| What Makes a Forest a Temperate Rainforest (four seasons) and What are the Indicators Mid-latitudes Receives more than 80" of rain per year Mild coastal climate Nurse logs Lichen moss Spotted owls Old growth trees Diverse plant and wildlife |
| A Few of the Poisonous/Toxic Plants Found in the Park Fox Glove: 1.5 to 6 ft. tall, leafy stems that are erect with rows of pink-purple bell-shaped flowers, highly poisonous, affecting muscle tissue and circulation Poison Oak: erect shrubs or tree climbing vines, 3-10 ft. tall, three shiny and smooth leaflets, oval in shape, toxic to most individuals, reactions vary Baneberry: few leaves, usually three basal-like leaflets, rounded clusters of small, white flowers, smooth, glossy red or white berries; berries, foliage and roots are all highly poisonous Elderberry: large, lance-shaped leaflets, 5-7 branch, small, white flowers in pyramidal clusters, unpleasant odor, bright red berry-like drupes that are edible when cooked, stems, bark, leaves and roots are poisonous Scotch Broom: shrub, up to 9 ft. tall, numerous bright-yellow flowers, widespread throughout the area, pods and seeds contain toxic alkaloids |
| Common Trees of Silver Falls State Park Douglas Fir: large, up to 210 ft. or taller, spreading, drooping branches, flat needles, yellowish green, 2-3 cm long with pointed tips (other firs include the Pacific Silver and the Grand firs) Western Hemlock: up to 180 ft. tall, with a narrow, drooping crown, sweeping branches with feathery foliage, rough, reddish brown bark Red Adler: deciduous, up to 75 ft. tall, thin, grey, smooth bark, elliptic leaves with pointed tips, dull green and smooth Western Red Cedar: up to 180 ft. tall, branches droop then turn upward (J-shaped), scaly leaves, grey to reddish brown bark, aromatic wood Vine Maple: shrub or small tree, up to 21 ft. tall, sprawling branches, maple leaves with 7-9 lobes, small white flowers Pacific Yew: evergreen shrub to small tree, drooping branches, reddish bark, soft and papery, bark contains taxol (used in cancer treatment) |
| Other Fun Facts About Silver Falls State Park 1931: First park land acquisition of 90 acres 1933: Silver Falls State Park was dedicated 1935-1942: The CCC and WPA were present and responsible for many of the buildings you see today Home to the Dutch Mignone Apple Tree: a very rare and old species Latitude: 44 degrees, 52''36" N Longitude: 122 degrees, 38' 8" W Receives 85" of rain per year Elevation ranges from 1000 to 2200 feet Fir trees comprise 85% of the forest A piece of the last remaining temperate rainforests in all of North America |
| A Few of the Berries and Plants Found in the Park Salmonberry: 3 leaflets, bottom two leaves look to form a butterfly, large yellow or reddish berry that ripens in May-June Trailing Blackberry: 3 leaflets, dark green, toothed leaves, white or pink flowers, small black berries, ripen July or later Thimbleberry: soft, broad, maple-like leaves, white flower, shallow-domed red berries Oregon Grape: the state flower, leathery, shiny, oblong leaflets that are toothed, long and paired, blue berries when ripe, bright yellow flower Salal: alternate, evergreen leaves that are leathery, shiny and finely toothed, white to pink urn-shaped flowers, dark blue to purple berries Redwood Sorrel: clover-like with three heart-shaped leaves, white flower, sour taste |
| (Please do not eat anything on the trail unless you are 100% sure of its ID) |
| Trails at Silver Falls State Park TRAIL OF TEN FALLS This is a designated National Recreation Trail. It includes the Canyon Trail, Rim Trail, Winter Trail and Maple Ridge Trail for a total of 8.7 miles. These trails offer spectacular views of 10 beautiful waterfalls: South Falls - 177ft (can walk behind) Lower South Falls - 93ft (drops down 185 steps and continues behind a 93ft curtain of rushing water) Lower North Falls - 30ft Double Falls - 178ft (double drop, largest in Park) Drake Falls - 27ft (named for June Drake) Middle North Falls - 106ft (short separate trail goes behind it) Winter Falls - 134ft Twin Falls - 31ft (splits into 2 cascades) North Falls - 136ft (trail drops down 77 steps, can walk behind) Upper North Falls - 65ft Bike Path There is a 4-mile paved bike path that begins at the overnight campground Horse, Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails There are more than 25 miles of multiple-use trails Hiking with Your Pet A pet exercise area is in the South Falls day use area. Pets are not permitted on the Canyon, Maple Ridge and Winter trails. Other trails are good with pet on a leash. |
| Silver Falls Interpretive Fact Sheet |