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If you are looking to relocate to Salem Oregon from another state you need to know there is never a lack of things to do here.  Unless of course, you don’t like being outdoors..

When I relocated here about 20 years ago now, one of the first places we visited was Silver Falls State Park.  Silver Falls is located in Silverton, Oregon.  With 10 waterfalls within the boundaries of the park, this is really one of Oregon’s gems.  There is a small dam in place to create a nice water play area for children.  Just a few feet deep this area is very popular during our summer days.

There are so many amenities within the park.

• Paved paths for walking or biking
• Off leash dog area
• large open spaces for volleyball, football, soccer
• Covered areas for family get togethers, weddings, parties
• Miles of hiking trails
• Play structure
• Picnic tables
• Educational information at the Lodge
• Guided Nature Tours
• Camping for tents, or rent a cabin
• Horse trails
• Conference center

I am a dog lover, and we do have a dog who comes up to Silver Falls with us regularly.  Please note that due to some of the drop offs, and narrow trails, dogs are not allowed on some trails.  Make sure to check that if you plan to bring your dog with you.

I also encourage you to see the falls during the winter and spring.  They are GUSHING with water.  If you don’t mind donning some rain gear, waterproof boots, and a good sweater, it is worth the hike to see the falls in early spring.

If you are planning a day hike into Silver Falls, remember to pack a day pack with a sweatshirt (it can get colder in the canyon), a first aid kit (lots of tree roots and rocks on the trails), and a camera (too many beautiful shots to miss).  Otherwise, my only advice to you is to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy.

So if you are looking for a home here in the Salem Oregon metro area, and are trying to figure out what we locals do for fun…head on up to Silver Falls for a day visit.  You won’t regret it.

Last weekend was the first fabulous weekend here in Salem Oregon. Like many other Salemites, my family headed to Minto-Brown to ride around the great bike/walking paths they have there.

Armed with my camera, I took several shots of some geese and ducks that were playing in the pond at the park.   A passerby said there had been some Canadian Geese there the day before.

My daughter loves looking at my photos, and when she saw this photo exclaimed “hey, it’s a duck butt.”   She thought it was a funny photo.

So if you are looking to relocate to Salem Oregon and are trying to figure out what our city has to offer, rest assured that at Minto-Brown park you can have a picnic, go on the great bike paths, take your dog off-leash in the dog area, and see the occasional “duck butt. ”

Since I have moved to Oregon 18 years ago, it seems we have one week every July that is really hot. 90-100 or so. That is hot for out here. Last weekend was part of that week. With the heat came a request from my kids…can we go to Riverfront Park?

When we first moved to Salem from Portland about 10 years ago, Riverfront Park was a fairly new park. It was one of many projects slated to reinvigorate the downtown area, and it really is a fantastic addition.
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The park has a great play structure…well actually two. One for larger kids and one for smaller kids. They are right next to each other so parents with both sizes can easily watch their children. I really appreciated when my daughter needed the smaller slides, but my son was ready for the larger ones.

A nice flat sidewalk is perfect for kids who want to learn to ride their bikes or roller blade, joggers out for some exercise, and pet lovers walking their dogs. The trees are still young so shade is somewhat lacking at the park, but give them 10 years and there will be many shady spots.

The park is also home to an outdoor amphitheater, and there is a summer concert series at the park. Riverfront park is host to many events including the upcoming Bite of Salem.

There are two main features of the park that never cease to amaze me. Right next to the park is an old dilapidated Boise Cascade paper mill. 13 acres of prime land that was recently bought by developers with fantastic plans for the area. (Thank you investors/developers!)

When we first moved to Salem there was an old “Acid Ball” in the park. The acid ball held acid for the paper mill and it was this large ugly rusty thing in the middle of the park. Thankfully there are those people in the world significantly more artistic than me, and an artist was hired. The end result is truly amazing.

The other artistic feat of the Riverfront Park is the Carousel. All of the horses in the carousel were handcrafted by volunteers. Every time my kids ride the carousel, I can’t help but be in awe of the craftsman that helped with this project. The horses are truly stunning. My artistic skills top out with stick people, so I am always in awe of true artists.

Riverfront Park is one of the many parks that the City of Salem has to offer residents. If you are coming for a visit or looking to move here, come and check it out. And yes…adults can ride the carousel as well so don’t be shy.