Locals Guide: Double Falls, Oregon in Silver Falls State Park

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Long exposure photography of both tiers of Double Falls, Oregon.
Double Falls is technically the tallest waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, seen here surrounded by autumn colors.

Double Falls, Oregon Overview

Double Falls in Oregon is technically the tallest waterfall in Silver Falls State Park. Officially, waterfalls are measured from the top of the tallest tier to the point where it meets the river bed. Between the two tiers of Double Falls, the entire plummet is measured at an impressive 184 feet.

With that said, this feels like one of the smaller cascades you will discover on the Trail of Ten Falls… if you discover it at all! Double Falls is dry 3+ months of the year and is rather slender even following heavy rainfall.

Find out everything you need to know for visiting Double Falls below.

Double Falls Quick Facts

  • Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
  • GPS Coordinates: 44.89197, -122.64499
  • Total Height: 184ft (56m)
  • Tallest Drop: 141ft (43m)
  • Avg Width: 5ft (1.5m)
  • Max Width: 15ft (4.6m)
  • Seasonality: Double Falls tends to flow 9 months of the year, drying out in the summer months.
  • Viewing Angles: Front, base only. No access to top and is too flat for side-on viewing.

Location of Double Falls, Oregon and How to Get There

Driving Directions to Double Falls

Silver Falls State Park is located on Highway 214 near Silverton, about 25 miles (40km) southeast of Salem and 55 miles (88km) south of Portland. There are four trailheads and parking lots for Silver Falls:

  • South Falls Day Use Area
  • North Falls Day Use and Group Camp
  • North Falls Trailhead
  • Winter Falls Trailhead

The South Falls Day Use Area has the most parking and facilities, including restrooms, water fountains, a cafe, and the lodge. Parking is limited at both the North Falls and Winter Falls trailheads. Unless you are camping at North Falls Group Camp, this option is less ideal as it includes a longer hike to the trail.

With the above in mind, and as it is unlikely you will solely be visiting Double Falls, you will likely want to navigate to the South Falls Day Use Area. Directions can be easily found by searching for South Falls in Google Maps! You can also find driving directions to Silver Falls from Portland here or from Eugene here.

Hiking Directions to Double Falls

Double Falls can be found on the Canyon Trail as part of the Trail of Ten Falls. This impressive trail takes you through lush temperate rainforest where you’ll encounter 9 other impressive waterfalls. The 7.8-mile loop can be started from any of the four trailheads.

Double Falls Photography Tips

A zoom lens capture of Double Falls, Oregon in Silver Falls State Park.
Using a zoom lens for a creative take on Double Falls.

If you are lucky enough to have water in the falls at all, you are off to a good start photographing Double Falls. Though it is extremely tall, the width is narrow and the volume that cascades from top to bottom is not overly forceful.

Accordingly, the best angle to photograph Double Falls is from the main trail with a bit of elevation. There is one spot on the path that allows you to climb slightly, which helps get both the top and bottom of the tier in the frame. Having both tiers is essential for showcasing the “double” feature.

Alternatively, you may need to play with a zoom lens and cut off the bottom if you are facing challenging light (as seen above). With the bottom tier being so much darker than the top, I chose to zoom in and feature the bright yellow bushes and autumn colors as well as the top tier.

I also enjoy shooting waterfalls with a long exposure. By “dragging the shutter”, the photographer creates a dreamlike, ethereal element to the image. If you are a beginner and need some help with this, check out our comprehensive guide to long exposure waterfall photography to learn everything you need to know regarding filters, settings, equipment, and technique!

Equipment for Photographing Double Falls

While it is possible to capture long exposure photographs of waterfalls on your iPhone using the Live Mode option, for the best possible images you may want to consider a few key pieces of photography gear:

  • Camera: I use the Sony a7riii and have been in love with it ever since the first photo I took with it. However, for beginners you may wish to consider an entry level DSLR. This will allow you to start getting to grips with manual settings and decide whether photography is something you enjoy enough to invest in.
  • Lens: The lens I use most frequently is the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS as the zoom lens allows for the most diversity. I also often use the Laowa 15mm F2 for shots that require a wider angle.
  • Tripod: A tripod is essential if you want to create a long exposure waterfall image. When traveling, I use the Manfrotto Be Free as it’s lightweight and easy to carry on longer hikes. For times when I require something more stable, I use the Artcise Carbon Fiber Tripod.
  • Filters: A Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter (CPL) or Neutral Density (ND) filter are very useful for allowing slower shutter speeds and for cutting glare on the water. The best CPL and ND filters I have found are the Quartzline from Polar Pro.
  • Rain cover: Considering how much rain Silver Falls get, plus spray from the waterfalls, you may want to consider a rain cover for your camera. Another simpler, and great option, is a colorful umbrella… not only does it provide protection for you and your gear from the rain but can add a pop of color to photos!
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths: You will want to bring several dry microfiber cloths to help clean your lens between shots. You will inevitably find plenty of spray getting onto the lens while photographing the waterfalls!

Other Waterfalls Nearby

If you have not already, you will definitely want to consult our comprehensive guide to The Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park to learn about the different options for hiking, camping, and planning your visit. As the name implies, there are 9 other waterfalls near Double Falls that are all worth visiting and exploring. These are listed below including hike times to each:

We have a variety of guides to the Pacific Northwest that you may also find helpful, as well as instructional guides for learning photography.

Additionally, you are welcome to browse our Oregon professional photography gallery for prints and more inspiration ?

Instructional Guides to Photography

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A comprehensive travel and photography guide to visiting Double Falls, Oregon, located on the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park.

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