I’ll be straight with you—Silverton, Oregon surprised me. It’s one of those towns you don’t expect much from until you roll in and suddenly realize you want to stay longer than planned. If you’ve ever typed “things to do in Silverton Oregon” into Google and felt like every list looked the same, I get it. That’s why I put this guide together.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about the real adventures—waterfalls that make you stop in your tracks, a downtown full of stories painted on brick walls, and quiet spots by the reservoir where locals slip away to breathe. I’ll share what actually stood out to me, the places worth a detour, and even the little corners you’d probably miss without a nudge.
So whether you’re driving down from Portland, day-tripping from Salem, or just looking for a slow weekend that doesn’t feel ordinary, Silverton has that mix of hidden gems and small-town charm that sneaks up on you. And honestly? That’s exactly why I keep going back.
Not to be confused with Colorado’s mountain town—here’s a full guide to the top things to do in Silverton, Colorado if that’s your destination.
1. Welcome to Silverton—Oregon’s Chill Little Surprise
Okay, let’s just start here: Silverton, Oregon, is not where you go expecting big city vibes or over-the-top attractions. It’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you—in the best way. One minute you’re driving through farmlands, and the next you’re in this charming small town that feels like it’s been waiting for you to slow down and just be.
If you’ve ever Googled “things to do in Silverton Oregon” and got hit with a wall of listicles that all say the same thing—hi, I get it. This one’s different. This guide’s not just about ticking off the same tourist boxes. It’s for you if you want the real-deal, the kind of adventures the locals whisper about over coffee.
So if you’re road-tripping through the Willamette Valley or just looking for a chill day trip out of Portland or Salem—let’s dig into what makes Silverton a low-key gem that people keep coming back to. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stay longer than you planned.
2. Silver Falls State Park – More Than Just a Pretty Waterfall
Let’s not waste time—Silver Falls State Park is the crown jewel here. But here’s the thing: it’s not just one waterfall. It’s ten. On one single trail. That’s like nature showing off.
The Trail of Ten Falls is around 7 miles long if you do the full loop (which, yes, I highly recommend). It’s not exactly a Sunday stroll, but it’s not a death march either. You’ll want good shoes, a water bottle, and maybe snacks unless you enjoy hiking hangry. And yeah, you get to walk behind some of the waterfalls. Actual movie-moment stuff.
The best part? Even though it’s the big draw, it never feels annoyingly crowded—especially if you go early. I’ve hit it on summer mornings when there were deer casually strolling past and only a handful of other people in sight. Unreal.
Pro tip: go after a few days of rain. The falls are wild (in a photogenic, not dangerous, way), and the forest smells like someone bottled up every forest-scented candle and made it real. Also, don’t skip the North Falls trail spur. It’s quieter, moodier, and super photogenic.
Unique and super worth seeing. Only 35 minutes from Salem. We have now gone the big round again. Then takes just under 3 hours depending on your condition.
Explore Silver Falls State Park on Google Maps
3. Downtown Silverton – A Stroll Through Personality
You ever walk through a downtown that just feels like someone actually cared while putting it together? That’s Silverton’s downtown. It’s walkable, quirky, and packed with personality. No boring chains, no fake “vintage” vibes. Just real-deal charm.
First off, murals. So many murals. They’re everywhere—on the side of old brick buildings, tucked in alleys, around corners. Each one tells a story about the town’s history, its people, or just straight-up fun local art. You could spend an hour just mural-spotting. I mean, there’s one of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, the town’s four-legged legend who walked all the way back home from Indiana in the 1920s. True story.
Then there’s the food. Grab coffee at Silverton Coffee Station—it’s in an old train depot, and yes, it’s got that comfy, “stay here forever” energy. For lunch, hit up Gather or the Gallon House. Local ingredients, zero pretense, and the kind of menus that make you wish you had room for one more dish.
You’ll also find boutique shops, vintage stores, and a few weird little gems (I once found a hand-painted garden gnome with a beard made of moss—don’t ask, I bought it). It’s the kind of downtown where even doing nothing feels like something.
4. The Oregon Garden – Not Your Grandma’s Flower Beds
Alright, so “botanical garden” might not sound thrilling at first. But the Oregon Garden? It’s next-level. Think 80+ acres of themed gardens—from medicinal herbs to water features to weird sculptures scattered like Easter eggs across the landscape.
It’s not just for plant nerds either. There’s a sensory garden designed to engage all five senses (smell the lavender, feel the textures, listen to water trickling—it’s basically mindfulness therapy). And if you’ve got kids in tow, the Children’s Garden is magical in the best chaotic way: treehouses, dinosaur bones, a Hobbit-style house.
If you want to make a whole thing out of it, stay at the Oregon Garden Resort right next door. They’ve got hot tubs, live music on weekends, and it feels way fancier than the price tag lets on.
Even in winter, this place shines. The Christmas in the Garden event turns it into a full-blown holiday wonderland—lights everywhere, mulled wine in hand, and just the right amount of cheesy magic.
The gardens are gorgeous! So much to see!we took the tram.annd the tour guide was a young woman who was very informed. I had taken the tram ride before but this tour guide knew more .
Explore the Oregon Garden on Google Maps
5. Wine Tasting with a View – Because Oregon Wine Is That Good
You didn’t think we’d skip the wine, did you? Silverton might not be Napa, but that’s kind of the point. It’s more laid-back. More “show up in your hiking boots and still get a great pour” energy.
Places like Vitis Ridge Winery and Silver Falls Vineyards serve up local Oregon wines without all the snooty vibes. You’ll probably end up talking to the winemakers themselves—and yeah, they’ll happily tell you way too much about soil and fermentation if you ask (or pretend to ask).
The views are ridiculous—rolling hills, distant mountains, sometimes even a peek at Mt. Hood if the clouds are playing nice. Even if wine’s not your thing, the atmosphere is worth it.
A couple spots have picnic tables, so bring your own lunch and make a whole slow afternoon out of it. And if you’re RV-ing through the area? Some wineries are part of Harvest Hosts and will let you stay overnight. Free camping with a bottle of local Pinot? Yes please.
6. Silverton Murals – Stories Painted on Walls
So, you know those sleepy little towns that look like they haven’t changed in 50 years? Silverton kinda leans into that—but then throws in, like, 30+ massive murals to keep things interesting. These aren’t just splashes of color either. They’re straight-up storytelling on walls.
What’s wild is that they’re all over downtown, and each one dives into a real part of Silverton’s past. There’s Homer Davenport—the cartoonist dude who made it big in New York but never stopped repping Silverton. Then there’s that epic mural of Bobbie the Wonder Dog (yeah, him again—dude walked thousands of miles to get back to Silverton after being lost. He deserves a whole wall).
It’s like walking through a visual history book, but the kind that doesn’t make you fall asleep in your chair. I mean, there’s even a mural showing Silverton’s early firefighting scene, with horses and vintage wagons and all that. Super detailed.
Best way to see them? Just walk. There’s no official “start here” sign—you kinda just wander, and boom, mural. Bonus: you’ll find hidden cafes and funky little shops along the way. It’s like mural-hunting with snack breaks.
If you’re into photography or just want your Insta to pop without looking like every other Oregon tourist—yeah, this is your spot. And the locals? Super proud of this whole mural scene. Some even volunteer to help maintain them. Respect.
7. Gallon House Bridge – A Local Legend (and Photo Op)
Okay, so this might sound like “just a bridge,” but stay with me. Gallon House Bridge is one of those weirdly charming stops that locals swear by, especially if you’re into history, quirky facts, or taking photos that scream “look at this adorable old bridge.”
First off, it’s Oregon’s oldest covered bridge still standing in its original location. That’s cool on its own. But the name? That’s where the fun begins. During Prohibition, folks would meet here to, let’s say, quietly acquire a gallon of moonshine. Hence: Gallon House.
Now it’s a peaceful little spot off the main drag, where you can walk (or drive) across a creaky wooden bridge surrounded by trees and farmland. It’s like a step back in time—minus the risk of getting caught with illegal booze.
Great for quick detours, photos, or just those quiet “okay-this-is-actually-pretty-cool” moments in the middle of a road trip. There’s a small pull-off nearby, so parking isn’t a nightmare.
And if you’re doing the whole “Silverton Oregon things to do” bucket list, this is one of those must-squeeze-in stops. It won’t take more than 15 minutes, but it’s one of those weirdly satisfying little slices of Americana that you’ll remember.
Not to be confused with Colorado’s mountain town—here’s a full guide to the top things to do in Silverton, Colorado if that’s your destination.
Explore Gallon House Bridge on Google maps.
8. Camping & RV Parks – Stay Under the Stars
Now let’s talk staying overnight. Whether you’re the full-on “tent in the woods” kind or you roll deep in an RV with slide-outs and a full kitchen, Silverton’s got options that make you wanna stay just one more night.
For campers, Silver Falls State Park has campsites that feel like you’re miles from civilization—tall trees, soft trails, birds doing their thing. You can wake up to misty mornings and go straight into waterfall-hiking mode without even starting your car. Plus, it’s clean, spacious, and has that perfect “I’m roughing it…but like, gently” vibe.
Now, if you’re part of the RV crowd, you’re in luck. There are a few low-key but solid spots in and around Silverton. Silver Spur RV Park is the big one—it’s just outside town, and it’s got full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, even a pool. Not exactly roughing it, but after a long drive? Feels amazing.
A lot of RVers also stop here because of its proximity to both Silver Falls and the Oregon Garden. You can park your rig, explore all day, come back, and still catch a sunset with a glass of local wine in hand. That’s the kind of camping I can get behind.
Plus, some wineries nearby are Harvest Hosts members, meaning you can stay the night in your RV on their property if you’re a member. That’s next-level road-tripping—imagine sipping Pinot with a vineyard view as your backyard.
Colorado’s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad captures old-west history, while Silverton, Oregon preserves its heritage through murals, museums, and historic downtown walks.
9. Local Events & Festivals – Small Town, Big Fun
If you time it right, Silverton has a knack for throwing really fun events that feel way bigger than the town itself. We’re talking parades, food trucks, local bands, and everyone showing up like it’s the social event of the year. Because… it kinda is.
Homer Davenport Days is the big one—usually in August. It’s got art, music, a cartoon contest (Homer was a famous cartoonist, remember?), and a full-on parade. Think old-school charm with bounce houses, funnel cakes, and lots of proud small-town vibes.
Then there’s the Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden. This one goes hard—lights everywhere, a legit German-style market with handmade gifts, food, fire pits, mulled wine… the works. It’s like someone took a Hallmark movie and made it real.
Spring and summer bring farmers markets, art walks, and garden tours. None of it feels corporate or staged. Just real people showing up to do something cool, eat good food, and hang out.
So, if you’re planning your trip and wondering, “What’s going on this weekend?”—check the local events calendar. You might just stumble into a festival with a band you’ve never heard of but end up loving, while eating the best kettle corn of your life.
Colorado’s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad captures old-west history, while Silverton, Oregon preserves its heritage through murals, museums, and historic downtown walks.
10. Day Trips from Silverton – Because You’re Already Close
Here’s the thing about Silverton—it’s not just what’s in town. It’s what’s around it that makes the area such a win. If you’re based here for a few days (especially at an RV park or cute little B&B), you’re perfectly positioned for some solid day trips.
Salem’s only about 25 minutes away, and while it’s more city-ish, it has some solid museums, Willamette River views, and parks worth checking out.
Mount Angel is literally next door—famous for its Benedictine Abbey and Oktoberfest that gets wild (in the polite, beer-and-bratwurst kind of way). It’s got serious Bavarian vibes and some of the best pastries you’ll find without flying to Germany.
And then there’s the Willamette Valley wine country. You can throw a rock and hit another winery—okay, maybe don’t throw rocks, but you get the idea. Each one has its own personality, view, and tasting room vibe. Some are fancy, others are like, “come sit on this porch with your dog.” I love that.
If you’ve got the time, head toward Silver Creek Reservoir (aka Silverton Reservoir). It’s not massive, but it’s peaceful. Locals go there to fish, paddleboard, or just float around pretending they don’t have emails waiting.
11. Explore Abiqua Falls – The Wild Trail Worth the Effort
Let’s talk about Abiqua Falls. If Silver Falls is the polished, family-friendly hike with paved paths and clear signage, then Abiqua is its wilder, scruffier cousin that lives off-grid and doesn’t care about your comfort level. And I mean that in the best way.
To get there, you need two things: a high-clearance vehicle and some stubborn determination. The road down is rough—like, rattle-your-teeth, pray-to-your-suspension kind of rough. But once you make it to the “parking area” (basically a widened dirt patch), the real fun starts.
The trail? It’s more like a “find your own adventure” kind of path. You’ll be climbing over roots, holding onto ropes on steep sections, and sliding down a little mud. You might question your choices once or twice. But then you round a corner and… there it is.
Abiqua Falls drops into this secluded basalt amphitheater, and it looks unreal. Towering cliffs, mist hanging in the air, water crashing down in this perfect curtain. You feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set that nobody told you about.
No crowds, no railings, just you, the roar of the water, and the ridiculous feeling of “Okay, that was totally worth it.” If you’re not a confident hiker or the weather’s bad, maybe skip it. But if you’re game? Go. Just pack a change of clothes—you will get muddy.
Let’s be honest. Every town says they’ve got “cute cafes” and “delicious local eats,” but Silverton? It actually delivers. Especially if you’re into the kind of spots where the barista knows your order by day three and the chef waves from the kitchen.
Coffee first—because priorities. Silverton Coffee Station is a winner, not just for the espresso but the whole vibe. It’s in an old train station, and they somehow made it cozy without being corny. Plus, their baked goods? Dangerous. You’ve been warned.
Then there’s Gear-Up Coffee—part bike shop, part espresso bar, and full of locals who know how to brew and ride. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a latte and leave with trail recommendations and a new appreciation for locally roasted beans.
When it’s time to eat, Gather is where you go when you want real food made by people who care. Seasonal ingredients, warm atmosphere, and zero fuss. For something super chill but equally tasty, Mac’s Place is a go-to. Good burgers, friendly staff, local beers on tap, and sometimes live music.
And if you’re craving something sweet after a long hike? Try Silverton Bake Shop. The maple bars might actually ruin other donuts for you.
None of these spots feel “discovered” yet. No lines out the door. No influencer lighting setups. Just good people serving good food—and happy you found them.
Lovely little coffee and donut shop with short lines and totally scrumptious donuts. The ladies behind the counter were extremely courteous and helpful. 5 donuts and a large coffee for 7 bucks is great!
Families and pet owners love Silverton’s parks and outdoor spaces, from dog runs to skateparks, while kids enjoy exploring the Oregon Garden.
13. Silverton Reservoir – Paddle, Fish, Chill
Tucked just a few minutes outside downtown, Silverton Reservoir (aka Silver Creek Reservoir) is one of those places you wouldn’t even know existed unless someone tipped you off. So hey—consider yourself tipped.
It’s small, sure. But it’s peaceful. Like, birdsong-and-sunlight-through-the-trees peaceful. You can kayak, paddleboard, fish, or just sit at the water’s edge pretending you’re in a meditation app commercial. No power boats allowed, which means no noise. Just water and whatever’s going on in your head.
Locals come here early in the morning or just before sunset to fish for trout or just float around. Bring your own gear—there’s no rental shack, no snack bar, and no crowds. It’s wonderfully minimal.
If you’re road-tripping with a dog, this is a solid spot to let them splash around. Just keep an eye out for the occasional duck posse—they run the place.
There’s also a short trail that loops around part of the reservoir. Nothing fancy, but it’s shaded and quiet and gives you an excuse to stretch your legs. Pack a picnic, bring a book, and prepare to do absolutely nothing in the most satisfying way possible.
Thrill-seekers often head to Colorado for Silverton heli skiing, one of the most extreme ski experiences in North America.
Explore Silverton Reservoir on Google maps
14. Antique & Thrift Shopping – Weird, Wonderful Finds
If you like your souvenirs with a bit of rust, history, or just plain weirdness—Silverton’s antique and thrift scene is for you. It’s small-town treasure hunting at its finest.
Places like Finders Keepers and Main Street Market have that glorious mix of vintage kitchenware, retro signs, weird art, and occasional “what even is this?” objects. It’s not the polished, overpriced antique mall vibe. It’s dig-through-boxes, find-a-gem kind of fun.
The best part? You’re not paying city prices. I once scored a 1950s camera for $10 and a vintage Oregon Ducks hoodie that someone should’ve charged triple for. You never know what you’ll find, which makes it way more fun than scrolling Amazon for the same five mass-produced wall signs.
Also worth a peek: The Red Bench. It’s part furniture store, part home décor, part vintage oddities. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to browse and imagine what you could do with a mid-century record cabinet you definitely don’t have room for.
If the weather turns rainy (this is Oregon, after all), hitting up these shops is a great way to kill a few hours and maybe walk away with a story or two.
15. Final Thoughts – Silverton’s Not Just a Stopover
Let’s wrap this up: Silverton isn’t trying to be flashy. There are no mega resorts, no five-lane highways, and no tourist traps screaming for your attention. And that’s kinda the point.
It’s got waterfalls that blow your mind, a downtown that makes you want to linger, and locals who actually like where they live—and want you to like it, too. Whether you’re here for the hikes, the wine, the murals, or just to breathe a little deeper, you’ll find something that sticks with you.
So yeah, the list of “things to do in Silverton Oregon” is long. But it’s more than a checklist. It’s about slowing down, staying curious, and maybe leaving your itinerary a little open—because some of the best parts aren’t even on the map.
Don’t overlook the simple joys—Silverton’s parks and outdoor spaces reveal the town’s community spirit, from dog runs to summer festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and fall are the best seasons—cool weather, lighter crowds, and waterfalls running at full strength. Summer’s great too, but busier. Winter? Great if you want peace and quiet (and don’t mind some rain).
Silverton is about an hour south of Portland and only 25 minutes east of Salem. Super easy drive from either city—perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Totally! Silver Falls State Park has trails of all lengths and difficulties. Even the shorter loops will get you up close with waterfalls. Just bring snacks. Always bring snacks.
Yep. You’ve got options. Silver Falls State Park for nature lovers, and Silver Spur RV Park if you want full hookups and a hot shower.
For sure. Most trails, parks, and even a few cafes welcome well-behaved pups. Just keep ’em leashed and cleaned up after—basic dog parent stuff.
