Silver Falls State Park offers dramatic waterfall hiking near Molalla, Oregon, with well-maintained trails accessible year-round. The park maintains 10 distinct waterfalls along a 7.2-mile loop trail system. Campsites typically fill quickly between May and September, with temperatures ranging from 35°F nights in spring to 85°F days in summer.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Silver Falls State Park Campground features multiple trail options for seeing its famous waterfalls. "Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it. You can just get lost in the beauty of it all," notes Jeff K. The park's signature Trail of Ten Falls spans 7.2 miles and requires about 3 hours to complete. Be aware that most waterfall trails prohibit dogs.
Disc golf courses: Camp Dakota offers a dedicated disc golf course as part of its adventure activities. One camper reported: "We did a group site and once we got the wristbands on the kids, they went off and explored and had a lot of fun." The course accommodates both beginners and experienced players with multiple basket positions.
River activities: Access the Clackamas River directly from Milo McIver State Park Campground with boat launch areas for various watercraft. "Milo McIver has large sites with great river access," notes Gryphon D. During summer months, the river provides swimming spots to cool off when temperatures reach the 80s.
What campers like
Creek access: Metzler Park provides direct access to Clear Creek with swimming areas. "Metzler Park offered beautiful, shaded campsites along Clear Creek. My site was just above the creek and I fell asleep to its calming sound," shares Maureen H. The park includes a suspension bridge crossing the creek, providing views from above.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Oxbow Regional Park, "Restrooms are well maintained and have excellent showers. No coins needed," according to Marcus K. Most established campgrounds offer flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water stations.
Family programming: Ranger-led activities provide entertainment for children at several parks. At Promontory Park, "The hosts were welcoming and made sure we were comfortable with our stay. We also got a scavenger hunt with stickers for our toddler," mentions Tyson C. Many activities occur during weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Reserve campsites 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends, especially at popular parks. "Try to get sites 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time!" advises Melissa L. about Silver Falls State Park.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. At Oxbow, one camper noted: "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through."
Site spacing: Consider proximity to neighboring sites when booking. At Promontory Park, a visitor observed: "My boyfriend and I had a good time and everyone was very nice...the one and only thing that we did not like was how on top of each other the camp sites are."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "There's a nice off leash dog area, but it's not fenced in, so heads up on that too," warns Laura M. about Silver Falls State Park. Some loops position sites closer to playground facilities than others.
Recreational options: Select locations with multiple on-site activities. At Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," explains Scott W. Many parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Noise considerations: Consider camp loops with fewer sites for quieter experiences. "Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river," recommends a camper about Champoeg. Families with small children may prefer sites away from main roads.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Check specific hookup options before booking. At Mt. Hood Village Resort, one camper noted: "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Maneuvering space: Assess turning radius needs for your vehicle. "I have a 36' RV and had a little trouble getting my RV into my reserved site, but there are others that have easier access for large rigs," advises Hahns R. about glamping options at Promontory Park.
Winter access: For year-round glamping in Molalla, consider parks open during off-season months. "We love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice," mentions Somer L. Some parks maintain heated bathroom facilities even during winter.
