland and want to see waterfalls without renting a car or navigating on your own. This tour picks you up and drives you through the Willamette Valley to Silver Falls State Park, passing hazelnut orchards, vineyards and tree farms along the way. The canyon itself is the draw: you'll walk around and behind South Falls, past lower South Falls, and experience the sheet of water coursing over the falls up close. At North Falls, you'll see lava tree casts and near-old growth trees. The hike covers 4-6 waterfalls total, with century-plus-old trees, wildflowers in season, mosses, lichens and unusual rock formations throughout.

The guide offers two route options once you're in the canyon: two medium-length hikes of 1-2 miles each, or a longer point-to-point hike of 5 miles where the guide starts you at one end and picks you up at the other. Your group decides which works best. The terrain is not technical but has a lot of up-and-down hills and stairways. It's manageable for most visitors who are comfortable with the distance. Light snacks are included, and you can purchase a light breakfast or lunch from the cafe at Silver Falls. The whole tour runs 5.5 to 6.5 hours from Portland, with three hours spent in the canyon itself.

On the return drive, you'll pass through Silverton, Oregon, home to one of the state's only Frank Lloyd Wright houses, and Mt. Angel, a German town known for Oktoberfest each fall. The vehicle is air-conditioned and bottled water is available, or bring a reusable bottle to refill.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from Portland.
• light snacks.
• bottled water.
• live English-speaking guide.
• access to 4-6 waterfalls and canyon trails at Silver Falls State Park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 10:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Around Portland Tours

Is this one for you?The tour takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours total, leaving you most of a morning or evening free elsewhere in Portland or the Willamette Valley. The medium-intensity hikes with up-and-down terrain suit visitors comfortable walking 1-5 miles, and the group decides the route once you arrive, so you're not locked into a distance you're unsure about.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

How many waterfalls will I actually see on this hike?

You'll encounter 4-6 waterfalls depending on which route your group chooses and the energy level of the group. South Falls and North Falls are the main ones, with several others along the canyon trails.

Can I choose how far I hike, or is the route set?

Your group picks between two medium-length hikes of 1-2 miles each or a longer 5-mile point-to-point hike where the guide drops you at one end and picks you up at the other. The choice happens once you're at the canyon.

What's the terrain actually like on these trails?

The hikes are medium-intensity with a lot of up-and-down hills and stairways, but they're not technical. They're doable for most visitors who are comfortable walking the distance required, though they're not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring food?

Light snacks are included with the tour. You can purchase a light breakfast or lunch from the cafe at Silver Falls if you want something more substantial.

How much of the day does this take up?

The whole tour runs 5.5 to 6.5 hours from Portland, with three hours spent actually hiking in the canyon. That leaves most of the morning or evening free depending on your departure time.