Volunteers inspired by the beauty and history of Oregon’s largest state park have been active here since the park was established in 1933. In 1986 citizens and park staff envisioned a mission and established The Friends of Silver Falls State Park, Inc.

This effective private-public partnership has created a more meaningful park experience for the 1.5 million people who visit the park each year, far beyond what state park funding alone can provide.

Recently Completed Projects

South Falls Paver Installation

After

Before

Over 2,800 square feet of pavers were installed around South Falls Lodge in November 2023. The Friends of Silver Falls was eager to fund this project with the hopes of it increasing accessibility to the ADA entrance as well as the Native Plant Garden.

At just over $60,000, this was the Friends largest infrastructure project to date. Thank you to Garden City Landscapes for doing such a wonderful job!

North Falls Viewpoint Design

One of our largest contributions to date was the planning and design for the new viewpoint of North Falls. Our board of directors and staff partnered with park management to create an accessible viewpoint that gives an unmistakable nod to the historic stonework throughout the park. The unique uneven railing gives this design a more modern look that blends in with the surrounding trees. Friends and park staff were also instrumental in planning the interpretive panels at the trailhead.

We hope this day-use area will decrease the heavy traffic seen at South Falls every year and provide an accessible, dog-friendly waterfall trail for visitors to enjoy. Many organizations were involved in the North Falls Day-Use project and we are very proud to be a part of it.

Total Funds Contributed by FOSF: $37,625

Preliminary Sketch by Mayer/Reed

South Falls Day-Use Water Fountains

In 2021, FOSF funded two drinking fountains for the South Falls Day-Use area. These fountains have a water bottle fill, regular fountain, and dog bowl. The first was installed this spring at the main restrooms, where over a million visitors enter the park every year.

The second was recently installed by park staff at the Nature Store. Friends hope these water fill stations will encourage visitors to be prepared before hiking into the canyon, and reduce the waste of single-use water bottles. Both drinking fountains will be turned on in the spring when temperatures are above freezing.