Silverton (Oregon)

Silverton is a town in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It is to the east of Salem and is the gateway to Silver Falls and several other areas of natural beauty in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. == Understand == == Get in == Silverton lies at the crossing of two Oregon state highways. Coming from Portland or other northern places, Silverton is most easily arrived at along OR-214 through Woodburn and Mount Angel. Woodburn can be reached either by I-5 or OR-99. Travel time from Portland is around 1 hour. If coming north to Silverton along I-5, the most direct approach is to exit at Salem and take Silverton Road (OR-213) east out of Salem. Normal drive time is about 15 minutes from east Salem to Silverton. Travelers approaching from Central or Eastern Oregon and crossing the Cascades on OR-22 through the Santiam Pass can get to Silverton by exiting OR-22 at Sublimity and driving north into town either directly by using the Cascade Highway, or take OR-214 for a more scenic route through Silver Falls Park into the south end of town. == Get around == The downtown area where the majority of the shopping, murals, and other attractions are is compact and suitable for walking. Speed limits in the downtown area are 20 miles per hour, but parking is inexpensive at 25 cents per hour for metered spots downtown and plentiful free parking is available at the edges of the retail area. Bicycling around town and to certain attractions such as the Oregon Gardens is popular, although several main streets lack proper bike lanes. No regularly scheduled public transportation is available. == See == 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. 1 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 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). 2 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. == Do == First Friday (Downtown, mostly along Main and Oak streets between Water and 1st). Every month of the first Friday of the month, a street party is held in the retail area from 7 to 9PM. 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. == Buy == 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., and more. == Eat == 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. Mac's Place, 201 N Water St, ☏ +1 503-873-2441. (updated Sep 2021) == Drink == Silver Falls Brewery, 207 Jersey St, ☏ +1 503-873-3022, Silverfallsbrewery@gmail.com. (updated Sep 2021) == Sleep == Silverton has limited lodging in the city proper. The Oregon Garden Resort provides conference facilities as well as resort lodging at the Oregon Garden, and the Silverton Inn & Suites is the primary in-town hotel. There are a couple of bed & breakfasts in the town and surrounding hills, and an RV park off of Silverton Rd. at the edge of town. Silver Falls State Park offers camping options. Salem is home to a large number of lodging options fifteen minutes west of Silverton. == Connect == 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. == Go next == 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.