Silver Falls is known for being magical just about every time of year, but in the winter the state park gets a little something extra.
The Silver Falls Winter Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14-15, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Monday, offering visitors multiple different ways to learn more about the plants and animals that surround the famous waterfall hikes in the park.
Park rangers will offer guided hikes each day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., teaching participants how to identify the mushrooms and trees that grow in the forest. There will be several craft projects available to help people build wreaths, bird feeders and bird nest boxes. Tables will also be set up with educational information about the winter solstice, waterfalls in winter and other seasonal topics.
The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District will be on hand Saturday to teach two winter plant propagation classes. Advance registration is required for those classes.
Anyone who participates in at least six of the activities can earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament.
All events are free, but visitors will need to either purchase a $5 parking permit or display a valid annual state park pass.
--Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB.
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