Oregon is full of some of the most charming little towns you’ll ever visit, but the town of Silverton may just be the most delightful in the state. Known as Oregon’s Garden City, Silverton is home to an abundance of beauty, everywhere you turn. Truly — head out in any direction from Silverton, and you’ll encounter something splendid: a roaring waterfall, magical garden, covered bridge, or quaint landmark. It’s a joy to be in Silverton, which, in our humble opinion, is quite possibly the best place in Oregon.
Nestled between Salem and the Cascade Mountains, Silverton is a place that’s truly delightful. This small town is home to just 9,500 residents, and is a picture-perfect slice of small town life in the PNW.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
Public art can be found on almost every corner in Silverton. The town boasts around 30 brightly colored murals which each help to tell the story of Silverton.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr Visitors can actually download an app to their phone to take a walking tour of the murals.
Silverton’s downtown is downright idyllic. The eponymous Silver Creek babbles through town, providing a gentle soundtrack and lovely views.
Robert Bremmer/Google Local
With buildings dating as far back as the 1800s, Silverton has a quaint and historic feel.
The Red Bench/Facebook
You won’t find any blighted buildings or chain stores here. Today, these historic buildings are home to dozens of local stores and restaurants – Silverton Coffee Station is perhaps the most adorable.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
With Silver Creek running through the town, a visit to nearby Silver Falls State Park is a must.
Ian Sane/Flickr
At 9,200 acres, it’s Oregon’s largest state park, and features 10 waterfalls and 25 miles of backcountry trails.
Rick Obst/Flickr
Known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Park system, Silver Falls State Park looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Octaviano Merecias Fotografia Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
And while the entire park is wondrous, the waterfalls are the stars.
David Prasad/Flickr If you’re looking for an epic day hike, the Trail of 10 Falls is absolutely worth every step of its 8.7 miles. True to its name, this hiking trail features all 10 of the park’s waterfalls, and is absolutely a bucket-list hike in Oregon.
There’s more natural beauty just around the corner; Oregon Garden is 80 acres of botanical bliss.
The Oregon Garden/Facebook
This Silverton gem features 20 specialty gardens, including a water garden, rose garden, and children’s garden.
The Oregon Garden/Facebook
In warmer months, the garden dazzles in a prismatic panorama of color.
The Oregon Garden/Facebook
Just a stone’s throw from Oregon Gardens, you’ll find the Gordon House, Oregon’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure.
born1945/Flickr One of the most famed architects of the twentieth century, Wright’s Usonian-style home was actually originally built in 1964 in neighboring Wilsonville. Facing demolition, the home was moved to its current location in Silverton in 2001. It maintains all of the original design, materials, setting, furniture, appliances, and fixtures, and is an inspiration.
We’d be remiss not to mention the Gallon House Bridge, one of the oldest covered bridges in Oregon. Built in 1916, it separates the towns of Mt. Angel and Silverton, and harkens back to a time when Oregon was a “dry” state.
Donna62/Moment Collection via Getty Images
While the people of Silverton were good, law-abiding citizens and followed the rules, the residents of Mt. Angel found a legal loophole by “gifting” each other alcohol, essentially hiding the money that made it a transaction.
Donna62/Moment Collection via Getty Images A “gallon house” was set up on the Mt. Angel side of the bridge, where Silverton residents would go to “purchase” whiskey by the gallon. And this is how the bridge, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, earned its name.
Today, Silverton is home to several local breweries.
Silver Falls Brewery/Facebook
Silver Falls Brewery is a charming Silverton spot serving up some of the best IPAs in the state.
Silver Falls Brewery/Facebook
And the nearby Mac’s Place is like Cheers, but in Oregon: everyone knows your name, and it’s all positive vibes in here.
Mac’s Place/Facebook
(Also – their burgers are extraordinary.)
Mac’s Place/Facebook
The secret’s out: Silverton is the best town in Oregon. With an abundance of natural beauty and oodles of historic charm, Silverton is a treasure of a town.
Rick Obst/Flickr
Silverton, you’re gold to us: a shining example of pure Oregon splendor at its finest. And if you’re curious about Bobbie The Wonder Dog, one of the statues found in Oregon Garden, definitely read up about this unlikely state hero and his amazing 3,000 mile journey.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
Visitors can actually download an app to their phone to take a walking tour of the murals.
Robert Bremmer/Google Local
The Red Bench/Facebook
Ian Sane/Flickr
Rick Obst/Flickr
Octaviano Merecias Fotografia Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
David Prasad/Flickr
If you’re looking for an epic day hike, the Trail of 10 Falls is absolutely worth every step of its 8.7 miles. True to its name, this hiking trail features all 10 of the park’s waterfalls, and is absolutely a bucket-list hike in Oregon.
The Oregon Garden/Facebook
born1945/Flickr
One of the most famed architects of the twentieth century, Wright’s Usonian-style home was actually originally built in 1964 in neighboring Wilsonville. Facing demolition, the home was moved to its current location in Silverton in 2001. It maintains all of the original design, materials, setting, furniture, appliances, and fixtures, and is an inspiration.
Donna62/Moment Collection via Getty Images
A “gallon house” was set up on the Mt. Angel side of the bridge, where Silverton residents would go to “purchase” whiskey by the gallon. And this is how the bridge, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, earned its name.
Silver Falls Brewery/Facebook
Mac’s Place/Facebook
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Address: Silverton, OR 97381, USA
