by Kim Maley, Park Interpreter
June Drake (see note below) had concerns that the word “creek” did not evoke the image of the majestic waterfalls found at Silver Falls. His suggestion to drop that term was echoed by Sam Boardman and the official name then became Silver Falls State Park.
However, old habits die hard. Families from the surrounding area had been recreating at this picturesque spot for decades. These families and those of the homesteaders who had lived at Silver Falls City (now the parking lot at the South Falls Day Use Area) were largely unaware and unconcerned with these administrative changes to their backyard treasure. Though completely done subconsciously, visitors young and old who refer to Silver Creek Falls immediately mark themselves as having deep roots in the Silver Falls area.
Interestingly, the newcomers at the turn of the last century in turn encountered a similar situation. The then-locals referred to this area as Argenta, with neighboring area nicknames of Buzzards Roost and Snag Country - names that offer a clear picture of the fire-ravaged landscape after the devastating Silverton Fire of 1865.
Whatever the name, those of us privileged to experience this magical place are fortunate indeed!
NOTE: June Drake was a local photographer who was the primary advocate in the early 1900’s to preserve and protect the waterfalls and canyon of what is now within Silver Falls State Park. He tenaciously petitioned the National Park System to adopt this space under the protection of a National Park before the ravages of fire and unchecked human impact caused irrevocable damage. Though the NPS rejected the proposals twice, Sam Boardman took up the cause and the area was designated a State Park. Hand painted photographs from the Drake Collection of the ten falls are on display in the South Falls Lodge.
