Park Ranger Discusses Oregon's Largest State Park Comprised Of 10 Waterfalls And 30 Miles Of Trails
Surrounded by the green, lush forest of the Silver Falls State Park, the only sound is the steady rush of water cascading over the rocks, the stream splashing into a clear pool of water below. Though classified as the largest state park in Oregon, its most fascinating and breathtaking features can all be found within an eight mile looped trail: Ten waterfalls…all with their own personality…their own unique qualities…each an experience within itself.
“There's no other place where you can see that many waterfalls in that short amount of distance,” said Park Ranger Carl Krigbaum. “Each have their own unique features. Some are plunging. Some are cascading. Some run along the rocks. All waterfalls are a stream going over a ledge, but there's something really special about them [here].”
The tallest waterfall in the loop, Double Falls, is a 178 foot drop. Some waterfalls split into two tails halfway down. There are four waterfalls that visitors can walk behind. “The power, the roar of the water moving around you, it's so spectacular,” continues Krigbaum. “During the summer months, [it’s] just that feeling of the cool mist [as you walk] down a hot trail. It’s very refreshing. [The reality is that] you're under several layers of basalt that were formed during great lava flows of thousands of years ago. Everyone has their own experience…even if they're experiencing it simultaneously. [The waterfalls] hold something different for everybody.”
The question becomes: how did ten waterfalls all form within eight miles of each other? In the texture of history, over 20,000 years ago, many lava flows flooded the area and created the salt layer the park is built on. The park itself rests on top of a very big hill. Silver Falls State Park is classified as “temperant rain forest” which explains the abundance of water. Streams and creeks formed, cutting their own path over time, eventually creating drop offs over various cliffs.
“The water has to go somewhere,” continues Krigbaum.
For the seasoned park ranger, one of his favorites is the Upper North Falls.
“The reason I like that one is that it's the only waterfall where you can
put your feet in the pool,” he recalls fondly. “I enjoy going there, taking off my boots at the end of the hike and putting my feet in the cool, clean water. Just watching the water cascade over the rocks and fall into the pool, it’s really a nice place to be able to have the sun at your back and your feet in the water. It's [also] the only dog-friendly waterfall we have at the park [which means] I can take my dog there.”
Another point of interest is Double Falls, whose unique feature is self- evident. Krigbaum believes “there's just a mystique about it.” Visually, the water drops down into a pool from the top of a crest that isn't visible from the path then progresses over another ledge into a pool visitors can see.
Having grown up traveling to different woods, mountains and deserts throughout the Sierra, Krigbaum grew a passion for natural and historic places. He did a lot of camping in the Boy Scouts. He said: “Being in a natural setting is comforting to me. It's a place that I feel grounded. I don't do well in large cities.”
After attending Eastern Washington University and obtaining a degree in outdoor recreation, it was only natural for him to work at Silver Falls State Park. But it's working with people that has truly inspired Krigbaum. It's his mission to protect nature and educate others.
“The best part of my job above all else is the connection I make between people and this special place,” he explained. “That is why I do what I do. It's amazing to work with kids. A school bus full of kids will come and you can see the amazement in their eyes. You get them to the top of a waterfall and the new perspective, something clicks for them. They get it. They light up. It has an affect on everyone – any age, from anywhere.”
The Silver Falls State Park comprises over 8,000 acres and 30 miles of trails including mountain biking trails built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Hikers and walkers are welcome. The old growth forests resound in time with giant trees that haven't been cut in over 80 years.
45 electrical RV sites with water are located just a mile and a half from the eight mile loop that houses the 10 unique waterfalls. There's also a dedicated path leading directly from the campground.
The park does receive 1.5 million visitors a year and Krigbaum always recommends that people make reservations nine months in advance. “It's a great destination and a wonderful place to bring the family.”
From years of experience, Krigbaum recommends coming in the winter when “you will almost have the park to yourself.” By the wintertime, the waterfalls are pouring down and visitors can't even hear themselves over the thundering sound of water being pushed out over the edges and falling to bodies of water below.
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Baker Bay at Dorena Lake, located in beautiful Eugene, Oregon. Baker Bay is a 49 site campground that is open mid-April through mid-October.