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A pair of Oregon waterfalls offer splendid show

ALLEGANY, Ore. (AP) – Tell someone from the Willamette Valley that you’re headed to Golden and Silver Falls State Park, and there’s a good chance you’ll get a blank stare in response.

“Um ... you mean Silver Falls State Park, right?”

Actually, no.

Although it shares a strikingly similar name with the largest and one of the most popular parks in Oregon, Golden and Silver Falls is its own unique place.

Tucked deep in the Coast Range east of Coos Bay, this state park is smaller and attracts a fraction of the crowds compared with its famous counterpart.

But when it comes to the beauty of its waterfalls, Golden and Silver Falls play second fiddle to no place in the Pacific Northwest.

The 200-foot Golden Falls and 130-foot Silver Falls have been called the two most impressive waterfalls in Oregon’s Coast Range, and when you see them after a heavy winter rain, it’s difficult to argue.

Golden Falls roars into a box canyon with so much ferocity, it kicks up mist that plumes upward like smoke from a wildfire. Silver Falls, in contrast, spools off a rounded dome like gray hair falling off a balding head.

The park is a four-hour drive from Salem (or one hour from Coos Bay) and best visited as part of a multi-day trip along the Oregon Coast.

It’s a detour that’s certainly worthwhile, especially in winter.

And, for those who value solitude with their waterfalls, consider this stat: While Silver Falls State Park attracts just short of 1 million visits per year, Golden and Silver Falls brings in just 15,000.

After hiking Glenn Creek Road for a mile and a half, we arrived at the normal park entrance and found three short hiking options.

It’s a short hike to the base of Silver and Golden falls, while it’s longer (almost two miles) to reach the top of Golden Falls. All three are worth exploring.

I visited on a sunny day following almost four days of heavy rainfall.

Both waterfalls were at their best, booming with fury. Moments of sunshine brought rainbows into their mist, creating memorable scenes for my family and camera lens.

It was a long day with my daughter, wife and dog. With the extra hike in, we estimated that we covered about 6 miles.

But considering the views, the small handful of people visiting and the surprisingly fun road hike in, it was well worth the time.

Directions

From Coos Bay, follow Coos River Highway 241 to the small town of Allegany. Continue on East Fork Road and Glenn Creek Road, heeding the many signs for the state park, where the dirt road currently is blockaded and the hike begins.



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