Roadtrip: Silver Falls

This fun day trip itinerary through Silver Falls and Silverton is part on my month long series on Portland day trips. {Sponsored by Car2Go}

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  Today I’m continuing my month-long series of Portland Day Trips, sponsored by Car2Go.  They are also offering my readers some special discounts, so keep reading for details on that. Last week, we went on an action-packed loop through the Northern Oregon Coast.   This week I’m heading south for some hiking, antiquing and beautiful gardens with a trip to the Silverton Area.  This includes one of Oregon’s most famous and spectacular state parks.  Off we go!!!

ITINERARY: SILVER FALLS, SILVERTON AND THE OREGON GARDENS

Stop 1: Oregon City

Hit the road and head south on I-205 to Oregon City.  If you have the time, this is a great spot to make a quick stop. Grab coffee at the beautiful Singer Hill Cafe or even take a quick ride in their famous elevator.  The cafe is known for the vertical gardens that cover all their walls.  And the elevator is free, so there is no reason not to try it out.

When you are ready to get back on the road, head south on Highway 213 for about 27 miles before making a turn towards Silver Falls State Park on Highway 214, just before Silverton.  (Please map the route on your phone it so you don’t get lost.)  Enjoy the beautiful drive through rural Oregon!

 

Stop 2: Silver Falls State Park

There is a lot to do here.  If you are looking for views, you won’t be disappointed by the South Falls.  You can walk down to it, or just view it from the lodge area.  If you are ready for a more serious hike, try the famous Trail of Ten Falls, it’s a 7.2 mile loop through the forest. The hike is long with about 800 feet of elevation gain throughout.  I think most people of average fitness can do it, just make sure to bring water and snacks. This hike is a true Oregon experience, and I highly recommend taking it on.   Here is a trail map. 

Also in the park are picnic areas, campgrounds and a beautiful lodge with a cafe and ranger lead programs and tours.  
One important note: the park requires a $5 day use fee, but luckily they have a machine that takes cards.  

 

Stop 3: Silverton

After finishing your visit to Silver Falls, you are bound to be hungry, so head north to the charming town of Silverton.  It’s full of cute cafes and antique stores.  There are lots of spots to grab a bite.  I stopped at the Gallon House on my most recent visit to enjoy their patio and have a burger.  They have a large menu of salads and sandwiches, plus an extensive beer menu.  But as always, please drink responsibly.

 

Along Water Street, there are a few restaurants with creekside dining.   Afterwards, take a stroll through the area around Water & Main Streets to check out some of the shops.  I really enjoyed one called Red Shed.  They had beautiful glassware inside along with lots of kids antiques.

 

 

 

Stop 4: Oregon Gardens

Before heading home, make a stop at the Oregon Gardens. Depending on the time of year you visit, admission is $8-14 to view their collection of 23 gardens on the property.  They also have a restaurant and you can grab a beer or a glass of wine for your stroll through the grounds.  If you plan ahead, consider visiting the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Portland.  It is on the Oregon Garden property but requires separate reservations and admission.  You can read about the tour I took in 2015 here.

Head Home:  
After a very long day, head north back to Portland.  The fasted route back about an hour and five minutes without traffic if you head through Mt. Angel.  (Home of a fantastic Oktoberfest in September) Or head back the way you came through Oregon City, which is about an hour and 15 minute drive.

Doing all this is a FULL DAY so I highly recommend starting early, especially if you plan to hike.  And to give you even more incentive to hit the road, Car2Go is generously offering the readers of my blog TWO special deals during the month of May:  

1. If you are not already a member, you can register for FREE (It is normally $35)  and get 15 minutes of free drive time with the promo code KRISTIPDX through June 15th, 2016.  Just click this link to get started:  http://c2g.cc/8nQEk3
2. Spend $100 in drive time (excluding fees and taxes) in the month of May 2016 and receive 20 minutes in drive time. To redeem, email your membership information toPortland@car2go.com. Offer only valid in Portland until June 15^th, 2016. One redemption per member. Drive time will be valid in Portland for 45 days from the date of issuance. This offer is not redeemable for cash or other credit.

I wish you happy and safe travels.  Check back in here all month for more Portland daytrips.

{Disclosure: Car2Go is sponsoring this post.  They provided me free use of their cars while researching the content.  They are also providing my readers with a discount, but no other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.}