Art & Nature Meet at the Gateway to Silver Falls in This Picture-Perfect Oregon Town

Silverton, Oregon

Most folks know Silverton as the gateway to Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. But this small town an hour from Portland is more than just a pit stop.

From garden walks at the Oregon Garden to murals that tell local stories right on Main Street, Silverton packs a lot into its small size.

Here’s what makes this Willamette Valley town worth a full-day trip.

Wander Through 80 Acres at Oregon Garden

The Oregon Garden has 20 different themed areas to discover, with most folks spending at least 2 hours here, but plant lovers can easily fill a whole day.

You can pack a picnic to enjoy at tables set around the grounds or grab a bite at the Garden View Restaurant with its amazing views of the whole garden and valley.

There’s also a gift shop for plant goodies and a cafe for quick snacks. If you visit in summer, you might catch live music during their events.

Step Inside Oregon’s Only Frank Lloyd Wright House

The Gordon House shows you how Wright made this 2,100-square-foot home feel much bigger with built-in items and smart storage.

The house has a wild story, it was built in 1963 but almost torn down in 2000 before being saved and moved piece by piece to Silverton in 2001.

As you walk through the rooms, notice the big windows and the wood cut-out screens Wright used instead of curtains.

Adult tickets cost $20, and the daily tours last about an hour. If you use a wheelchair, you can access the main floor but not the upper level.

Find Plenty of Murals Painted on Downtown Buildings

Since 1992, local artists have turned Silverton’s walls into a huge open-air art show. Now there are over 30 murals with 15 more in the works.

Grab a map from local shops and take a self-guided walk to spot them all, starting with the first mural ever painted – Norman Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms.”

Mid-day is the best time for your mural hunt. Look for the Homer Davenport mural – he was a famous cartoon artist from Silverton in the late 1800s.

The whole walk takes about 90 minutes to see all the main artwork.

Swim and Fish at Silverton Reservoir Park

Just 2 miles from downtown, you’ll find a 65-acre lake among fir trees that’s great for swimming when water temps warm up to the high 60s.

If you like fishing, try for trout and bass from April to October. You can rent kayaks and canoes for $15 an hour at the park booth.

The park has shaded picnic tables with grills for cooking out. For a short walk, try the 1.5-mile trail around part of the lake.

The best views come from the dam side looking back at the town. There’s a $5 per car day use fee, but you can walk or bike in for free.

Buying Art Made by Local Hands Since 1995

Lunaria Gallery exhibits local artists in a lovely 1890s brick building on Water Street. Best of all, it’s free to visit and browse around.

The old wood floors and brick walls make a great setting for the changing art shows, pottery, jewelry, and fiber art with prices from $20 to $2,000.

You’ll find new shows monthly with openings on the first Friday of each month. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Cross the 1916 Gallon House Covered Bridge

This white wooden bridge with its 84-foot span over Abiqua Creek got its funny name from secret booze sales during ban times.

It’s one of just 50 old covered bridges still used in Oregon today. Park at the pull-off spot and walk across to see the wooden beam roof from inside.

It’s only a 10-minute drive from downtown Silverton, with an info sign that tells the story of the bridge’s past and how it got its odd name.

Walk Behind Four Waterfalls on Trail of Ten Falls

At Silver Falls State Park, this 7.2-mile loop lets you walk behind four big waterfalls, with the most jaw-dropping being the 177-foot South Falls.

The trail mixes flat parts with some climbs, adding up to about 1,300 feet total. Try the shorter options like the 5.6-mile loop or even a quick one-mile South Falls loop.

If you bring your pup, keep in mind they can’t join you on the Canyon Trail parts but are welcome on the Rim Trail and Upper North Falls path.

Parking costs just $5, with pay spots at both South Falls and North Falls lots.

Hike to a 92-Foot Waterfall at Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls drops 92 feet into a bowl of six-sided rock columns. The last mile to the start needs a tough car as the dirt road has big holes.

The hike is short but steep, about a half-mile each way with ropes to help on slick parts. It’s best to visit after rain but not during it, as the creek can rise fast.

Bring water shoes if you want to wade in the pool at the base. There’s no phone service, so download maps ahead of time.

Shop and Eat Along Streets from the 1850s

Silverton’s main streets date back to the 1850s with old brick shops and wooden buildings, running on different sides.

Don’t miss the Palace Theatre from 1936 that still plays movies or the small town park with its old gazebo and creek views. Look for the old town hall and fire bell tower that’s been part of the town since 1911.

You’ll find the best shops on Water Street, Oak Street, and First Street.

Taste Small-Batch Ales at Silver Falls Brewery

This local brewery has been making ales in small batches since 2015. With 24 taps, you can try beers plus some guest brews, cider, and root beer.

Their tap room sits on the second floor of a historic brick building. In summer, the outdoor deck with its fire pit is the place to be.

Don’t miss their Bent Rig IPA or the Silver Falls Red. If you get hungry, order from the BBQ cart next door while you drink.

On Friday and Saturday nights, you might catch live music. Not sure what to order? Get a beer flight to try 4 samples for $10.

Share Spanish Small Plates at Oso Restaurant

Oso opened in 2022 in an old brick building on Main Street with a menu of patatas bravas and bacon-wrapped dates.

Most folks share about 4-5 plates, with meals running $15-30 per person. Grab seats by the back patio that’s open from May to October.

The house sangria pairs well with the food, or choose from local wines from the Willamette Valley. Save room for fresh churros with dipping sauce for dessert.

They’re open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner plus Saturday and Sunday brunch. On weekends, you’ll want to book ahead as they fill up fast.

Pick Up Fresh Local Food at the Farmers Market

The Silverton Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May to October, (9 to 1 PM) along Water Street with over 40 sellers offering fresh food.

If you want fresh bread from Silverton Bread Shop, go early cause they sell out before noon. Don’t miss local harvests like marionberry and blueberry cakes.

The market has been going strong since 1979, making it one of the oldest farm markets in Oregon. You can find free parking on side streets nearby.

Enjoy Whiskey and Craft Beer at The Noble Fox

This brewpub mixed with a whiskey bar, sits in a 1900s building with big windows and a fusion menu with items like duck fat fries and bison burgers.

For drinks, choose from over 60 types of whiskey or 12 beers on tap. The back patio has heat lamps so you can sit outside year-round.

Their $15 lunch deals with a side and drink are a great deal. Don’t miss their smoked old-fashioned with house-smoked ice cubes.

The Noble Fox stays open until 11 pm (one of the few of its kind here).

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