In mid-April we drove to Silver Falls State Park. It was a classic spring day with sleet, rain and a little sunshine at times.

As I’ve opined before, the Park is truly a gem and a geological wonder too. In any other state in the continental U.S., the 14 square-miles would surely have been designated a National Park long ago. But, it has to compete with the world-class waterfalls residing in the Columbia River Gorge.

The best way to see the Park is to hike an eight-mile loop trail that passes 10 waterfalls, five of them dropping over 100 feet.  And, for added enjoyment the trail leads behind three of the large waterfalls.

A truly wonderful park to visit, and close to Portland too.