Silver Falls Winter Festival

Photo courtesy of Oregon State Parks

Silver Falls State Park is becoming even more magical this December during the Winter Festival. Enjoy fun holiday activities while exploring this incredible Oregon park.

Here’s what you can enjoy at the free festival.

The Silver Falls Winter Festival is December 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, guided hikes and nature education.

Here are the activities in store for visitors:

Make a wreath at the Evergreen Picnic Shelter.
Build a bird nest box at the Creekside Shelter.
Make a bird feeder or paper bird craft in the Stone Kitchen Shelter.
Learn about the waterfalls in winter or the winter solstice at the discovery table near South Falls.
Decorate a cookie, make a paper bird craft or learn about winter animal tracks at Smith Creek Village.

There are also short educational talks and guided walks at the South Falls Theater. The first talk of the day is at Smith Creek Village.

Here’s the schedule:

11 a.m. Winter hibernators walk (45-minute walk at Smith Creek Village)
12 p.m. Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
1 p.m. Winter tree ID hike (1-hour hike)
2 p.m. Learn to love a lichen (20-minute talk)
3 p.m. Winter birds of Silver Falls (20-minute talk)

Visitors who participate in at least five activities earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament.

All activities are free, but a $5 day-use parking permit is required. Annual state park parking permits are on sale for $25 in December and are available at the park.

While you’re visiting Silver Falls State Park, stop by the Silverton Christmas Market.

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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Looking for more holiday events in Portland? Here’s a full list: