A hidden gem in the dense coastal forests of southwest Oregon, Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area may be hard to find, but it's well worth the 24-mile drive from Highway 101. The final 3-miles narrow to a one lane gravel road. The small parking and picnic area are located along the banks of Glenn and Silver Creeks and is shaded by large maple, alder, and Oregon myrtle trees. Hiking trails wind through scenic canyons to each of the waterfalls that plunge over sheer rock cliffs to moss covered boulders 100 feet below.
Hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls to get an eagle's-eye view of the cascading waterfall and giant old-growth firs and cedars.
In 1936, Waterford Lumber Company gave the the original land for the park after Coos County and the state made the road a secondary highway. For this, the Oregon Highway Commission agreed to spend $10,000 to make the road suitable for log trucks. In 1938, Coos County deeded 17.27 acres to the state, including Silver Falls, which had been given to the county for park purposes by Weyerhauser Timber Company in 1935. An additional 28 acres was given by Coos County in 1955. Golden Falls was named for Dr. C. B. Golden, first grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Oregon and an early visitor to the falls.