Behind the Waterfall
A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF SILVER FALLS MEMBERS
Friends of Silver Falls State Park Celebrates 40 Years
By Ann Kitchel, Board President
Happy New Year! 2026 is our 40th anniversary, commemorating four decades devoted to promoting interpretive programs and preserving and enhancing the park’s natural beauty and visitor experience.
In 1986, a small but dedicated group of volunteers gathered to establish the Silver Falls cooperative association and form a board of directors. Starting with $195.00 in the bank, our founding members’ first priorities included a membership drive and fundraising.
Founding members contributed their own skills and time to these priorities. They managed the typesetting and production of the first informational brochure, constructed a donation box to encourage community support, and designed graphics for the inaugural newsletter.
Despite a lack of resources, long term goals were ambitious: interpretive signage for the canyon trail, outdoor educational curriculum, a multimedia slide show, and renovation of the South Falls lodge’s “back room” to serve as an education center.
Fundraising efforts included the sale of merchandise unique to Silver Falls. Posters of park events, books, postcards, a calendar and historic photographs would be offered for sale in the lodge. However, as noted in the May 1986 meeting minutes, “items to avoid, by recommendation of all parties questioned include T-shirts, mugs, [and] trinkets of all types.”
In this year’s newsletters, we will feature more fun and interesting facts about the people and activities of the Friends throughout its history.
Leadership Transitions
By Chelsea Sims, Executive Director
Park Manager Chris Gilliand has been appointed District Manager of the Willamette Valley effective January 1st. Chris has been a steady and thoughtful leader at Silver Falls for many years and has served as an ex officio member of the Friends of Silver Falls board, representing the agency and offering valuable insight with his business and nonprofit background. While his role is expanding, Chris will continue to support Silver Falls while providing leadership and oversight across the district.
Friends of Silver Falls has also experienced recent leadership changes. Mike Niemeyer has resigned after four and a half years on the board and two years as president. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mike for his time, dedication, and leadership, which have made a meaningful impact on the organization. Mike will continue to be involved at Silver Falls, and we appreciate his ongoing commitment to the park and its community.
Ann Kitchel has stepped into the role of President after serving as Vice President for the past two years. Ann brings many years of administrative experience as a retired law librarian at Willamette University, along with a deep love for Silver Falls. Board member Phyllis Bond has assumed the role of Treasurer. Phyllis is a retired executive director for the American Cancer Society and has extensive nonprofit and financial oversight knowledge. Allison Barrows brings years of nonprofit experience to the key role of secretary starting in the spring of 2025. She has already greatly advanced the board’s governance activities and role within the organization.
The board has opted to remove the role of Vice President following a common structure for small boards. Both the board and the park are well positioned for the future, guided by a shared commitment to caring for this special place.
Thank you business sponsors!
Updates from Park Management
Silver Falls suffered extensive damage in the mid-December storm. Many trails are closed due to landslides and fallen trees. Park staff has been hard at work assessing and repairing trails since the storm.
Local trail organization, Salem Area Trail Alliance has been in the park assisting staff in clearing the backcountry trails. Areas of the Trail of Ten Falls have proven to be more challenging and will likely take months to fully repair. The 2.5 mile South Falls/ Maple Ridge Loop is currently open. Cabins, campground, Nature Store, South Falls Lodge, and Smith Creek Village are all currently open.
Photos from Rangers John Hilbert and Matt Palmquist:
New FOSF Portal
By Chelsea Sims, Executive Director
Friends of Silver Falls is excited to introduce the new FOSF Portal, designed to make staying connected and managing your membership easier than ever. It can be accessed through the login link on our website and the FOSF App.
All of your previous information, including any recurring payments, are currently being migrated to the new system. You will need to set a new password to gain access. If you did not receive an email invitation, check your spam or click here and enter your email.
Through the portal, members can:
View past editions of Behind the Waterfall, ensuring you never miss news, stories, and updates from the park and Friends of Silver Falls.
You can also edit your membership information, making renewals and updates simple and convenient.
Family and Patron members can add and manage household members directly within the system, so everyone on a membership has individual access to the portal.
A new member directory is also available, opt in if you’d like to be part of it and connect with fellow members.
Apply and browse volunteer opportunities to get more involved with the park.
The FOSF Portal is your one-stop resource for staying engaged and making the most of your membership. Set up your account today and explore all the tools and benefits now at your fingertips!
Earl McCollum Featured in the Statesman Journal
Long time volunteer and board member, Earl McCollum, was featured by the Statesman Journal. You may have met Earl at the Nature Store or on a guided hike. We are incredibly grateful to have volunteers like Earl dedicating their time and efforts to Silver Falls State Park.
Read all about his history with the park and journey getting to where he is today here.
Park Pass Increase & Patron Membership Changes
by Chelsea Sims, Executive Director
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has made changes to annual pass offerings: there are no longer two-year passes and the annual pass has increased to $60/year ($75 for non-residents).
Why the increase? Oregon does not allocate tax dollars to fund state park operations. Instead, parks rely on user fees, lottery funds, and RV registration fees, which can vary from year to year. Cost of living increases, lottery funding decreases, and rising maintenance costs have created substantial budget shortages for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Nonprofits and partner businesses are eager to support parks through this difficult time, so your membership means more than ever!
Note for Patron Members: The park pass has surpassed the reasonable gift amount we can provide as a member perk. To remedy this, we’ve created new membership options:
Family Membership + Park Pass = $100 Patrons can choose this option to keep all the benefits and annual fees the same.
Patron + Park Pass = $150 Keep your contribution the same and get the annual pass.
Patron = $100 No park pass will come if you do not change your membership before renewal.
You will get a notification reminder 15 days before your renewal comes due with instructions on changing your membership. You can also email Chelsea at admin@friendsofsilverfalls.net and I’d be happy to update your membership for you.
Upcoming Events
First Day Hikes are happening all over Oregon on January 1st. At Silver Falls, we’ll be offering two hikes meeting at the South Falls Lodge Courtyard.
Learn to Love a Lichen at 9am
Sense and Sensibility at 11am
Owl Prowls have not yet been announced, but members and volunteers will be the first to know of any updates.
Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival will be held on May 9th and 10th 2026.
