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An old-school singletrack in a sea of Douglas-fir, hemlock, maple, and western swordfern.


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Map Key

10.8

Miles

17.4

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,388' 728 m

High

1,569' 478 m

Low

1,863' 568 m

Up

1,864' 568 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Non-technical tread and small features. As an out-and-back, you can always ride as little or as much as you want.

The Park sometimes closes the trail due to weather and trail conditions in the winter.

Overview

The original mountain bike trail in Silver Falls State Park, these days the Catamount Trail sees more action. The Perimeter Trail was built as a pedestrian trail first, and it shows. That doesn't mean it isn't worth the ride; it's just a bit more old-school than its newer cousin.

Don't expect kickers and banked corners. Do expect hard packed dirt, tight switchbacks, and a fast descent when heading back to the trailhead. Unless it's raining, then expect a mud bath. This is Western Oregon, after all.

Need to Know

Make sure to buy a parking pass for $5/day or $30/year. This trail is closed to horses. If you run into any, just give them a friendly reminder. The trail is open to hikers and runners; keep your head up.

Description

Start at the North Falls trailhead in Silver Falls State Park. From the trailhead, cross the North Fork of Silver Creek via footbridge. Take a right after the footbridge and go through the tunnel. You'll see the signs for the Perimeter Trail. Head into the woods of Douglas-fir, hemlock, western swordsfern, and maple.

After climbing about 350', the trail levels off and starts contouring towards the southeast. It briefly merges with an old fire road before heading off to the left. You'll enter a stretch of old growth forest shortly after.

After crossing three small creeks, the trail heads up and makes five quick switchbacks before leveling out again. At 2,300', this is the trail's high point. It begins a more controlled descent down to another branch of Silver Creek, crosses it, and continues descending, sometimes steeply, until bottoming out at the South Fork of Silver Creek.

After crossing the South Fork at 1,740', the trail climbs up several more switchbacks. It finally levels out at 2,100' where it meets up with the Buck Mountain Loop horse trail. Turn around here and enjoy the vertical you just gained.

History & Background

Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park. See the Friends of Silver Falls for a brief history: friendsofsilverfalls.net/

Contacts

Shared By:

Breyden Holoubek

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#3138

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#98

in Oregon

#3,138

Overall
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4,061 Since Sep 20, 2016
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Photos

Watch your head for moss monsters.
Sep 20, 2016 near Lyons, OR
Sign at the junction of the Perimeter Trail and Buck Mountain Trail.
Sep 20, 2016 near Lyons, OR
Easy going before the final descent.
Sep 20, 2016 near Lyons, OR
Typical Perimeter Trail tread.
Sep 20, 2016 near Lyons, OR

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