| Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area is a hidden gem in the dense coastal forests of southwest Oregon. It may be hard to find, but it's well worth the 24-mile drive from Highway 101. The small parking and picnic area are located along the banks of Glenn and Silver Creeks and is shaded by large maple, alder, and Oregon myrtle trees. Hiking trails wind through scenic canyons to each of the waterfalls -- they plunge over sheer rock cliffs to moss covered boulders 100 feet below. Visitors are challenged to hike to the top of Golden Falls to get an eagle's-eye view of the cascading waterfall and giant old-growth firs and cedars. These two waterfalls in the Coast Range near Coos Bay are often overlooked because of their relatively remote location. Don't confuse this place with Silver Falls State Park near Salem (a worthy destination in itself for anyone who wants to be considered a fully fledged Oregonian). Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area is small. It is 150 acres, relatively undeveloped (primitive toilets, no camping), and counts its visitors in dozens instead of thousands. The two falls are barely a quarter mile apart, connected by short, easy trails. Silver Falls, the shorter of the two, may be more interesting visually, as Silver Creek pours over a conspicuously rounded dome of rock before cascading 80 feet or more. Fishing and wildlife viewing are best near the falls. At Golden Falls, Golden Creek plummets more than 125 feet down a sheer rock wall. Three connected trails give hikers several ways to view these falls. All begin at the picnic area near the confluence of Glenn and Silver creeks. One trail follows Silver Creek along its west bank to the base of Silver Falls in about .3 miles, providing the best view of the domed precipice at the top of the cascade. A second trail crosses Silver Creek and follows the east bank to get closer to the falls. After about .3 miles, a little side path leads right up to the side of the falls. If you're here when the creek is really ripping, this place will probably be too damp to linger for long. Beyond the overlook, this same trail switches back and climbs to the top of Golden Falls and a view of the downstream canyon. It's about .75 miles back downhill to the picnic area, and the third trail, which follows the bank of Glenn Creek to the base of Golden Falls in about a quarter mile. Both cascades are at their best during the rainy season. |
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