New era at Silver Falls State Park: New campground, waterfall hike, cabin village

Explore Oregon: Making the most of the outdoors

In this episode, Zach talks about all the big new changes at Silver Falls State Park. Park officials are planning a new trailhead and waterfall trail, a new campground and visitor's center, all while expanding the park by upgrading a backcountry area now known as the Smith Creek Village. Zach talked to Silver Falls manager Chris Gilliand and operator of the new Smith Creek Villages Brooke Gerken. Zach also details other updates at the park, including the return of guided tree climbing, adventure races and the network of backcountry trails. Finally, he touches on the history of how the park came together and was saved by a landscape photographer from Silverton named June Drake.