Volunteers inspired by the beauty and history of Oregon’s largest state park have been active here since the park was established in 1933. In 1986 citizens and park staff envisioned a mission and established The Friends of Silver Falls State Park, Inc.

This effective private-public partnership has created a more meaningful park experience for the 1.5 million people who visit the park each year, far beyond what state park funding alone can provide.

Recently Completed Projects

Stone Kitchen Shelter Masonry and Chimney Repairs

Project Completed 2024

The Stone Kitchen Shelter is located in the South Falls Historic District and is an artifact in itself dating back to 1936. The past few summers, Friends have opened it during the busy season to showcase the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has recently undergone some much-needed repairs and restoration. The board voted to fully fund this endeavor at their May meeting, which came to $61,511. The repairs focused on masonry work repointing and repairing sandstone. This included the fireplace, three stoves, firebox’s brick masonry, as well as constructing a new chimney cap and replacing the chimney flashing.

Tom Dill, FOSF Board Member, Store Volunteer, Trail Ambassador

This historic building is special for many volunteers, staff, and board members which is why it was chosen for the Friends logo update. In particular, we couldn’t have funded this project without late board member, Tom Dill. Tom was very passionate about using the building and personally contributed to its funding and plans for years. We’ve received annual donations in his memory since his passing in 2021. All donations for the Stone Kitchen Shelter (including any in memory of Tom) will be used for this project and the remaining balance will be paid with revenue from the Nature Store, membership fees, and general donations.

South Falls Paver Installation

Project Completed 2023

Total Funds Contributed by FOSF: $60,530

After

Before

Over 2,800 square feet of pavers were installed around South Falls Lodge in November 2023. 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!

North Falls Viewpoint Design

Project Completed 2023

Total Funds Contributed by FOSF: $37,625

One of our largest contributions to date was the planning and design for the new viewpoint of North Falls. Our board of directors and staff partnered with park management to create an accessible viewpoint that gives an unmistakable nod to the historic stonework throughout the park. The unique uneven railing gives this design a more modern look that blends in with the surrounding trees. Friends and park staff were also instrumental in planning the interpretive panels at the trailhead.

We hope this day-use area will decrease the heavy traffic seen at South Falls every year and provide an accessible, dog-friendly waterfall trail for visitors to enjoy. Many organizations were involved in the North Falls Day-Use project and we are very proud to be a part of it.

Preliminary Sketch by Mayer/Reed

South Falls Day-Use Water Fountains

Project Completed 2022

Total Funds Contributed by FOSF: $8,520

In 2021, FOSF funded two drinking fountains for the South Falls Day-Use area. These fountains have a water bottle fill, regular fountain, and dog bowl. The first was installed this spring at the main restrooms, where over a million visitors enter the park every year.

The second was recently installed by park staff at the Nature Store. Friends hope these water fill stations will encourage visitors to be prepared before hiking into the canyon, and reduce the waste of single-use water bottles. Both drinking fountains will be turned on in the spring when temperatures are above freezing.