Behind the Waterfall
A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF SILVER FALLS MEMBERS
Like last year, visitors were given a passport upon arrival. A stamp was awarded each time they participated in a discovery table, craft, or walk. After five stamps, visitors collected the 2023 Silver Falls wood cookie ornament. This year’s commemorative ornament was designed by Ranger Rowan! It features the new North Falls Viewpoint, a fitting image to capture the newest Silver Falls addition of 2023.
Discovery tables could be found throughout the park focusing on waterfalls, animal tracks, and the solstice.
Traditional crafts were brought back this year, and we had a new paper bird craft including the Stellar’s Jay, Pacific Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, and Robin.
The bridge from the main parking area to Evergreen Shelter is undergoing a renovation but that did not impede visitors from finding their way to the ever-popular wreath making! A bonus was that there were activities along the way with a Waterfall Discovery Table at the top of South Falls and Bird Boxes in Creekside Shelter.
Brittany at Smith Creek Village was moved by the family bonding taking place over decorating cookies or learning about the beauty of nature. For many families, the once-called Christmas Festival has been a tradition for two to three generations. Though many things have changed in a post-pandemic world, the Winter Festival at Silver Falls provides a different way to continue some of these traditions for local families.
A big thank you to our partners and volunteers for making this event a meaningful experience for all involved!
Ransom Notes
by Susan Ransom, Board President
Winter Greetings!
Hope this newsletter finds you all warm and cozy as we admire the winter landscape around us. If you were fortunate enough to join us for our recent Winter Festival you will know how much fun everyone had participating in the crafts and enjoying the festive outdoor experience.
The falls are full and majestic throughout the Park. Winter is such a beautiful time to visit if you have the proper gear to stay warm and dry; and have the footwear that won’t slip on the ice!
This is the last article I will be writing as I have stepped down from the position of President – effective January 1, 2024. I just want to say what an honor and a privilege it has been to serve in this role on the Friends of Silver Falls Board for the past several years. What a great group of people they are; and I look forward to continuing on the Board as we have lots of exciting plans for the future!
The new President will be Mike Niemeyer – who has been on the Board for a couple years and served exceptionally as my Vice-president. Mike wears many hats and has been involved with the Park for over fifteen years. He is also a first responder for the Park. He has excellent skills and I know he will serve the Friends very well. Filling the position of Vice-president will be Ann Kitchel – who has been on the Board for just about a year now and has exceptional business skills. Ann has been a Friends member for eight years and began volunteering in the Nature Store in 2022. Please join me in welcoming these two in their new roles!
Let me leave you with this quote:
‘I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want.’
~Andy Warhol
Thank you business sponsors!
Park Projects
By Chelsea Sims, Administrator
’Tis the season for projects at Silver Falls!
Over 2,800 square feet of pavers were installed around South Falls Lodge in November. The Friends of Silver Falls was eager to fund this project with the hopes of it increasing accessibility to the ADA entrance as well as the Native Plant Garden. At just over $60,000, this was the Friends largest infrastructure project to date. Thank you to Garden City Landscapes for doing such a wonderful job!
Other projects and plans are underway around the park. Rangers are currently working on the foot bridge behind the main restroom in the South Falls Day-Use area. This project is being completed in-house by park staff.
It's a Small World After All
by Kim Maley, Park Interpreter
Over a million people visit Silver Falls every year. Locals consider the park their backyard, and many visitors come from a kaleidoscope of different communities—both near and far.
The Friends of Silver Falls seek to encourage a welcoming atmosphere for all, and are currently undergoing a project to have materials translated into Spanish, then hopefully add other languages.
Creating a safe and inclusive space for all communities is a shared goal for Friends of Silver Falls and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. This goal’s scope encompasses a broad spectrum of activities performed by the Park and Friends. New trails and amenities are accessible wherever possible, local and minority-owned vendors are prioritized at the Nature Store, and more intentional mindfulness to include all narratives with interpretive programs are a few examples of efforts to achieve a more inclusive space.
Upcoming Events & Invitations
First Day Hikes
January 1st at 10am & 12pm
Join park staff for a 1.5-mile hike on the newly opened North Rim Trail. The hike will begin at the North Canyon Trailhead and traverse ¾ mile to the North Falls viewpoint. Visitors will learn about the geology, history, and natural resources of the park during the hike. Pets are allowed on leash on this hike.
The North Rim Trail has a surface of compacted gravel, is 6 feet wide, and has a slope of less than 5%. Most mobility devices can navigate this trail.
The North Canyon Trailhead is located at Milepost 28 on Oregon Highway 214, 3 miles north of the South Falls day-use area. Look for “First Day Hike” signs to direct you to the meeting point. For more information, call the park at 503-873-8681.
We have partnered up with MammothMarch, the nation’s biggest hiking series! Their signature event, a 20-mile long-distance hike, is coming to Silver Falls State Park on March 23, 2024. To find out more about the event and to register, check out their website: mammothmarch.com/oregon-24
Friends members get a 10% discount: Simply use code FOSF10 at checkout but hurry up as the last tickets are selling super-fast.
Staff & Volunteer Decorating Party
by Chelsea Sims, Administrator
Staff and volunteers gathered in November to spruce up the South Falls Lodge in preparation for the Winter Festival. This potluck was nothing short of delightful as everyone shared stories, made crafts, and ate some great food!
It has become tradition for each volunteer and staff member to create a wood cookie ornament representing themselves. Designs have become more elaborate each year. These are hung on the tree in the lodge. We’ve built quite the collection over the past few years!
Photos by Elizabeth Lee
