Lower South Falls

Lower South Falls is a plunge waterfall in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon that drops over a broad basalt ledge, creating a vertical curtain of water. The cascade maintains its full width throughout all seasons, providing a consistent and substantial flow regardless of the time of year.

Photographer June Drake discovered and named the falls in the 1880s while documenting the park's natural features. Her work helped bring attention to the region's waterfalls and contributed to the area's protection as a state park.

This waterfall serves as a key waypoint along the Trail of Ten Falls, connecting visitors through a series of natural cascades across the park. The site draws people who want to experience multiple falls within a single outing rather than visiting them separately.

The hike starts from the main parking area and covers roughly a half-mile (800 meters) on well-maintained trails within the park. The route is clearly marked and accessible for most visitors, though sturdy shoes are helpful on the sometimes damp paths.

The path leads through a stone tunnel behind the cascade, allowing visitors to stand beneath and within the falls themselves. This interior vantage point shows how the water moves and sounds up close in a way few other locations offer.