South Falls (Marion County, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Falls |
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South Falls in the Spring
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| Location | Silver Falls State Park |
| Coordinates | 44°52′44″N 122°39′32″W / 44.87878°N 122.65886°W |
| Type | Plunge |
| Elevation | 1,218 ft (371 m) |
| Total height | 177 ft (54 m) |
| Average flow rate |
75 cu ft/s (2.1 m3/s) |
South Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, United States. This amazing natural wonder is found near the city of Salem in Marion County. It sits in a special spot where the Mount Hood National Forest meets the Middle Santiam Wilderness. South Falls is one of many beautiful waterfalls you can explore in Silver Falls State Park, especially along the famous Trail of Ten Falls.
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Discover South Falls: A Natural Wonder
South Falls is known as a plunge waterfall. This means the water falls straight down from a cliff, without touching the rock face behind it. Imagine a curtain of water dropping freely! South Falls is quite tall, standing at about 177 feet (54 meters) high. That's like a 17-story building!
What Makes South Falls Special?
The water that forms South Falls comes from South Silver Creek. This creek flows through the park, creating this impressive sight. One of the coolest things about South Falls is that the hiking trail actually goes behind the waterfall. This gives you a unique view from inside a cave-like area, looking out through the falling water. It's an unforgettable experience!
Exploring Silver Falls State Park
South Falls is a major highlight of Silver Falls State Park, which is often called the "Crown Jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system. The park is famous for its "Trail of Ten Falls," a scenic hiking loop that takes you past, and sometimes even behind, many different waterfalls.
The Trail of Ten Falls
The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular hiking path that winds through a lush forest. Along this trail, you can see several other amazing waterfalls besides South Falls, such as:
South Falls is located on the western side of this trail, along the Canyon Trail section. It's one of only four waterfalls in the park where you can walk directly behind the falling water. This makes it a favorite spot for visitors and photographers alike.
