Twenty-five miles northeast of Coos Bay in the Coast Range is Golden and Silver Falls State Park (800/551-6949). Two spectacular waterfalls are showcased in this little-known gem of a park. You can reach each waterfall by way of two 0.5-mile trails. The 100-foot cataracts lie about one mile apart, and although both are about the same height, each has a distinct character.

For most of the year, Silver Falls is more visually arresting because it flows in a near semicircle around a knob near its top. During or just after the winter rains, however, the thunderous sound of Golden Falls makes it the more awe-inspiring of the two. Along the trails, look for the beautifully delicate maidenhair fern.

Getting to Golden and Silver Falls State Park

Getting to Golden and Silver Falls State Park involves driving east of Coos Bay along the Coos River, crossing to its north bank, and continuing along the Millicoma River through the community of Allegany. To find your way from Coos Bay, look for the Allegany/Eastside exit off U.S. 101.

Beyond Allegany, continue up the East Fork of the Millicoma River to its junction with Glenn Creek, which ultimately leads to the park. The narrow winding gravel roads make this half-hour trip unsuitable for a wide-body vehicle.