June 17 - Silver Falls State Park
Oh my goodness what a fabulous day! It was our first day trip as Oregon begins to open and present our new normal and what a great choice. When I got up I had a birthday greeting from my sister in Oklahoma with Dolly Parton singing to me - hello???
We drove down to Salem and took a left - drove 22 miles through beautiful farm land and arrived at the Silver Falls State Park. Kiosk parking fee - but have no idea how much because as we arrived the young men next to us were leaving and gave us their ticket.
The Lodge and Visitor Center were closed but public restrooms were clean and available and after we checked the signs for directions we took off on the 8 mile - 10 waterfall loop trail hike. Almost immediately you come to perhaps the best waterfall and are able to stand above it, under it, alongside it and BEHIND IT - due to the multiple trails winding up down and all around! It is a hike - there are muddy, slippery, steep trails, stairs with and without railings, rocks sticking out of the paths and many overgrown areas crowding the path. BUT OH MY GOODNESS - IT IS BEAUTIFUL - EVERY MINUTE - EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK - BREATHTAKING!!!
We found out that there are 3 parking lots and you can park closer to the middle or end of the loop and not walk the entire 8 miles. A better choice for folks like us - it has been 3 days and we can still barely walk!!! Our son, John really enjoyed the day and kept coming back to check up on us and make sure we were ok! LOL
We plan to return soon and often - a treasure for sure!!!
And, of course, we stopped for a late lunch/early dinner at In and Out In Keizer on the way home - they have opened dine in but we sat at the table outdoors and enjoyed the breeze and amazing clouds forming while listening to Oregonians who had just tasted their first In n Out!!
When we got home I had Sees candy waiting from my daughter Lori and Joe and JJ gave me an oddly perfect gift - a life jacket with waterproof pockets for my cell phone etc.....for all of our adventures when I am constantly worrying about stuff getting wet!!!! Wonderful day - perfect Birthday!
Next time we are staying in one of the cabins!!!!
Gabi
