Silver Falls Smith Creek Village

03/19/2024

Visit ten waterfalls in one day on this gorgeous trail.

02/19/2024

Backcountry is where the people aren’t. 🌲🌿

Most people visit Silver Falls State Park for the thundering waterfalls, but there is other beauty to be found on the 45 miles of backcountry trails, a relatively unexplored 9,000-acre section of the 9,200-acre park. Read more at https://www.hereisoregon.com/experiences/2023/01/silver-falls-backcountry-offers-a-peaceful-forest-getaway.html

02/03/2024

Join our team!

Looking to use your excellent customer service skills and develop hands-on experience in park maintenance and operations?

Do you have landscaping or custodial experience, and are eager to care for some of Oregon’s most beautiful places?

Then join our seasonal team of park rangers at state parks statewide.

Learn more about park ranger assistant job duties and requirements and submit your application at https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site?hiringCompany=47688ccd4cac01e2c6c2889ec223e932. Interviews could begin as early as March. Apply now.

All open Oregon Parks and Recreation Department jobs are also listed at the link above.



Image description: A cloth patch of the official Oregon State Parks logo affixed to the sleeve of a park ranger jacket.

Photo by Swanson Studio for Friends of the Columbia Gorge

01/26/2024

It’s all about the Willamette, dammit! 🌿🌲🤠

Forbes magazine released its annual 50 Best Places to Travel list and a popular Oregon destination was ranked as the Best Easy Weekend Trip.

01/26/2024

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is one of Forbes’ global Top 50 vacation destinations for 2024.

The “list is designed to highlight a large variety of destinations which will, hopefully, appeal to many types of travelers,” according to Forbes. https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2024/01/this-oregon-destination-is-one-of-the-top-50-places-to-travel-worldwide-according-to-forbes.html?utm_campaign=theoregonian_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

📷 Kristyna Wentz-Graff/The Oregonian

01/23/2024

01/06/2024

On National Play Outside Day, let's remember to play outside responsibly by being prepared for winter conditions!

When planning a winter adventure on the Umpqua National Forest, expect hazardous driving conditions. Be sure to plan ahead, check weather forecasts https://bit.ly/NOAA_wf, road conditions at https://bit.ly/TC_rc, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Be prepared for snow or ice-covered roads, limited visibility, and road debris such as rocks or trees. Travel with appropriate gear in your vehicle: snow tires, tire chains or socks, first aid kit, cell phone charger, flashlight, extra food and water, extra clothes (boots, gloves, hat), blankets or sleeping bags, ice scraper and a snow shovel, and always fill up your gas tank before starting your adventure.

Learn more winter recreation tips, here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r6/recreation/safety-ethics/?cid=fseprd700207&width=full&fbclid=IwAR3uLcVFMXpFTpYz3oVc1sUxXDjYPNYxjSwuEoYRRjtdXly0r20x8buxf1o

01/05/2024

Stoked to be featured by Travel Oregon to kick off the year! 🌿🌲🤠🏡🏕

Come join us for a stay at Oregon’s favorite outdoor inn!

12/31/2023

Applies to State Parks as well, of course.

What was one of our most popular posts of 2023?

Chasing waterfalls, of course.

As we head into 2024, remember, waterfalls in parks are popular places for viewing and taking photos. While beautiful to see, they can pose risks to unprepared visitors. Slippery rocks, steep slopes, ‘90s nostalgia, and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall.

What’s the rush? (Besides the water.) If you’re exploring a waterfall, make sure to know the potential hazards. Keep a safe distance from the edge, avoid slippery rocks, wear stable shoes (flippy floppies may lead to sloppy slippies) and always watch your footing.

Image: Screenshot of National Park Service tweet that reads, “Don't go chasing waterfalls...cautiously approach and be careful of slippery conditions. In fact, you may just want to stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to.”

12/30/2023

The Big Leaf Coffeehouse & Grill will be open from 8am-12pm, stop by for breakfast before your hike! 🌲🌿

Oregon continues its New Year’s Day tradition with guided hikes at 31 state parks.

12/29/2023

The countdown is on for First Day Hikes 2024! Bring family and friends and join us at one of 31 state parks hosting an event on Jan. 1.

Go to https://bit.ly/3F55l2u for a list of participating parks. Registration is encouraged for several hikes.

Image description: photo of a past hike at Milo McIver State Park. A a bluish-green text block on the left portion of the photo reads First Day Hikes, Jan. 1, 2024 in a dark blue font.

#2024

12/28/2023

Oregon continues its New Year’s Day tradition with guided hikes at 31 state parks.

11/15/2023

Are you taking the pledge this Small Business Season?

11/12/2023

Sayan Omi was at Silver Falls State Park yesterday afternoon and sent us this gorgeous pic of South Falls. 😍

10/24/2023

Embracing the serenity of waterfall hikes amidst the breathtaking colors of autumn at Silver Falls.

10/12/2023

10/12/2023

Traveling in Oregon Sat., Oct. 14, for the annular solar eclipse? Make it an unforgettable experience with these essential tips:

- Be sure to plan your route. Check the park status at stateparks.oregon.gov prior to travel and have a backup spot in case your preferred location fills up.
- Check the local forecast and plan accordingly. Oregon can bring unpredictable weather.
- Pack your essentials, like water or food, and plan for cold weather.
- Use designated parking areas and keep all wheels on the pavement.
- Stick to established trails, and always carry out what you carry in.
- Expect busy parks. Bring your patience, relax and enjoy the journey.

On Oct. 14, Oregon’s state parks will have a limited number of eclipse glasses, and a commemorative sticker, while supplies last. Learn more at https://bit.ly/455vN7b.

Image description: Oregon State Parks commemorative sticker reads annular solar eclipse 2023 above an illustration of an eclipse with clouds and mountains in the foreground. At the bottom is an open shield with the text Oregon State Parks