“South Falls”

On By Mike U.In Photography
South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (c) Mike Utley

Silver Falls State Park is located about 20 miles outside of Salem, Oregon and hosts several falls along the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls. It’s a primordial place, shrouded in mist much of the time, still and quiet save for the whisperings of breezes in trees and the roar of falls when the trail weaves its way near one. South Falls is the park’s most iconic fall at 177 feet, and the nearest to the parking area. The hiking trail winds along the cliffside behind the fall and above the dark pool below. Although I always disliked any signs of humans or human activity in my nature photography, in this case the trail (and at least one person visible on it) serves to provide a sense of scale.

My first visit to Silver Falls State Park in early October 1995 yielded this image (among a few others). The size of the fall was impressive; navigating the trail behind the fall was thrilling (and a little damp) and offered a unique perspective. Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls (and more than 1,000, according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey), and every one I visited during my all-too-brief time in Oregon was fascinating, from the specatcular fairytale setting of Multnomah Falls along I-84 on the Columbia River Gorge to the little six-foot cascasde I photogrraphed on this very trail shortly after making the above image of South Falls (see below).

Small Cascasde on Hillside, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (c) Mike Utley

These two images were made just before the rainy season began, when the foliage was still predominantly green and skies were blue. Once the rain comes in Oregon’s autumn, it becomes a fixture throughout the fall, winter and spring. A comparison shot of South Falls below shows the same fall from an almost identical perspective on January 1, 1996 after a heavy rain.

South Falls After Heavy Rains, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (c) Mike Utley

My time in Oregon was far too short. I came back to Utah in January 1996, always planning on returning to Oregon, dreaming of further explorations and adventures in what I consider the most beautiful state I’ve ever visited. Alas, not all dreams come true, and I’ve never made it back to Oregon. I miss the ocean, the mountains, the forests and the waterfalls. I’m landlocked now, here in southwest Colorado, no longer able to drive due medical issues with my legs, and can no longer explore nature with my camera. It’s a sore loss, indeed, but at least I have my old images to serve as reminders of the joy I experienced back then when I could roam the mountains and deserts and forests and coastlines and commune with nature. (Canon gear, Fuji Velvia ISO 50)

53 thoughts on ““South Falls””

    1. Thanks so much for your kind and enthusiastic support, Friedrich. I truly appreciate it. I haven’t posted any of my nature images in a while. I have a handful of them in my nature photography section that don’t have write-ups yet so I figured I’d try to get them out of the way and catch up a bit. I’m happy to know you enjoyed these images. šŸ˜Š

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    1. Kindest thanks, Michelle. Oh yeah, waterfalls are magical on a whole different level. Oregon has so many and I only saw a handful while I was there. My area doesn’t have many at all, and certainly not on the scale of Oregon’s waterfalls. There’s something soothing and rejuvenating about moving water, you know? I hope you find some soon. šŸ˜Š

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    1. Thanks, Gary. If you ever get the chance, it’s definitely worth a trip to the Pacific Northwest. It’s such a varied region with the ocean, a real rainforest, mountains,rivers, lakes, waterfalls, deserts, farmland, world-class fishing, camping, hiking and biking, lighthouses…I could go on and on. I really miss it. I lived in Salem, OR in the mid-’90s and figured I’d be up there for the rest of my life, but it didn’t work out and I ended up returning to southeast Utah, and then to southwest Colorado where I live now. I hope someday to return. I miss the ocean–the Pacific Northwest Coast is so rugged and beautiful.

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  5. These are gorgeous shots, Mike. I’m going to Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare festival. I’ve never been to Oregon before and I’m hoping to do some traveling there but i think this is so far. BeautifulšŸ’—

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    1. Thanks, Cindy. I never made it down to Ashland when I lived in Salem in the mid-’90s, but from what I’ve heard it’s a gorgeous town. I recall reading about the Shakespeare Festival held there. Sounds like a lot of fun. Oregon is heaven on earth (at least, the western part is; eastern Oregon looks a lot like it does where I live here in southwest Colorado: deserty, sage and junipers and pinyons and rocks. But once you hit the Cascade range, oh boy! And the coast! Heceta Head Lighthouse just north of Florence is my favorite spot on Planet Earth. Have fun! šŸ˜Š

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      1. You’re so welcome and you give me lots to look forward to, thanks for that. I’m excited to see a friend in the 2 man 90. min show which will be soooo much fun. These places sound amazing and I’m going to hit the coast. Hope you’ll be back in no time. šŸ’•

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    1. Hey, Jeff. Thanks for the nice comment. The Trail of Ten Falls is a loop, so a total of 7.2 miles. I hiked it in ’95 and ’96 so it’s been quite a while. I found a link that provides more info:

      https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/trail-of-ten-falls-canyon-trail

      It’s listed as a moderately challenging trail that takes a little less than 3 and a half hours (unless you’re like I was back then and had to stop everywhere for photo ops). I was living in Salem at the time, so this place was sort of in my backyard. Oregon has some amazing waterfalls and hiking/biking trails.

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  7. Beautiful shots, Mike. I’ve often wondered about living in the Pacific Northwest, and it is scenery like this that makes me wonder about it just a bit more. Waterfalls in person are truly amazing views and no matter where they are located, I’m always up for being in their presence.

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    1. Thanks, Bruce. The Pacific Northwest is pretty amazing and so varied. I moved to Salem, OR in Sept. ’95 and when my plans fell through I had to return to Utah in Jan. ’96, so I spent only four months there, almost all of them with constant rain (which I actually enjoyed since the area I grew up in–SE Utah–receives only about ten inches of precipitation yearly). Everything was so green and smelled of life. The coast was heavenly (I’m a huge lighthouse fanatic), and all the sea life was so new to me as I came from a landlocked area (I even saw a pod of whales just off Cape Blanco one rainy morning–majestic!). It rains from October to April but the natural beauty compensates for it. If you get a chance, go for a visit sometime. It’s by far the friendliest place in the U.S. I’ve ever visited. I have a few other of Oregon images in my nature photography section here on my blog, too. And all the waterfalls are definitely a plus. šŸ˜Š

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    1. Thank you kindly, Jane. I hadn’t posted any of my nature photography for a while so I thought I’d catch up on the last few images that didn’t have write-ups (I have a nature photography section if you’re interested in seeing more images–click on an image and it takes you to a written post featuring the image).

      Yes, it’s been really frustrating as far as my legs are concerned. I had a bad reaction to a couple of EMDR sessions during PTSD therapy in 2018 and developed a strange host of physical side-effects including numbness in my legs from my knees down and in my hands and the left side of my head, extreme dizziness, shakiness, and some others. Some of the side-effects have abated for the most part, but the numbness in my lower legs, feet and fingers remains. The last time I was able to drive was in early 2019, so it’s been over five years now. It doesn’t look as though my legs are going to recover. I have difficulty walking as well. I don’t even know what to think anymore. I just miss my independence, you know? All of that occurred when I was only 54; I’m 60 now. So, while I will likely never get to visit Oregon again, at least I have some images of my time there to remind me of its natural beauty.

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      1. What a shame. That really is a loss of independence. However, it does sound as though driving would not be a good idea! Take advantage of your beautiful photos, and also of the many amazing and stunning videos of nature around the world to be found on TV and online.

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  9. Hey, Mike, a photographer too! Fabulous photos! Find a way to continue! How about macro photography? I’m thinking of buying a “clip-on” macro lens to use with my mobile. They are inexpensive, too!

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    1. Thanks, Ashley, Yep, I have three galleries of my nature images in the nature photography section of my blog–click on an image and you’ll be taken to a post that tells a bit about it. I haven’t posted any photography for several months and I had a few images I hadn’t gotten around to posting, so I’m trying to catch up.

      I’ve always wanted a nice Canon 100mm f/2.8 1:1 macro lens but could never afford the price tag. I ended up using three diopters and a teleconverter to achieve 1:1 magnification for some of my wild flower images, but it was a chore due to all the light loss so it was rather impractical except under controlled conditions (i.e. indoor use). I’ve been trying to think of a way to get back into photography without having to leave my apartment but haven’t come up with anything. Can’t drive, walking is difficult, I don’t have anyone to rely on for transportation. I miss it, for sure, and if I can figure this out, I’d love to get back into it in some manner.

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  13. These photos are gorgeous, Mike! Thanks for sharing about Silver Falls State Park and South Falls! We’ve seen Mt. Hood and also Multnomah Falls. The second time we went was in 2014 when we white water rafted on the Deschutes River on a Class 3 (my first time rafting). It was exhilarating to put it mildly. We loved OR so much that we’re thinking of retiring there; many Californians have moved there and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing to the Oregonians. šŸ™‚ We’re not sure at all where we’ll land, but we’re looking at a few states that offer Kaiser which we’re happy with and don’t want to leave. LOL On another note, I’m saddened that you aren’t able to get out anymore because I know how much you love nature. But photos and memories are wonderful to take you back to those places. Thank you for taking us along. I really enjoyed this! šŸ¤—

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    1. Thanks, Lauren. Multnomah Falls is spectacular. I don’t have any scanned images of those falls, unfortunately. You’re very brave to go whitewater rafting! I can’t even swim, so I think I’d stay on the riverbank. šŸ˜†

      When I moved to Oregon in September 1995, I stayed at a motel in northern Utah on the way there. The next morning, I was packing my stuff and an old gent approcached me to offer me some twine to tie my gear down better in the back of my little truck. Turns out he and his wife were from Gold Beach, Oregon, on the southern coast. When I got settled in Salem, I took a trip down the coast to visit Gold Beach. It’s a tiny town. From what I recall, the gent said he and his wife had retired there. Oregon is gorgeous and I can understand why folks would want to retire there (including myself). Oregon is the friendliest state I’ve ever visited, and when I was there, I finally felt like I was home. I hated that I had to leave and always planned to return, but it never happened. I wish I could make it up there one last time and visit some of my favorite places (Heceta Head Lighthouse, among others). The coast is the most beautiful spot on earth as far as I’m concerned. šŸ˜Š

      I’m getting caught up on posting my nature photos. I have six or seven I hadn’t written about, so I’ll be posting about those very soon. If you check out my nature photography section, I have three galleries. Click on an image and you’ll be taken to a write-up about it. (Shameless plug for my nature photography, don’t you know! šŸ˜„)

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    1. Thanks so much, Michele. I consider my nature photography to be the joy to my poetry’s sorrow, and I miss being able to go out in nature with my camera. I have a feeling you know exactly what I mean with regards to the singular joy of nature photography. I can see it in your own photography. I’m glad these photos pleased you, and I’ll be posting a few more as I catch up on my gallery images. Thanks as always for your wonderful kindness. šŸ˜Š

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      1. You’ve very welcome, Mike. You have found an expressive way to balance the two emotions. Beautiful choices. I do know exactly what you mean. Thank you. Look forward to seeing more. šŸ˜Š

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  16. Your photos are out of this world, Mike, and I’m glad you got to see those beautiful falls. The photo taken in January is ethereal. Silver Falls are only about an hour from my home, and I’ve only been there once. Must remedy that! And I’m so sorry that your legs prevent you from getting deep into nature again. I can tell how important that connection and sense of peace and belonging is to you. You’ve shared it many times. I’m glad you’ve been there and have the photos to remember the experience, and I’m still hoping that nature’s beautify, in some way, is still within your reach. ā¤

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    1. Thanks, Diana. Oh, to be so near Silver Falls again! I half-expected to see dinosaurs trundling about the place, it has such primordial feel to it. Nature photography was the joy to my poetry’s sorrow, and it was there for me when I was in my twenty-year hiatus from writing. I have a handful of images I hadn’t written about yet so I’m trying to catch up. I don’t have any bad memories about any of my photos, so looking through them is healing in many ways. I really miss the act of photography, the hiking alone in nature and the focus I was able to achieve while making images. If there’s a way I can resume photography, I hope I can find it because I feel like half a person with out it. Memories are fine to an extent, but they don’t compare to the actual experience, you know? I keep my fingers crossed. Sharing my images is a lot of fun. I’m glad you enjoyed these photos. I hope you can make it back to Silver Falls soon. šŸ˜Š

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      1. I hope you find a way to resume nature photography, despite the challenges. You are multi-talented, my friend, and have much to share. šŸ™‚ And I’ll get to Silver Falls this year. It’s on the list.

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  18. I wish you could get back to Oregon. These photos are breathtaking. I can imagine what the water feels like misting against my face. Gorgeous photos Mike, you always capture the beauty of nature so effortlessly. šŸ’•šŸ™šŸ¼

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Kirsten. I know what you mean about watefall mist on your face. The trail in the photo leads behind some waterfalls and I got thoroughly misted at least once! It’s a cool experience, actually. Thanks for the kind words, my friend. šŸ˜Š

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  19. I realize now that you are a photo enthusiast. You’re so good at it too. I love these images and it is so unfortunate that your health issues have limited your ability to be out and about. Maybe we consider utilizing a drone, adding a new aspect to your love of the outdoors, and it may still grant you access to areas that you may not feel inclined to challenge due to your health issues. I am being optimistic because this is a wonderful talent you have. Your poetry can be so melancholic at times, but this photography hints at such a vibrant side to your personality.

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    1. Thanks, Nigel. I’ve often said nature photography is the joy to my poetry’s sorrow (I’m sort of a broken record as far as that quote is concerned), but it’s true. Without photography, there’s no balance for me. I end up with an overabundance of melancholy poetry and nothing that expresses that joyful side of me that actually does exist. I have a lot of fun sharing my nature images (check out the nature photography section here on my blog–click on an image to read more about it). Every image I’ve ever made is surrounded by a story and good memories. I have a few here that I hadn’t gotten around to writing about, so I’m catching up on that at the moment.

      Drone photography looks incredibly cool. If I were still able to drive and hike (and could afford it), I’d certainly look into it. Plus, guys love tech toys, right? šŸ˜„

      Thanks for your kind words, man. I apprecitate you. šŸ˜Š

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  20. Spectacular photos of the waterfalls, Mike! Waterfalls have to be one of my favorite natural features. We are blessed to have a small one here on our property. Was actually the deciding factor to purchase!
    Iā€™m so sorry to hear that your health issues keep you from getting around much. But your photos provide amazing memories Iā€™m sure. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Many thanks, Peggy. Oh, you’re fortunate to have your own waterfall! Falling water has such a magical effect–it soothes the soul and is so calming. Thanks for your kindness as always, my friend. šŸ˜Š

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