A 20-year-old male hiker died on Monday, August 11, 2026, following a fall from South Falls, the tallest waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. Park officials described the incident as a "horrific accident."

According to authorities and Central Oregon Daily, the man was visiting from out of state and ventured off-trail near the upper viewpoint of South Falls. He crossed a barrier and made his way over a creek directly above the falls before slipping and plunging roughly 177 feet into the water below.

Silver Falls State Park regional manager Chris Gilliand told Central Oregon Daily, "It was a pretty horrific accident."

The Marion County Medical Examiner released the man's body to Marion County Search and Rescue, who completed the recovery. Unger Funeral Chapel later took custody of the remains.

Silver Falls State Park is renowned for its Trail of Ten Falls, a popular hiking route featuring ten waterfalls and attracting visitors from across Oregon and beyond.

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