25 Best Things To Do in Silverton Oregon
Silverton, Oregon is affectionately known as one of Oregon’s “hidden gems.” Miraculously, this incredible town has maintained its small-town charm while offering a wide variety of activities, events, and scenery. In this article, we’ll provide 25 great things to do when you visit Silverton, one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. While you’re in town, make Silverton’s best RV resort your home base so you can experience everything the area has to offer!
Quintessential Things to Do in Silverton Oregon
1. Don’t miss a trip to Silver Falls State Park!
One of the most famous locations in the area, and even the state, Silver Falls State Parks offers sights you’ll never forget including a 177-foot waterfall that you can walk behind! We encourage you to hike the ‘Trail of Ten Falls,’ a nationally recognized hiking trail that passes breathtaking waterfalls and offers incredible views of the forest and winding creek. There are several trail options varying in difficulty and length- this is an absolute “must-do” while in Silverton!
2. Go antique shopping at the Red Bench or The Blackbird Granary Antiques & Curiosities:
At both locations, you’ll find fascinating collectibles, furniture, clothes, knick-knacks, and more!
3. Visit the beautiful Oregon Gardens:
The Oregon Gardens is a stunning 80-acre botanical garden, featuring more than 20 specialty gardens showcasing the diverse, botanical beauty of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest! The Oregon Gardens hosts incredible events like Movies in the Garden, Barn Dance and BBQ, Christmas in the Garden, Oregon Garden Brewfest, yoga on Fridays and Saturdays, and more! The garden also has a visitor center, gift shop, and nursery.
4. Step back in time at the Gallon House Bridge:
The Gallon House Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge built in 1916, spanning Abiqua Creek just two miles north of Silverton. During the prohibition era, the bridge was a meeting place for bootleggers and moonshiners, hence the name “Gallon House”. Oregon is home to 400 covered bridges, with about 50 still in use today.
5. Dine along the creek in Downtown Silverton:
Silverton’s downtown area offers charming creekside dining options that bring together beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine. At places like Gather Café, you can enjoy a farm-to-table meal on an outdoor patio with views of Silver Creek. For a more casual vibe, Silverton Coffee Station offers hearty breakfast and lunch options by the creek. These scenic dining experiences are perfect for a relaxing meal after a day of exploring Silverton’s attractions. For more top dining picks, check out our guide to Silverton restaurants.
6. Join a Silverton Mural Society Walking Tour
Silverton is known for its vibrant art scene, and the Silverton Mural Society has curated some of the town’s best historical and artistic murals. A self-guided or group walking tour lets you explore over 20 murals that reflect Silverton’s rich history, including depictions of local legends and historic events. Maps are available at local shops or on the Mural Society’s website, and guided tours can be arranged during the summer months for a deeper dive into the stories behind the art.
Fun Things to Do in Silverton Oregon
7. Enjoy the Silver Creek Reservoir:
On sunny days in Spring and Summer, the Silver Creek Reservoir is a popular recreational area, full of people enjoying the outdoors, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Stocked with roughly 20,000 hatchery trout, the lake is also a great fishing spot.
8. Family fun at Coolidge McClaine State Park:
This park in Silverton is located just off Silver Creek and is full of beautiful, shady trees. With charcoal barbecues, horseshoe pits, paved walkways, a large covered pavilion, lots of picnic areas, and a fun playground, it’s the perfect place to host a special event or summertime barbeque with the whole family.
9. Play a round of golf at the Evergreen Golf Course:
This outstanding golf course is just 5 miles from Silverton city center. The course features immaculate, manicured greens and nine challenging holes. It also offers incredible views of hills and farmlands which will only make your time on the course more relaxing and memorable!
10. Visit outstanding Willamette Valley wineries:
Vitis Ridge Winery is a small boutique winery established in 2005, focusing on unique wines and specialty blends. The Vitis tasting room is located next to their estate-grown Pinot Gris & Marechal Foch vineyards. “You won’t find anything fancy about us but instead you’ll find friendly faces & a relaxed atmosphere, where you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch & enjoy a glass of wine on our back patio.”
Hanson Vineyards is a family-owned, estate winery, meaning they only use the grapes they grow. The tasting room is open every Saturday & Sunday from March 1 through the end of December, noon to 5 pm. In addition, Hanson Vineyards offers a beautiful summer garden patio and private tours and tastings!
Abiqua Wind Vineyard is a husband and wife-owned, small estate vineyard. The vineyard “sits on a steep, south-facing hillside where the old vines are nurtured with heartfelt passion.” Not only does Abiqua offer delicious wine, you’ll also enjoy outstanding views of the Northern Willamette Valley!
Alexeli Vineyard & Winery: Alexeli is a family-run vineyard and winery. Alexeli vineyard is home to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Muller-Thurgau European grape varietals, planted in 1980 and 1981. A small plot of Syrah was also planted in 2012.
11. Enjoy a microbrew at a nearby brewery:
Silver Falls Brewery brews “One Small Batch at a Time” and specializes in traditional ales and lagers in historic downtown Silverton. The brewery has an outside patio, complete with a rock fountain and fire pit, as well as a family seating area. There are 24 taps, the majority of which are their own ales, but also feature rotating guest beers, kombucha, rootbeer, and cider. Silver Falls Brewery also offers 13 wines from local vineyards and food by a resident food truck, Loco Ono BBQ, and Catering!
Benedictine Brewing is the brewery inside Mount Angel Abbey, mentioned above.
12. Adventure to Abiqua Falls
Abiqua Falls is a hidden gem for adventurous travelers willing to navigate a rugged path for an unforgettable view. The falls drop into a secluded basalt bowl surrounded by lush greenery, making it one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Oregon. While the trail is challenging, it’s well worth the journey for a peaceful escape into nature. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be slippery, especially after rain. For more waterfall adventures in the area, see our guide to Oregon waterfalls.
13. Listen to Live Music in Town
Silverton’s local music scene is a delightful surprise for visitors, with live performances from local musicians happening regularly. Venues like Mac’s Place and The Gallon House provide a casual setting for a night of live tunes and community spirit. Keep an eye out for seasonal music events at the Oregon Garden or Silver Falls Brewery for an outdoor experience in the summer months.
Unique Things to Do in Silverton Oregon
14. Visit Silver Falls Alpacas:
This family farm has 20 alpacas and 2 llamas. While Silver Falls Alpacas breed and show their animals, they also have a farm store where they sell high-quality alpaca products like yarn, roving, socks, rugs, crocheted scarves, gloves, and felted hats.
15. Walk around the peaceful Mount Angel Abbey:
Founded in 1882, Mount Angel Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery where they brew their own beer. Benedictine Brewing uses hops grown from their own backyard and brew the beer right at the Abbey!
16. Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon house:
Frank Lloyd Wright has been called America’s most famous architect and after touring one of his homes you’ll understand why. The Gordon House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Oregon and can be toured daily – tickets are available for purchase on their website. There is also a 50% discount for overnight guests in Silverton with your reservation info (Silver Spur RV Park & Resort included)!
17. Get Lost in the Enchanted Forest
A nostalgic and quirky destination for visitors of all ages, the Enchanted Forest theme park is a short drive from Silverton and offers a whimsical escape. Wander through Storybook Lane, explore the old western town, or brave the Big Timber log ride. This family-owned park has been a beloved attraction since 1971 and remains a local favorite for a mix of enchantment, humor, and classic amusement park fun.
Can’t-Miss Events in Silverton Oregon
18. Explore Silverton’s Farmers Market:
Open Saturdays May 11th – October 12th, 9 am – 1 pm in Town Square Park, on the corner of Main and Fiske. At the market, you’ll find an outstanding selection of locally-grown, fresh produce and berries, pasture-raised eggs and meat, artisan breads and baked goods, plants and flowers, jams and jellies, local honey and beeswax products, unique craft items, and of course, some delicious hot food!
19. Shop Local at the Oregon Crafter’s Market
The Oregon Crafter’s Market is the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted goods from Silverton’s talented artisans. Held every Saturday during the summer, this market showcases a wide range of items including pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and more. With live music, food stalls, and local vendors, it’s a lively atmosphere where you can pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs while supporting local artists.
20. Raise a Stein at Mt Angel Oktoberfest
One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Pacific Northwest, Mt Angel Oktoberfest is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Held annually in September, this festival celebrates German heritage with traditional music, dance, food, and, of course, plenty of beer. Just a short drive from Silverton, it’s a lively event with activities for all ages, including a kids’ zone, arts and crafts, and cultural performances.
21. Participate in the Silver Falls Marathon or Trail Runs
For outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, the annual Silver Falls Marathon offers a challenging yet scenic course through Silver Falls State Park. Known for its rugged terrain and incredible waterfall views, this marathon attracts runners from all over. If a marathon sounds too daunting, there are also shorter trail runs available. This is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Silver Falls while pushing your fitness limits.
22. Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Silverton Christmas Market
Celebrate the holiday season at the Silverton Christmas Market, a festive event held at the Oregon Garden. With thousands of twinkling lights, holiday-themed food and drinks, and unique gift shops, this market brings holiday cheer to the whole family. Santa sightings, live music, and beautiful decorations make it a magical experience and a great place to pick up locally crafted holiday gifts.
With so many events happening throughout the year, there’s always something new to explore in and around Silverton! From seasonal festivals to unique local gatherings, you won’t want to miss out. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay updated on the latest happenings, get insider tips on the best local spots, and receive exclusive offers from Silver Spur RV Park.
Places to Visit Near Silverton Oregon
23. Visit Bauman’s Farm and Garden:
This family farm has been operating since 1895! At Bauman’s Farm and Garden, you’ll discover an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, and delicious homemade dishes. You can also purchase trees, flowers, and garden plants from the nursery. Bauman’s Farm and Garden hosts seasonal, holiday celebrations and events and offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment and outdoor seating.
24. Take a drive to Woodburn:
Less than 20 minutes from Silverton is the town of Woodburn, home to a premium outlet mall for shopping as well as the famous Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The tulip fest typically runs from March to May and features over one million tulip bulbs, a wine-tasting room, a gift shop, fun family activities, and special events like live music. You can even view tulips from the air in a hot air balloon ride!
25. Explore the Capitol City: Salem, Oregon
Just 30 minutes from Silverton, Salem offers an array of activities that make for an easy day trip. From the Willamette Heritage Center and Riverfront Park to the lively downtown area with restaurants and shops, there’s something for everyone. You can also check out local events, seasonal festivals, or the beautiful Oregon State Capitol grounds. For a full list of ideas, explore our guide to things to do in Salem.
Recap of Things to Do in Silverton Oregon
As you can see, Silverton, Oregon and the surrounding area offer a wide range of unique and exciting activities. This popular travel destination also offers quaint restaurants, unique shopping venues, colorful outdoor murals, art galleries, and more!
With so many activities to do and places to see, we suggest staying in town and making a whole weekend of it (at least)! Silver Spur RV Park and Resort offers RV spots, a cabin, teepees, a hot tub, a pool, a fishing pond, and so much more.
“You have become the gold star example of an RV park. Full hookups and cute community building, with things to do in the evenings. We will continue to come here as there is still a bunch we did not get to. Silverton has many gems for dinner options to try something local too!” – Recent Guest., Google Reviews
For busy weekends, it’s best to book your stay with us early.
We can’t wait to host you and show you all that Silverton has to offer!