This was my second time visiting Silverton Oregon and my first time staying here to be closer to Abiqua Falls and Silver Falls State Park. Being a local, it is always nice to get to know a place and be closer to popular waterfalls to get places earlier.
In this blog post you will find where I stayed, what I did while I was there, and suggestions for next time. Let’s get into it!
Where Is Silverton Oregon?
Just an hour southeast of Portland, is Silverton, Oregon-a quaint small town home to the famous Silver Falls State Park. Abiqua Falls, Oregon is also a popular hiking destination that can be enjoyed while you’re in the area.
Silverton Vacation Rental
I stayed at Crooked Finger Farms just outside of Silverton, Oregon while I was in the area. I knew the farm was close to Abiqua Falls and Silver Falls State Park, all under 30 minutes to get to each-so you can treat this as your basecamp.
This was my second time visiting Abiqua Falls in the past but it was nice being down the street from the parking area. When I visited last time I had just started my blog and was just starting to take photography seriously-so cool to be back!
It is my recommendation to check out Crooked Finger Farms when you plan your trip to Silverton. There are 3 different rentals to choose from on the property, friendly horses, and a hiking trail on site. The Bali House has its own soaking tub and is a greenhouse, super unique! The glamping tent and airstream are a duo booking idea, so you have a place to shower and toilet. There is a gorgeous farmhouse too, which I didn’t have the chance to photograph, I did see the inside.
I left the farm at 7 on Saturday morning to head to Abiqua Falls; it is about an hour from Portland and is quite popular, so I was hoping to visit with less people this time.
Abiqua Falls
Luckily the falls were spared in the 2020 fires that swept in the area. It is important to note that Abiqua Falls, Oregon lies on land owned by the Mount Angel Abbey, so it is privately owned. Please abide by Leave No Trace principles so the falls remain accessible to the public.
When completing this hike, be sure to Leave No Trace. When I have done this trail I unfortunately have seen quite a bit of trash and graffti-this is on private land that can be shut down at anytime if not treated well. Pack out any trash you bring and abide by local wilderness rules.
Road To Abiqua Falls
The road down to the trailhead is unmaintained. Although I was able to drive my Subaru Outback to the bottom parking area, it is advisable if you have a sedan or low clearance vehicle you park higher up on the road.
On my way in I saw quite a few people hiking down the road without water. Depending on where you park on the road, it makes the hike quite a bit longer.
Hiking Abiqua Falls
If you park at the trailhead like I did (you will reach the end of the road with a gate), the hike down to the falls is .07 miles with 249 feet of elevation gain. Don’t let that fool you. The hike starts out through a beautiful forest and you are quickly greeted with rope sections to make your way down into the basaltic amphitheatre. Since this is private property, the ropes are “use at your own risk,” since the forest service isn’t there to ensure they are safe. Luckily I was there on a pretty dry day, so it wasn’t terribly muddy.
As you hug the riverbank and hike around the corner on basalt rocks, you are greeted with a glorious sighting of the raging waterfall. To my surprise, I had it to myself for an hour! Abiqua Falls Trail is not accessible for people under the age of 12, it requires steep rope sections, so be sure to be advised of this prior to starting the hike.
Silverton Oregon
The beauty of traveling alone is going at your own pace. I had the afternoon available so I decided to walk around downtown Silverton, Oregon. It was a Saturday in September so I went to check out the artisans and growers market/.
Silverton Oregon Summer Activities
The Oregon Gardens is best reccomended to visit in the spring and summer hwen the flowers are blooming. Dating back to the 1940s the Oregon garden is home to some of the oldest oak trees in the area.
The Gordon House is a Frank Lloyd Wright house located in the Oregon garden. Being Wright’s only design in Oregon, it is a popular place for people to visit. Since 2001 it was converted to a museum, and it is $20 to visit. The Gordon House In Silverton Oregon is open year-round.
Future Hikes For Later!
- Hike Tunnel Falls In The Columbia River Gorge!
- Terwilliger Hot Springs!
- Backpacking Mirror Lake In The Wallowas!
Pin For Later!
