If you can't tell from some of my previous adventures, I LOVE a good waterfall hike. So when I was hunting for experiences in Oregon via Airbnb and came across an 8-hour hiking/picnic adventure that promised 7 "enchanted" waterfalls, I was immediately hooked. This unforgettable hike delivers the iconic flora and fauna of the Pacific-Northwest with the addition of aquatic gems along the way.
Manuel and Nate, earth and environmental graduates who founded their own tour company, Stök Outfitters, take small groups on day-long pilgrimages to Silver Falls State Park. Considered by many as the "Crown Jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls is the largest park in the state with an area that spans more than 9,000 acres. The park includes more than 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path (Wikipedia). For this adventure, simply meet Manuel and/or Nate at their big white van in a central Portland location (it's not as sketchy as it sounds, I promise!) and they whisk you away to Oregon's very own Narnia, about an hour's drive from the city.
My experience in late November (which is during tourist down-season) was one of a deep forest of misty magic. Particularly in the first morning hours of the hike, an ethereal gray mist wrapped around the Douglas firs above the hills that left the forest appearing eerie yet beautiful. With this much beauty in late autumn, one can only imagine how stunning this hike is during the summertime, which I am absolutely planning on experiencing. The main difference is that in the warm sun, many people flock the falls to go swimming in the pools below! Whatever season you're considering visiting, know that you don't have to be an advanced hiker to participate. This 5 mile loop includes some moderate elevation change and staircases - but I'd describe everything to be very maneagable for a person of average fitness.
Beginning at a spacious parking area with a nearby lodge-style cafe, restrooms, and a gift shop, Silver Falls State Park is well-equipped for visitors. The first waterfall you pass by on the hike is the stunning Silver Falls itself, a long, elegant streak of beauty dipping into the river below. Once of the most exciting elements of this hike is that the trail loops BEHIND several of the waterfalls, allowing for awe-inspiring photos.
One of the most motivational parts of the trek is the promise of bread bowls. At the end of the afternoon, our group returned to the van and settled in at a nearby picnic table, while Manuel prepared a hot meal for us. After several hours of hiking (particularly in the cold November weather), nothing sounds better than a hearty sourdough bread bowl filled with warming soup. Using a generator, the soup is heated up at the back of the van. Fortuitously, the sun came out near the end of our hike so we were treated to the perfect combination of golden sunlight and delicious bread bowls to warm us up! It really is the best way to end a hike: enjoying a scrumptious meal with new friends.
Overall, this journey is the ultimate way to feel close to Mother Nature in Oregon. If you want to spend a day away from the bustle & breweries of Portland, I'd highly suggest you book the Enchanted Seven Waterfalls Hike by Stök Outfitters. Of course, you can also choose to adventure to the park on your own, but the wealth of knowledge, stories, and included transportation make this tour so worthwhile.
Until next time, Oregon! You know I'll be back soon...
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