MARION COUNTY, Ore. — If you’ve ever felt the spray of South Falls, you know why Silver Falls State Parks hosts 1.5 million visitors every year.
“This is the most visited spot in the park, right here where we are,” said park ranger Matt Palmquist from a stunning view of the 170-foot waterfall.
“I love getting to be out here in the beautiful outdoors,” he continued. “It's a really wonderful spot. I love getting to see a change through the seasons.”
Most of the visitors who come through choose warmer days, but Palmquist insists winter offers a different, yet beautiful perspective. On Dec. 9 through 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to the Silver Falls Winter Festival. There are guided hikes planned, along with hourly ranger talks and craft activities.
“You can make a wreath, you can decorate a gingerbread cookie, you can make a bird nest box or a paper bird craft,” Palmquist said. “The most popular thing is always the wreath-making. We have hundreds and hundreds of pounds of branches that we've sourced locally here in the park, and you can make a wreath for free and take it home with you.”
The South Falls area requires a $5-day use fee, but all the activities at the park’s winter festival are free and open to the public. Annual permits usually cost $30, but are on sale for $25 in the month of December and are available at the park.
Most of the events take place in the South Falls area, while some are at the Smith Creek Village. Palmquist encourages visitors to dress for the weather by wearing layers and good, sturdy footwear. He also reminds folks the trails may be icy and slippery if temperatures drop.
“We get a lot of people who come here all the time that come for the winter festival. We also get visitors who are coming for the first time, so it's a great time to come and check out the waterfalls here and get a little bit of an inside view into what they can see here in the winter,” said Palmquist. “We have beautiful days like this, and even if it's just a little drizzly, it's really nice to be outside in the winter and getting that fresh air getting that movement.”
For more information on the Silver Falls Winter Festival, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.