Golden and Silver Falls: Coos Bay, Oregon
Just a short drive inland from the Oregon Coast, where the misty air of Coos Bay meets the deep greens of the Coast Range, lies one of the region’s most enchanting natural treasures—Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area. Tucked away in the lush forests east of Coos Bay, this remote state park offers visitors a taste of untamed Oregon: towering old-growth trees, moss-draped canyons, and two spectacular waterfalls.
A Journey Into the Coast Range
The drive to Golden and Silver Falls is an adventure of its own. From Coos Bay, it takes about an hour to wind through farmland, creeks, and dense coastal forests along Coos River Highway. The final few miles of gravel road remind visitors just how secluded this park really is—one of those rare places where cell service drops away and nature takes over.
The Twin Waterfalls
The park’s namesake falls are its crown jewels. Golden Falls, at about 254 feet, cascades over a sheer sandstone cliff that glows a warm honey color in the afternoon light—hence the name. A short, well-marked trail leads hikers to the base, where the roar of the falling water echoes through the canyon.
Just upstream, Silver Falls tumbles 259 feet down a moss-covered rock face, framed by giant ferns and thick forest. The falls are especially impressive after winter rains, when the runoff turns them into thunderous torrents. A separate trail winds through ancient bigleaf maples and Douglas firs to a wooden viewing platform that lets you feel the mist rising off the spray.
Hiking and Exploring
Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area offers about three miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to moderate climbs. The Golden Falls Trail takes hikers to both the base and the top of the waterfall, offering contrasting perspectives—one from below, where the power of the plunge dominates, and another from above, where the view opens out over the forested valley.
Wildlife thrives here, too. Black-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, and even the occasional black bear have been spotted in these forests. In spring, wildflowers bloom in brilliant color, while autumn brings fiery foliage to the maple groves that line the trails.
A Glimpse Into Oregon’s Ancient Forests
The park is more than just waterfalls—it’s also a living museum of old-growth forest. Some of the Douglas firs and myrtlewood trees here are several centuries old, their massive trunks blanketed in moss and lichen. The area remains largely untouched by logging, giving visitors a rare chance to see what coastal Oregon looked like long before settlement.
Planning Your Visit
Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area is open year-round and free to visit. There are picnic tables near the parking area but no camping facilities or stores nearby, so visitors should bring their own food and water. The gravel access road can be narrow and muddy in winter, so a high-clearance vehicle is helpful after heavy rain.
For those staying in Coos Bay, the falls make for a perfect half-day excursion—ideal for photographers, hikers, or anyone looking to escape into nature. Pair the visit with a stop at Glenn Creek, a tranquil stream that winds through the park, or continue exploring the backroads that connect to the Elliott State Forest.
Why It’s Worth the Journey
Here, visitors can stand in solitude, surrounded by the timeless rhythm of falling water and forest life. It’s a place where Oregon’s wild heart still beats strong—untamed, serene, and shining with the golden and silver light of its namesake falls.
