Silver Falls State Park offers several wheelchair-accessible features and trails, ensuring that visitors with mobility devices can enjoy the park’s natural beauty. From the new North Canyon Day Use Area and Trail to the accessible viewpoints and restrooms, the park caters to the needs of visitors with disabilities.
New North Canyon Day Use Area and Trail
The new trail in the North Canyon Day Use Area is 6 feet wide and has a less than 5% grade, making it accessible for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. The trail is made of compacted gravel, which is designed for those who use mobility devices. The North Canyon Day Use Area also includes picnic tables, parking, and ADA-accessible restrooms.
South Falls Accessibility
The park offers a 1-mile easy loop hike to the overlook of the South Falls, which is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the trail to the top of South Falls is a relatively flat, 0.4-mile loop with flagstone paving and tarmac, suitable for wheelchairs. The trail has occasional benches and a bench in the grotto behind South Falls.
Restrooms
The restrooms at the North Canyon Day Use Area are ADA-accessible. There are also accessible restrooms near the main parking area and picnic areas.
Viewpoints
The new North Canyon Day Use Area offers a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint over North Falls. The viewpoint at the top of South Falls is also wheelchair accessible via the flat, 0.4-mile loop trail.
Parking
The parking area nearest the lodge has 3 accessible ADA spots, two with 10-foot aisles and one with a 5-foot aisle. There are additional accessible parking spots near the swimming area and picnic area D.
Additional Features
The park has a bicycle rack at the main parking area and an unfenced off-leash dog area south of picnic area E. There are also horseshoe pitches and volleyball courts, as well as a swimming area and play area.
Contact Information
- Phone: 1 (800) 551-6949
- Phone (ADA information): Helena Kesch (503) 881-4637
- Address: 725 Summer Street NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301
Cost and Timings
- Parking costs $5 at the pay station.
- The park is open year-round, but hours may vary depending on the season.
Silver Falls State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the park’s commitment to accessibility ensures that visitors with mobility devices can fully experience the natural beauty of the area. With the new North Canyon Day Use Area and Trail, accessible viewpoints, and ADA-compliant restrooms and parking, the park provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors.
References:
1. https://pdxtoday.6amcity.com/travel-and-outdoors/new-trail-day-use-area-at-silver-falls-state-park
2. https://www.accessiblenature.info/?p=6997
3. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g19883848-d124628-r545661404-Silver_Falls_State_Park-Drake_Crossing_Oregon.html
4. https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/South_Falls_Accessibility_Information
5. https://www.opb.org/article/2023/07/31/silver-falls-oregon-new-trail/