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Hike through Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area

Coos Bay, Oregon

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Elevation Gain

570 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Bob Hollywood

This duo of waterfalls is a must see if you are looking for spectacular waterfalls in Oregon. The 160 ft Silver Falls is probably one of the most beautiful falls around, even when the water is low. There is enough to explore in this park you could spend an hour to a full day here. There's a lovely picnic area, a creek to play in, 3 different, easy hiking trails through old growth Douglas Fir, huckleberries, myrtlewood trees and 2 stunning waterfalls that you can approach from different directions. What more could you ask for.

Getting here was half the adventure. Google led us in quite the wrong way. Whatever you do, approach this park from Allegany, outside of Coos Bay. From Allegany there are signs to the park. The road is about 9 miles from here. Drive until the road dead ends with cement blocks. Here you will have to walk 0.5 miles along a gravel road to the park entrance. Once in the park there is a sign that shows the 3 different trails. To Silver Falls go left. This trail is only 0.3 miles. Here you can get up and under Silver Falls, however please do with caution! The rocks are very slippery! In the summer, when the water was low, I was able to cross over to join the trail that leads up to the top of Golden falls. I don't recommend this. Just go back the 0.3 miles and take the trail that leads to Golden. Go left at the fork. This 0.9 mile trail takes you to the other side of Silver Falls and the top Golden. Be forewarned, it is unrailed with sheer cliffs and slippery spots, watch your kids! This is where I stopped and had lunch by the upper creek. Follow the trail back to the fork and this time take the right. Follow this 0.3 miles to the bottom of the 200 ft Golden Falls. There are a lot of rocks to play on and creek to play in. People seem to picnic on the big flat rocks near the falls. You can't see the top tier of the falls from here, but beautiful all the same. If you want to see these falls in all their glory, I suggest going in the spring or after a huge rain fall! Enjoy!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike through Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area Reviews

MUST GO!! Did the 9 mile loop around all the falls , 10 in total I believe. Was seriously so beautiful. You can't ask for more if you love waterfalls. Did the loop in about 4 hours time. Easy for kids there are shorter loops. I didn't use these directions but found it just fine coming and starting from lower falls.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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