My previous post highlighted Duncan and I embarking on a mini getaway to Oregon for Labor Day weekend, and after our first hike we crashed hard at our Air B&B. We both slept well, but I had some horrendous neck pains that had been lingering for about a week keeping me awake. When I woke up in the morning, I was in so much pain I was unsure if I would be able to go on our second hike.
This second hike was another one I had discovered, saved, and wanted to complete for a handful of months, and while the drive was only 4 hours from my house, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity when we were close. Anyone who knows me knows I am wildly stubborn, and I refused to lay in the tiny house all day. Duncan was amazingly supportive and helpful, he usually comes on these adventures with me because he knows how much they mean to me, and he did whatever I needed that morning to help me feel better.
I started with resting and stretching, and ended with some cat therapy.
This tiny grey kitten appeared out of no where, and was so incredibly friendly. I stepped outside hoping the fresh air would make me feel better (I was not doing well in my mental space), and like a gift from God there this tiny being was. I gave her a pspspspspsp and she came RUNNING to me. We cuddled for a while before I lured her into the tiny house (oops) to show Duncan.
I slowly started feeling like I could move a bit more (I also succumbed to taking an NSAID, which I never do), so we finished cuddle time and set out for our adventure.
Our second adventure was a visit to Silver Falls State Park to hike the very popular Trail of Ten Falls. I’m not normally drawn to waterfalls, but this trail name lured me in with the promise of ten. It’s like eating stale crackers – when you have just one they are lack luster, but the more you eat the better they become? The drive to the park was a little over an hour, and we passed through some amazing Oregon farmlands.
One day, my goal is to live in an area with miles and miles of farmland.
Once we arrived at the park, we made our way towards the trail. It felt a bit like a mini national park with how many humans were there, as well as the layout of the park. I knew going on a holiday weekend mid day would be bad, but my goodness there were a lot of people. Once we made it past the first waterfall the crowds thinned out. We started off with a bang, the first waterfall was one of four falls we were able to walk behind.
Those four were my favorite of all the falls we saw.
The above two photos are the first fall we saw from different angles. After this we were able to settle in a bit and I was able to relax. Duncan was a saint and carried the only backpack we brought because there was no way I would be able to sit a pack on my shoulders with my pain. We put both of our water bladders in his pack and his tube sat on one side, and mine on the other. Water breaks were so romantic, like one soda with two straws.
The pain was still there, but during the first three miles I was able to manage it. We quickly found the second fall and it was another one we could walk behind.
Each fall we could walk behind I wanted to stop at for a moment, but there were so many people we just kept walking. The trail was quiet in most spots until you found yourself at one of the falls you could walk behind. Like a Walmart on Black Friday. Around mile four I started to find myself in a lot of discomfort, but I did my best to put one foot in front of the other and continue on. We saw some waterfalls throughout that were just ok, and then found ourselves at another walk behind fall.
By the time we left the above fall, I was over the hike. Which honestly was more of a nature walk that went on for seven miles. We found ourselves at a fork in the road which would have cut off some of the hike, but I didn’t dare quit on the loop – even if I could barely move my upper torso. By the time we made it to the very last fall, I was done – I just wanted to teleport back to the car.
Despite being in pain and exhausted, the last fall was the best of them all. Well worth continuing on.
I think had I been less uncomfortable I would have enjoyed this more, and should I return in the future I would like to see this place in the fall. Everything looks better with colorful leaves. I’m glad we went, and overall it was worthwhile. I ended my day the same way that I started it – kitty snuggles. This time one of the other cats on the tiny house property came to say hello. The house had three cats on site, and sadly the one cat that was too scared to say hello was the black cat.
My heart has a special place for black cats.
The following morning my neck pain was less intense (of course) and we spent the morning lounging before making the drive back to Washington. The tiny house was home to a handful of very friendly chickens, who provided me some of their bounty for my breakfast. My farm to table heart was bursting at the seams for those eggs. After breakfast we cleaned up and packed the car for the drive home.
If you’ve made it this far, good on ya. This was a long one. A most wonderful weekend getaway with my best guy. If you need a place to stay for some Oregon adventures I highly recommend the Tiny House Farm Stay – even if just for that tiny gray cat (but really it was all great.)
Q: Have you ever had to power through discomfort while traveling? Silly question – this should apply to everyone. I want to hear your best stories. One time I was riding a stifling hot bus in Slovenia going back to my hostel after a long day at the lake, and I had to fight with ever fiber in my body not to vomit on the person next to me.
Blissfulbritt 
23 thoughts on “Let’s Go to Oregon – Hiking Trail of Ten Falls”
niall
Beautiful walk, go back again for sure another day when you are feeling better 👍
Brittany
I must. I must!
Rootchopper
ACK! Pain, especially neck pain, can really drain you. I’ve been incredibly lucky on my bike tours, especially with my history of back problems. You really should go back and do this hike again so you can really enjoy it.
Brittany
I was so jazzed to hear your entire tour was a success with your pain. It can definitely derail you. I was thinking walking would help my neck settle, but it did not. LOL.
Rootchopper
You might try, you know, REST!
Brittany
Maybe one day I’ll accept this rest. 😂
Amy
Man… You are a true WARRIOR, Brittany!! To keep going on that hike despite being in so much pain — that’s so impressive. I would’ve been really tempted to head straight back for the car, especially with the crowds. (The main places I’ll tolerate them are at baseball games and Disneyland! 😉 )
The falls look really pretty in your photos! Maybe someday you can make it all the way down to the Yosemite falls and do some hikes around there too — if you haven’t already?? (I can’t remember!)
Brittany
I don’t know if I’m a warrior, just stubborn. 😂 but I’m glad we finished. I have not yet been to Yosemite! I need to make that happen, along with many other parks in California.
Amy
If you end up going to Yosemite or Tahoe, it’d be SO fun to meet up in person!! Maybe we can finally make that happen?? If not either of those two places… Then Disneyland might be my next choice! 😉
Brittany
I would be stoked for ALL of these.
Some Small Things
So sorry to hear about your neck pain. At least there were cats and kittens to snuggle with!
I had a headache for three months that ended up being referred pain from a neck injury. It was debilitating.
While I love to travel, the Celiac dietary restriction can make things uncomfortable for me — both physically and socially. But over the years I’ve learned to live with it and now don’t think much of it.
Brittany
I also have autoimmune struggles, and food is a big factor in my overall well-being. Travel can be tough sometimes, but I try to do my best because it’s so important to me. I completely understand your discomfort with this.
I’m currently on a trip and doing my best! 🤪
I’m sorry about your neck pain, that was me for a year with back pain that just recently subsided. It’s tough stuff!
Pree
Awwww your cat friends!! I’ve been seeing a lot of cats lately but they are so scared to get close to me :, (
Brittany
There are few things more devastating in life than seeing a cat you NEED to pet, but it won’t come say hello. This happened to me a couple times the last week, until finally one FLUFFY cat was all for it. Made my day.
Pree
Fluffiness makes up for everything!!
Ju-Lyn
Thank you for sharing these stunning views despite your pain and discomfort – you certainly are determined!
“It’s like eating stale crackers – when you have just one they are lack luster, but the more you eat the better they become?” really cracked me up … but soooooo true! I wonder what this says about us?
Brittany
I am stubborn, but it made for some lovely views. I would have had too much FOMO had I not gone. 😂
Ju-Lyn
I hear you! Sometimes we have to go a little further to capture the shots we want!
Allie Zottola
Yup… I would 100% stay somewhere just for the cats. Especially if there was a black one! Swoon. The views from your hike were just stunning! I hope your neck pain is gone now. So glad you and Duncan had such a nice trip!
Brittany
I don’t know what it is about black cats, but they will forever be my favorite. I adored my champagne colored cat I had growing up, but my black cat now has a special place in my heart. The black cats are the best. I think only us black cat owners truly get it.
Allie Zottola
They’re seriously the BEST. I’m glad you feel the same way as me! There’s just something special about a black cat 🙂
Roger Jenkins
Luv Silver Falls! http://oregonhikingpursuingbalancethruadventure.business.blog/2022/06/20/silver-falls/
Brittany
BEAUTIFUL photos!! Thanks for sharing.