Commentary by Rick Rodriguez
It was nearly a perfect day, a round of golf at O.G.A. golf course at Tukwila in Woodburn, Oregon followed by an afternoon stroll in the majestic wonder of Silver Falls State Park in Silverton, Oregon! It was all new to me having driven up the previous night from the San Francisco Bay Area (10 hour drive) and with only one opportunity to 
explore the area I headed off after spotting this sign on the road near the golf course. It was about 30 miles east of my location and I decided I needed to find out what was there. Adhering to the mantra of always challenging myself to expand my horizons, I headed off about 3pm with only a slight bit of trepidation over the time of day.
"Silver Falls State Park is a state park in the U.S state of Oregon, located near Silverton, about 20 miles (32 km) east-southeast of Salem. It is the largest state park in Oregon with an area of more than 9,000 acres, and it includes more than 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path. Its 8.7-mile Canyon Trail/Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek and by ten waterfalls, from which the park received its name. Four of the ten falls have an amphitheater-like surrounding that allows the trail to pass behind the flow of the falls"
So, as the day was beginning to shed its sunlight I wandered onto the grounds of Silver Falls State Park for a quick peak. After catching a briefing from a local, I followed the trail over to the sound of crashing water. As I descended the stone steps and rounded a corner, I entered a rock enclosed amphitheater where the star attraction was a narrow cascading waterfall--North Falls! I can tell you the sight and sound of it was 
captivating! Why, I wonder does nature have an amazing way of keeping us focused on its beauty? Perhaps, our old friend Henry David Thoreau can expound on the cause (Walking Thoreau Beacon Press P.97-98) "Life consists with wildness. The most alive is the wildest. Not yet subdued by man, its presence refreshes him. One who pressed forward incessantly and never rested from his labors, who grew fast and made infinite demands on life, would always find himself in a new country or wilderness, and surrounded by the raw material of life. He would be climbing over the prostrate stems of primitive forest-trees. Hope and the future for me are not in lawns and cultivated fields, not in the towns or cities, but in the impervious and quaking swamps." Does Thoreau contend that this is where life is most lived? I've often wondered so and I can tell you nature draws me in. I step gingerly onto its trails sauntering and weaving to an unknown conclusion thoughtless and unencumbered! It is where I cross personal barriers and feel very much alive!
I stayed in this location and around the trail for some time before I headed to the Upper North Falls. There, I sat down, and took in the sights and sounds of the Upper North Falls! I couldn't tear myself away from trying to move further into the park. Sometimes, I prefer to acquaint myself as thoroughly as possible with a certain place rather than move quickly to a new location. Silver Falls State Park is a place that needs this kind of attention!
All in all, my short excursion on the Silver Falls Tour Route and brief moment in Silver Falls State Park nourished my desire and replenished my soul of a much needed dose of nature. As I walked about in the park, intuitively, I knew that my purpose on this trip through Oregon and my reward for coming to there was this place; this trail, and this experience. I felt it in the air and absorbed it with each breath! As I said earlier, it was nearly a perfect day! It was moments of time traded for moments well spent. Thoreau would have probably agreed!
Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.
Follow Rick at:
http://www.rickrodriguez.net/
www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket
www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report
