Silver Falls
All-Ages Hike Near Lake Chelan
Looking for a local hike for active kids, seniors, and everyone in between? Take a drive up the Entiat River valley to Silver Falls. A shady, verdant, and magical hike awaits.
The Hike
When I'm feeling the tug for a little shade and greenery, I head up the Entiat River Valley to Silver Falls. Located a convenient 50 miles from Chelan, the falls offer beauty, cool breezes, and a fun 1.7-mile hike.
The hike involves a modest climb of 600 ft. This can be approachable for those with a modest level of fitness. I have done the hike with kids as young as four and seniors as old as seventy-eight. The trail surface is in great shape but wear good shoes (i.e. no flip-flops!).
Within the first tenth of a mile, the trail splits. I recommend hikers stay right and cross the stream at this split. This right path offers an ascent that stays closer to the falls and offers more shade from the sun.
As you gain elevation, take time to pause for photos and breathers at the various overlooks. The falls thunder full-force in May and June. Later season visits offer less water but a romantic and wispy beauty.
Getting There
The drive to Silver Falls is half the fun of the outing. Leave the dry sagebrush-covered hills behind and watch the brown-tan slopes give way to green forests. Orchards fade as the valley narrows and the ridgelines rise higher and sharper to the sky.
Look for Cooper’s General Store on the left and the community of Ardenvoir as you pass the ten-mile marker.
A quick 5-minute detour up the Mad River road just past Coopers takes you to Ardenvoir proper. The small community, named after its founder Arden Harris, was the site of a once-thriving logging mill. The old mill site can be seen across the river from Cooper’s.
Directions from Chelan to Silver Falls are a snap: Travel south on 97a to Entiat. (19 miles) Turn right on Entiat River Road and continue until you arrive at Silver Falls (31 miles).
A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the parking lot. Day passes can be purchased at the falls or online for $5.00. Consider a season pass for $30 if you are an active hiker.
After the Hike
Be sure to pack a picnic with cold drinks for a meal after the hike. The Silver Falls Campground offers a number of lovely day-use areas. I’ve taken my daughter to Silver Falls countless times and it remains a favorite.
And if one waterfall isn't enough, drive up the road a bit further to Entiat Falls!
