Perimeter Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Start at the North Falls Trailhead in Silver Falls State Park. From the trailhead, cross the North Fork Silver Creek via footbridge. Take a right after the footbridge and go through the tunnel. You'll see the signs for the Perimeter Trail. From here, follow the trail as it heads into woodlands rich with Douglas fir, hemlock, maple, and western swordfern.

After climbing about 350 feet, the trail levels off and starts contouring the hill towards the southeast. It briefly merges with an old fire road before heading off to the left. Shortly after, you'll enter a stretch of old-growth forest.

After crossing three small creeks, the trail heads up and makes five quick switchbacks before leveling out again. At 2,300 feet, this is the trail's high point. From here, it begins a more-controlled descent to another branch of Silver Creek, crosses it, and continues descending to the banks of the South Fork Silver Creek.

After crossing the South Fork Silver Creek at 1,740 feet, the trail climbs up several more switchbacks. It finally levels out at 2,100 feet, where it meets up with the Buck Mountain Loop Trail.