1.
Trail of Ten Falls
Begin just northeast of Salem at the Oregon Garden and travel to Silver Falls State Park.
The largest state park in Oregon, Silver Falls (8,700 acres) is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just 26 miles east of Salem. Within this gorgeous park is the Trail of Ten Falls, a seven-mile hiking route that follows the north and south forks of Silver Creek and-as the trail name says-leads you to views of 10 different waterfalls. The falls range from the 177-foot South Falls (you can actually walk behind its cascading water) to the 178-foot Double Falls near the Hult Creek footbridge to the thunderous North Falls that drops 136 feet.
The day-use area includes a playground, restrooms, picnic shelter and a pet exercise area. Make sure to stop by the Historic South Falls Lodge, where you'll find a nature store as well as a small café that offers snacks, sandwiches and beverages. Day-use fees apply.
2.
Heading East on 22
From here, take Hwy. 214 to Hwy. 22 and head east. Watch for several small waterfalls alongside the road before and after Detroit Lake. Before reaching Santiam Pass, take Hwy. 20 west to Hwy. 126 toward Eugene. Just ahead, Koosah and Sahalie falls are a short, scenic walk from a parking lot on Hwy. 126. At Hwy. 242 (open from July to October), head east about 10 miles to Proxy Falls, a pair of graceful cascades nestled in a lush forest setting a short hike from the road. As you continue on Hwy. 242 over McKenzie Pass, enjoy spectacular views of the Cascades.
3.
Into Cental Oregon
At Sisters, take Hwy. 20 to Bend, where you can reach Benham and Dillon falls off Hwy. 372 (Century Drive), or from the Lava Lands Visitor Center on Hwy. 97, south of town. Rather than plummeting over a cliff, these cataracts crash through the Deschutes River canyon with incredible force and are not recommended for kayakers or rafters.