UPDATE: Silver Falls waterfalls trails reopen
UPDATE: 10:33 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21
The danger of death-by-icicle has apparently passed at Silver Falls State Park.
Officials said Wednesday morning that all the trails leading to the park's waterfalls had reopened, following a two-day closure that began Monday to protect the public from falling chunks of ice.
"The weather the last few days has been warmer and wetter, which has improved most trail conditions," park manager Dennis Lucas said in a news release. "Some ice does remain on trails, sidewalks and parking lots and may cause slick spots, so visitors should use caution."
Lucas said hikers that plan to visit might consider wearing snow and ice cleats or carrying walking sticks to help their walk through icy areas. Park staff is available to answer questions about conditions. Call the park at 503-873-8681 ext. 23 or check the park web page at http://bit.ly/silverfalls for more information.
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The danger of 20-foot icicles impaling unsuspecting hikers led officials at Silver Falls State Park to close the Canyon Trail and any pathways leading to the park’s iconic waterfalls.
The closure went into effect Monday morning and could remain in place until Friday, although warming weather may lead park officials to open trails earlier.
“The trails were slippery before, but now we have 20-foot icicles falling onto the trail,” said Katharine Kittinger, Silver Falls State Park specialist. “The decision to close the trail was made for visitor safety.”
The closure includes not only the Canyon Trail — also known as the Trail of 10 Falls — but trails around the canyon including Maple Ridge, Winter Falls and North Falls trails.
Visitors are allowed to hike past South Falls Lodge to the overlook above South Falls. The view of North Falls from Highway 214 also remains open.
“There are plenty of other trails at the park open — including Perimeter Trail and the trails in the park’s backcountry,” Kittinger said. “They are quite slippery.”