We drove a whole 15 miles from Silverton to Silver Falls State Park to camp for a couple of nights. We drove through some beautiful countryside….lots and lots of Christmas tree farms, in various stages. Some were mature trees ready to cut, others were knee high, and others were little tiny seedlings just getting started.
We arrived at the park mid afternoon, and were actually a bit surprised at how many campsites were occupied. Seems we’re not the only retired folks who like to camp in September!
After a quick lunch we toured a bit on our bikes, and went to the 4 mile bike path that led from the campsite, through the historical area, around a meadow and back again.
The park has over 9000 acres of “spectacular scenery”…(from a brochure, and we’re not going to argue). The CCC built the South Falls Lodge in the 1930’s.
Once used as a restaurant, diners ate on tables and chairs built from only two myrtle trees. The nuggets of knowledge we went away with were the facts that myrtle wood is among the strongest and long-lasting woods available, but if not dried one of the fastest to warp. When dried 18,000 pounds become 8,000 pounds of durable straight wood as evidenced by the tables inside the lodge today.
Back to camp, a great dinner and a movie on the computer..(the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel..great) then an unusual card game. Unusual because Judy beat Harris…a lot to a little (200 to 6 when Harris gave up)! We had a very peaceful night’s sleep after we went outside to enjoy the bright moon.
Thursday
The park’s most famous feature is the Trail of Ten Falls. These falls come from two forks of Silver Creek, as it tumbles over thick basalt lava flows resting on softer, older rock. The softer layers beneath the basalt eroded over time and created natural pathways behind some of the falls. The entire trail is 8 miles, and we elected to do the 5 mile loop today and leave some of it for tomorrow.
This is South Falls, 177 feet in height, and one that you can walk behind.
This is Lower South Falls, 93 feet high, and another one you can walk behind.
Another view of the same Lower South Falls.
Interesting trees bent over the trail that Harris liked along the trail.
The weather was absolutely perfect for hiking. The sun was out, but the trail was almost all shaded, so we didn’t get too hot. Sun seekers get lucky again!
Total miles driven today= zero!
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