Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

Photo by Michael McGarry

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Mom while enjoying nature, attend the Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival at Silver Falls State Park.

The park is in bloom and filled with winged and four-legged creatures hiding among the beautiful plant life and waterways that make this park such a special place. 

Here’s how you can participate in this special weekend. If you’re looking for more options, check out my list of free and cheap Mother’s Day events in and around Portland.

Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

The Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival is Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are numerous free activities to enjoy during this event. Most take place at the South Falls Day-use area unless a different location is noted below. 

In addition to birding walks, wildflower hikes, and live raptor presentations, there are wildflower shows and a discovery table at the South Falls Theater, a bird discovery table at Stone Circle, a native plant sale at the Nature Store and bird crafts at the South Falls Lodge courtyard.

All events are free, but a $5 daily parking permit is required at Silver Falls State Park.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect each day: 

Saturday, May 11

Long birding walks

• 7:30 a.m. Early Bird Walk at South Falls: 2.6 miles, 3 hours, meet at Stone Circle.
• 3 p.m. Afternoon Birding Walk, 1 mile, 2 hours, *meet at Smith Creek Village.

Sunday, May 12

Long birding walks

• 7:30 a.m. Early bird walk: 1 mile, 3 hours, *meet at the campground info kiosk.
• 3 p.m. Afternoon Birding Walk, 1 mile, 90 minutes, meet at Camp Silver Creek.

Activities on both days

10 a.m. Wildflower Walk: ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at Stone Circle.

11 a.m. Wildflower Walk: ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at Stone Circle.

12 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation at Stone Kitchen Shelter (no dogs please).

1 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation at Stone Kitchen Shelter (no dogs please).

1 p.m. Family Birding Walk: ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at Stone Circle.

2 p.m. Wildflower Walk: ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at Stone Circle.

Silver Falls State Park is located at 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE in Sublimity, Oregon. For more information, visit the Oregon State Parks website.

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