Silverton is a town in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It is located east of Salem and is the gateway to Silver Falls and several other areas of natural beauty in the foothills of the Cascade Range.
- Murals. Many of Silverton's walls are decorated with murals. They are located all about town, though most are in the downtown walking area. Subject matters range from recreations of Norman Rockwell paintings to presentations of Silverton's historical figures and cultural heritage.
- Oregon Garden, 879 West Main St, +1 503-874-8100. 9AM - 6PM (reduced during off-season). An 80 acre botanical garden showcasing many species of Oregon flora. The Frank Lloyd Wright house on the premises is the only one in Oregon and is open to the public. A recently built resort hotel overlooks the gardens and the Willamette Valley beyond. The Garden hosts several public events through the year as well as being available for private functions. $11 adult non-member (less for members, seniors, and children).
- Silver Falls State Park, Highway OR-214 (about 20 miles south of downtown, +1-503-873-8681. Oregon's most popular state park, showcasing a network of fifteen waterfalls through an impressive canyon in the verdant Cascade foothills. Numerous day and overnight facilities are available. Oregon State Parks usage fees apply. Day use parking $5.
Murals. Many of Silverton's walls are decorated with murals. They are located all about town, though most are in the downtown walking area. Subject matters range from recreations of Norman Rockwell paintings to presentations of Silverton's historical figures and cultural heritage.
Oregon Garden, 879 West Main St, +1 503-874-8100. 9AM - 6PM (reduced during off-season). An 80 acre botanical garden showcasing many species of Oregon flora. The Frank Lloyd Wright house on the premises is the only one in Oregon and is open to the public. A recently built resort hotel overlooks the gardens and the Willamette Valley beyond. The Garden hosts several public events through the year as well as being available for private functions. $11 adult non-member (less for members, seniors, and children).
Silver Falls State Park, Highway OR-214 (about 20 miles south of downtown, +1-503-873-8681. Oregon's most popular state park, showcasing a network of fifteen waterfalls through an impressive canyon in the verdant Cascade foothills. Numerous day and overnight facilities are available. Oregon State Parks usage fees apply. Day use parking $5.
- First Friday. Every month of the first Friday of the month, a street party is held in the retail area from 7 to 9 in the evening. Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come out walk about downtown with several retailers opening their shops onto the sidewalks. Several free activities and attractions are available, including face-painting, local artist performances, and a classic car show. Exact activities change from month to month. Free.
First Friday. Every month of the first Friday of the month, a street party is held in the retail area from 7 to 9 in the evening. Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come out walk about downtown with several retailers opening their shops onto the sidewalks. Several free activities and attractions are available, including face-painting, local artist performances, and a classic car show. Exact activities change from month to month. Free.
The main retail district located along N. Water St. and 1st St. includes numerous unique local shops, many of which tap into the artistic flavor of the town and the natural splendor of the region. Local shops include I've Got Rocks In My Head, Whimsey Etc., Stone Buddha, The Chocolate Box, and more.
A variety of independent restaurants exist in Silverton. Most notable are those that offer creekside dining, with dining patios built out over Silver Creek. These are found along Water St. to the north and south of the intersection with Main.
Silverton is within the full coverage of most mobile phone networks and broadband internet access is served by multiple providers throughout the city. Visitors can access the web through hotspots at their hotel or at several local restaurants including McDonald's on the north edge of town.
For those who enjoy the cultural heritage and artistic flavor of Silverton, nearby Mount Angel offers a Bavarian twist to the east Willamette Valley. It is located a few miles north of Silverton on highway OR-214 and is notable for its Oktoberfest celebration, one of the most elaborate such affairs in the Pacific Northwest.
For more natural beauty and stunning views, travel further east on highway OR-22 through the Santiam Pass, offering views of several mountains of the Cascade Range, toward the Black Butte and Sisters areas.