Silverton Falls

Silverton Falls is a multi-tier waterfall on a signed spur from Rockbound Lake Trail, east of Castle Junction. It’s a shorter, often quieter alternative to Johnston Canyon if you want a waterfall stop without committing to the long Rockbound Lake hike. Plan on 0.9 km each way, about 85 m of climbing and roughly 40 minutes round trip. The final approach is exposed and uneven, so skip it if narrow, rocky footing makes you uncomfortable.

Start at the Rockbound Lake parking area and follow the main trail for about 300 m. Take the signed right-hand branch for the falls; the main trail continues toward Rockbound Lake. The path is firm soil with extensive roots and rocks, plus a few narrow stretches. Near the waterfall it climbs switchbacks across an exposed hillside.

Water spills over a series of narrow ledges, creating the multi-tier cascade. The trail ends at the falls, but visitors report there isn’t an easy way down to the pools. From the trail-end viewpoint, frame the stacked drops with the rock walls around them; a tight crop loses the shape of the gorge.

Silverton was once home to a mining village dating to the late 19th century, a glimpse of the area’s earlier life beyond the falls.