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Silverton, Oregon: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The Oregon Garden takes all of the flowers and Silver Falls State Park takes the whole of the water out there. The Gordon House takes the architecture and the covered bridges out there take the photographs instead of it. Downtown takes the shopping and the Willamette Valley out west of here takes all the wine. Silverton Reservoir takes the paddling out there instead of that. Pick two.

Planning a trip to Silverton, Oregon and after the strongest things to do and places to go? Start here. Silverton is a charming small town in the Willamette Valley, an hour out of Portland. It is known for the country around it, the long history behind it, and attractions that work at any age.

The Oregon Garden, hiking in Silver Falls State Park, the historic landmarks, the food, the shopping and the outdoor time, Silverton runs all of it. Solo, with family or with friends, this quaint town gives you the day.

So pack the bag, take the camera, and go and see Silverton, Oregon properly. Below are the top attractions and activities in the area, plus where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Start here.

Key Takeaways

• Silverton, Oregon is a charming small town located in the Willamette Valley, just an hour away from Portland.
• The town offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to all ages and interests, including exploring the Oregon Garden, visiting historic landmarks, and indulging in culinary delights.
• Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, Silverton has something for everyone.

The Charm of Silverton

Welcome to Silverton, the charming town in Marion County, Oregon, where the decades come off as you walk. Between the quaint downtown and the people in it, an hour is enough to feel settled.

The downtown is the strongest thing about Silverton. The historic Gallon House Bridge through to the Oregon Garden, there is plenty in reach. Main Street carries the charming shops, cafes and restaurants along the length of it. And the Silverton Farmers Market handles the fresh local produce.

But the charm of Silverton runs past the downtown. The country around the town is the other half, including the Silver Creek Falls State Park, where the hiking and the waterfalls are. And history people should take the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Oregon.

But what makes Silverton work is the people. The locals are friendly and they take pride in the place. A community event or a conversation with a shop owner, either way you get treated as though you live here.

Silverton is a charming town that gets under your skin. The quaint downtown, the country around it and the people in it all count. Plan the visit and see it for yourself.

Places to Stay in Silverton

So you have decided on Silverton, Oregon and you need somewhere to sleep. Silverton has options across the board.

The busiest place to stay in Silverton is the Oregon Garden Resort. The resort sits right next to the Oregon Garden, which puts one of the town’s main attractions at the door. Rooms and suites run across a range, each with its own character. And a room with a private garden patio is bookable if you want it.

For something more modern, take the newer hotels in town. These run sleek rooms with the amenities you would expect. And they sit near the strongest of Silverton’s restaurants and shops.

But maybe the hotel is not it. Maybe you are the outdoors type. Silverton has camping in numbers. A tent or an RV, the campsites are in and around town.

Wherever you sleep in Silverton, the stay works out. This charming town covers most needs, and the exploring fills the rest.

Culinary Delights in Silverton

You have spent the day on Silverton and the hunger has arrived. This charming town has the options for it.

For a proper meal, head to Gather, a farm-to-table restaurant built on locally sourced ingredients. You support the community and eat well at the same time, which is a rare combination.

For something more casual, take Silver Creek Coffee House. The coffee is good and the menu runs sandwiches and baked goods alongside it. Order the famous cinnamon rolls, which are the size of your head.

For a taste of Silverton’s history, take the Oregon Garden Resort’s restaurant, which sits in a restored 1930s building. The menu runs classic American cooking with some modernity behind it, and the room suits an evening out.

And no trip to Silverton is complete without the Gallon House Bridge. This historic bridge holds the Gallon House Pub, where a cold brew and classic pub fare are waiting. Watch the intake, because the bridge is right there.

A full meal or a quick bite, Silverton covers both. Eat, drink and enjoy it.

Exploring the Oregon Garden

You are in for something if Silverton, Oregon is on the list. The Oregon Garden is the one place here nobody should skip. This 80-acre botanical garden runs flowers, water features and plant life across the whole spread.

The Oregon Garden suits anybody who likes being outdoors. With 20 specialty gardens in it, hours go by finding new flora. The Children’s Garden through to the Sensory Garden, each one is different.

Conifer Garden is the standout at the Oregon Garden. It holds a large collection of conifers, some of them rare and unusual. Anybody who likes these trees will not leave quickly.

But the Oregon Garden is more than plants and flowers. There is plenty else to see and do. Walk the trails, or take a picnic in one of the designated areas. And there is a pet-friendly hotel on site, so a whole weekend works.

The Oregon Garden is where a slow and satisfying day goes. Nature person or somebody simply after somewhere good-looking to sit still in, this botanical garden delivers.

Historic Landmarks

Silverton holds historic landmarks worth the walk. History person or somebody after something interesting, these will land. Here are the ones to take:

One of the most notable landmarks in Silverton is the Gordon House. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this house is a stunning example of his unique style. The house was originally built in Wilsonville, Oregon, but was moved to Silverton in 2001 to save it from demolition. Today, the Gordon House is open to the public for tours and events.

Another must-see landmark in Silverton is the Gallon House Bridge. This historic covered bridge was built in 1916 and spans the Abiqua Creek. The bridge is named after the nearby Gallon House, which was a popular stop for travelers in the early 1900s. Today, the bridge is a popular spot for photos and picnics.

If you’re interested in covered bridges, Silverton has another one worth checking out – the Stayton-Jordan Bridge. This bridge was built in 1937 and spans the Thomas Creek. The bridge is named after two prominent local families and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the area.

Finally, if you’re a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, you won’t want to miss the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House. This house was designed by Wright in 1957 for Conrad and Evelyn Gordon. The house is located in nearby Silverton and is open for tours. It’s a great opportunity to see one of Wright’s designs up close.

Silverton’s historic landmarks open the area’s past and its architecture. Covered bridges, Frank Lloyd Wright, or simply something you have not seen before, all of it is here.

Silverton’s Shopping Scene

You might take Silverton for a quaint little town, and the size is misleading. The shopping scene here holds up. Jewelry through boutiques through souvenirs through yarn, it is all in this charming town.

For unique handmade jewelry, take the Silverton Arts Association Gift Shop. The pieces are made by local artists and no two are the same. And the money goes into the arts in Silverton.

Fashion people have plenty of boutiques in Silverton. The Arrangement runs trendy and affordable clothing, casual wear through to what you would wear out. And for something more upscale, head to The Jewelry Garden, which carries a serious selection of fine jewelry.

And no trip to Silverton is complete without a souvenir. Silverton Country Store covers the lot, postcards through t-shirts through magnets. And for something less usual, take the Silverton Artisan’s Gift Shop, where the handmade things are.

Crafters are well served, because Silverton runs a strong yarn selection. The Black Sheep covers the knitting and the crocheting, with yarns in every color going. And they run classes and workshops if you want a new project.

A new outfit, a piece of jewelry or a souvenir, Silverton has it. Enjoy the shopping.

Outdoor Adventures in Silverton

Adventure people have plenty in Silverton. Hiking through kayaking through biking through horseback riding, the range covers it.

Silver Falls State Park is where outdoor people go first. Over 35 miles of hiking trail run through the waterfalls and the forest. Pack a picnic and take one of the day-use areas for the afternoon.

For the harder walk, take the backcountry trails connecting to the main hiking trail. The views out over the mountains are the payoff, and experienced hikers get the most from them.

For biking, Silverton Reservoir is where the mountain bikers go. The reservoir also runs kayaking and paddleboarding, so the day on the water works too.

For something less usual, take horseback riding through the Willamette Valley. You get the countryside and some of Oregon’s finest landscapes from the saddle.

Traveling with kids, take the playgrounds and picnic areas at Silver Falls State Park. The park runs a campground too, so a night under the stars is on the table.

Whichever outdoor thing you pick, Silverton runs it. So pack the bag, take the gear, and get out into it.

Silverton earns rather more of a stop than a town of this size would normally ever get. The Oregon Garden runs a full 80 acres and a further 20 specialty gardens inside it. Silver Falls State Park holds ten waterfalls and the Trail of Ten Falls links all of them. And the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in the whole of Oregon sits right here. Genuinely.

Fitness and Wellness in Silverton

You are on vacation and the fitness goals do not have to go. Silverton runs fitness and wellness options to keep you on track.

For one-on-one attention, take Silverton Fitness 2 Health Clubs. The owner trains as well and is straightforwardly professional. And do not let the earlier complaints about the air conditioning put you off, because you will be sweating regardless.

For the group version, Muscle Maintenance runs group fitness training classes that leave you feeling it. And for the reward afterwards, head to Elle Spa. The massages are serious and the staff treat you properly.

Keeping the routine or simply slowing down, Silverton has what you need. So go ahead and use it.

Events and Activities

Silverton is small and it knows how to run an event. There are plenty through the year to keep you occupied. Nature person, eater, or somebody simply after a good day, Silverton has one on.

In June, the Oregon Garden Brewfest is the one. Over 60 breweries pour their strongest work, IPAs through stouts and the odd lavender or chocolate. And for anybody who does not drink beer, the food vendors and the live music carry it.

Visiting in September, take the Silverton Sidewalk Shindig. The event marks the town itself, with local businesses setting booths out on the sidewalks. Sample the food, buy the crafts, and the live music runs alongside. It is the fastest way into the local culture and it supports small businesses.

And between events there is plenty on. Hike the trails at Silver Falls State Park, fish Silver Creek, or walk downtown Silverton. And for something more active, take kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Whatever you pick, Silverton delivers. So pack the bag, take the curiosity, and go.

Exploring the Wineries

You are in Silverton, Oregon and ready to taste wine. The Willamette Valley is a short drive out and it holds some of the strongest wineries in the country. Take a designated driver and work the vineyards properly.

First, the tasting room. This is where it happens. The staff walk you through the tasting, pour a sample of each wine, and explain what you are looking for in the flavors and the aromas. And with luck they take you behind the scenes of the winery.

But the wine itself is the point. The Willamette Valley holds up. Pinot Noir is what the region is known for, and there are plenty of other varietals alongside it. Crisp Chardonnays through to fruity Rosés, the range is broad.

As you move from winery to winery, take the rolling hills and the vineyards in. And photograph some of it for the Instagram feed. #winelover #willamettevalley #sippingpretty

But the wine adds up and the tipsiness arrives. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water. And when the hunger comes, plenty of the wineries put out cheese plates and other snacks to go with it.

So the wineries in the Willamette Valley are the thing to do when visiting Silverton, Oregon. Collect the friends, the palate and the curiosity, and give it a day. Cheers.

Silverton for the Kids

Silverton works well with kids. There is plenty to do and plenty to see that keeps them going. Outdoor activities or indoor ones, both are covered.

Children’s Garden

The Children’s Garden is where to take them. It is a garden of flowers, trees and other plants that kids take to immediately. They can run and explore, and they come out knowing something about nature. And there are benches and picnic tables so you can sit while they get on with it.

Playground

If the kids need to burn energy, take one of Silverton’s many playgrounds. Swings, slides and climbing structures run through them and hold attention for a long stretch. And many sit inside parks, so you get the scenery while they play.

Petting Zoo

Animal-loving kids will take to the petting zoo in Silverton. They can pet and feed goats, sheep, rabbits and more besides. They learn something about animals and nature and enjoy the whole of it.

Silverton works as a family trip, in short. There is plenty to do and plenty to see. So collect the family and go.

Bowling in Silverton

After something fun with friends or family in Silverton? The bowling alleys in town are the answer.

Silver Creek Lanes covers the bowling. With 12 modern lanes running automatic scoring and bumpers that rise and fall per bowler, every age and skill level gets a game. And there is a full bar, a restaurant, an arcade, a lottery and a pro shop, so a whole day works.

But don’t just take our word for it. According to TripAdvisor, Silver Creek Lanes is the top-rated bowling alley in Silverton. Visitors rave about the friendly staff and accommodating atmosphere.

Not sure if bowling is your thing? Give it a try anyway! You might just surprise yourself with a strike or two. And if you need a break from bowling, there’s plenty of other fun activities to do in Silverton, like visiting the Quartz Mountain or checking out the local parks.

So collect the group, put the bowling shoes on, and give Silver Creek Lanes the day. Bring the A-game and a little luck.

Silverton Reviews and Ratings

So you are planning a trip to Silverton, Oregon and want to know what other people made of it. Here are the reviews and ratings from people who have actually been.

Tripadvisor first. They carry reviews, ratings and photos from people who have visited Silverton. And their own data shows which attractions are busiest, which are rising, and which ones only the locals know about.

But there are things worth knowing about Tripadvisor. They run community guidelines everybody follows, so the reviews and ratings come from people who were there. That said, opinions get overheated. Take it all with some salt and use your own judgement.

Now the reviews themselves. People rate the Oregon Garden highly. It runs historic sites, gardens and water features when they are on. And it works for families, couples and solo travelers alike. The Gallon House Bridge is the other one people name. It is a covered bridge with a real place in Silverton’s history, and it photographs well.

But for something quieter, take the Silver Falls State Park. Hiking trails, waterfalls and a swimming hole are all in it. And it is where the noise of everything else stops.

Silverton has a lot in it, overall. Gardens, bridges or waterfalls, all three are covered. So pack the bag, take the camera, and go.

Points of Interest in Silverton

Silverton, Oregon holds more points of interest than the size suggests. Outdoor recreation, attractions or cozy cabins, the town covers all three.

The busiest point of interest in Silverton is the Oregon Garden. This botanical garden spreads over 80 acres and runs over 20 individual gardens, each with its own theme and its own plants. Hours go by wandering between them. And the garden is open year-round, so the season does not matter.

For something more active, take Silver Falls State Park. The park holds ten waterfalls, each one different, and hiking trails running from easy to hard. A day goes on hiking, picnicking and working through it.

The other point of interest in Silverton is the Gallon House Bridge. This historic bridge was built in 1916 and has become the spot visitors photograph. And it is rumored to be haunted, so there is that as well.

For somewhere cozy to sleep, take the cabins in Silverton. These run rustic and suit a weekend away. Sit by the fire, take the scenery, and let the place slow you down.

Silverton, Oregon is a strong destination with points of interest across the board. Outdoor adventures, attractions or cozy cabins, the town has them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mischief can I get up to in Silverton, Oregon?

We cannot condone anything illegal, and there is mischievous fun to be had. Explore the abandoned buildings in the downtown area. Or take a moonlit walk in the Oregon Gardens after hours. Just do not get caught.

Where can I find the best views in Silverton, Oregon?

For the panoramic views out over the countryside, head to Silver Falls State Park. The Trail of Ten Falls is the one to walk, with a waterfall around most corners. And for the urban version, take the rooftop bar at the Oregon Garden Resort, where a cocktail comes with the view over town.

What are some quirky things to do in Silverton, Oregon?

After something offbeat? Take the Gallon House Covered Bridge, one of the many historic covered bridges around here. Or work the Palace Theatre, a restored Art Deco movie theater still showing films. And do not miss the annual Homer Davenport Community Festival, which marks the town’s best-known resident, the political cartoonist Homer Davenport.

What’s the best way to spend a weekend in Silverton, Oregon?

Start the weekend with a slow walk through the Oregon Garden and the flowers and water features in it. Then head downtown to eat at one of the local restaurants, and take a film at the Palace Theatre. On Saturday, walk the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. And on Sunday, drive the countryside around it.

What’s the most Instagram-worthy spot in Silverton, Oregon?

For the Instagram shot, head to the Oregon Garden’s Conifer Garden, where the tall trees make the backdrop. Or photograph the historic Gallon House Covered Bridge, which looks its best in the fall. And do not forget the waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park.

What’s the best kept secret in Silverton, Oregon?

We hate to give it away, and the best-kept secret in Silverton is the arts scene. The galleries and studios of the Borland Gallery and the Silverton Arts Association through to the annual Oregon Garden Art Festival, something creative is always running in this charming town.

Frequently asked questions about Silverton, Oregon

How old exactly is the whole of the Gallon House Bridge out at Silverton, then, really now, in the end?

Built back in 1916, and it spans the whole of the Abiqua Creek out there still. The name comes from the nearby Gallon House, a stop for travelers in the early 1900s. It is where the photographs get taken, and the picnics all happen out there too. Covered.

How many of the waterfalls does the whole of Silver Falls State Park actually hold, then, really now, in the end?

Ten of them out there, and the Trail of Ten Falls links the whole of the lot. Over 35 miles of hiking trail run right through the waterfalls and the forest. Day-use areas and a campground both sit inside the whole of the park as well. Picnics.

Which one of the houses near the covered bridge at Silverton did Frank Lloyd Wright design, then, really now?

The Gordon House out there, and it is the only one of his in Oregon. Wright designed it back in 1957 for Conrad and Evelyn Gordon themselves out there. It was built at Wilsonville and then moved here in 2001 to save it. Tours.

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