Our Mission

Connecting People to Nature

Stewardship Since 1986

More than ever, we all need to feel a connection to nature. Since 1986, Friends of Silver Falls has worked in partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to strengthen the connection between people and this treasured public land. We believe public lands are for everyone, and through this long-standing collaboration, we support programs, events, and stewardship that help protect and enhance the park’s resources for future generations.

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Our Mission

What We Stand For

To further the educational and interpretive opportunities available to park visitors
To promote, preserve, and enhance the historical, natural, and recreational resources within the park
To assist with park improvements and educational programs compatible with the nature of Silver Falls State Park

Our Vision

For Future Generations

Friends of Silver Falls envisions a Silver Falls where every visitor feels welcome and inspired to understand, protect, and preserve the park so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

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Our Story

Partnership Through the Years

The partnership between Friends of Silver Falls and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has helped create a more meaningful experience for the 1.5 million people who visit Silver Falls State Park each year, far beyond what state park funding alone can provide. Explore the timeline below to see the milestones, projects, and shared accomplishments that have shaped the visitor experience at Silver Falls over the years.

1986-1987

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Volunteers and park staff establish a mission and incorporate Friends of Silver Falls as the official cooperative nonprofit association for Silver Falls State Park

1987-1991

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Friends begin supporting park events such as Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival, Harvest Festival, Christmas Festival, & Civil War Reenactment

1991

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Friends hired first summer Naturalist intern

1992

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Nature Store opens in the lodge and first full-time Executive Director is hired

1993

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Visitor services flourish with campground programs, lodge greeters, newsletter publications, and Nature Store sales

1997

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Hot dog cart is purchased and run by Friends as a fundraiser at events

1998

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Friends fund tour route signs through the region

2004

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Internal audit leads to improved financial controls as the organization grows, refocus of interpretation at events is deemed necessary

2007

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CCC Memorial Log dedicated and funded by Friends

2009

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Nature Store moves to the log cabin and increases revenue by 21%

2013

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Weatherspoon donations begin for Camp Silver Creek (Youth Camp), History of Silver Falls written and published by Andy Nelson, Friends Board Member

2014

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Nature Play Area opens, funded by Oregon Parks and Friends

2015

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First full-time Park Interpreter hired, Aislinn Adams commissioned to draw botanical illustrations

2018

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Stone Kitchen Shelter preservation funding begins using Maroe Brown’s donations, pavers were installed in front of the Nature Store

2019

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Cougar taxidermy is funded by Friends, and park review process for store merchandise begins

2021

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Friends rebrand and begin funding and planning for accessible North Falls Viewpoint

2022

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Water fountains are funded and installed in the Historic District, plant ID labels for native plant garden are funded, festivals return post-COVD with more focus on education and conservation

2023

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Accessible trail and North Falls Viewpoint opens, CCC display in the North Falls Meeting Hall designed and installed, pavers funded by Friends increase accessibility to the South Falls Lodge

2024

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Friends fund Stone Kitchen Shelter masonry and chimney repairs allowing for more historic programming throughout the year, Friends of Silver Falls App released

2025

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Entrance monuments are installed and funded through Nature Store revenue and donations, planning continues for North development and accessibility improvements