Volunteer
Join Our Team of Volunteers!
Volunteers are the heart of Silver Falls State Park. They create a positive, welcoming space where visitors can explore, connect, and learn while enjoying all the beauty Silver Falls has to offer.
Friends of Silver Falls offers a variety of programs and activities that support our mission to preserve and care for Silver Falls State Park through education, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back, meet new people, and deepen your connection to this special place. Whether you prefer greeting visitors in the Nature Store, sharing fun facts at a Discovery Table, or guiding others on a peaceful walk through the forest, there’s a place for you here.
Trail Work and Camp Hosting Opportunities
There are many ways to give your time at Silver Falls State Park. If you’re interested in helping visitors on the trails or camp hosting, head to the Oregon Parks and Recreation website to get involved with their volunteer programs.
If you’re looking for volunteer trail work opportunities, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Salem Area Trail Alliance, and Northwest Youth Corps work alongside park staff on trail projects throughout the year.
Ways to Volunteer With Friends
Discovery Tables
Greet visitors with fun, interactive park-related topics to create connections to the natural resources at Silver Falls State Park. Choose from a list of topics that range from Edible Berries of Silver Falls to Wildlife Petting Zoo to Let's Talk Trash. Each topic focuses on an element of the park and seeks to inspire curiosity in our park visitors. Materials, talking points, and resources are provided.
Events
We sponsor Oregon Parks and Recreation Department events through financial contributions and hands-on volunteer involvement.
- Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival
- Star Party
- Winter Festival
Nature Store
Share your love of Silver Falls by supporting programs and visitor engagement when opportunities are available. Volunteers play an important role in helping us connect people to the park.
Stone Kitchen Shelter
Engage park visitors with information and anecdotes about the history of the park, the Civilian Conservation Corps and its relevance to Silver Falls, the geology of the area, and the impacts of the logging industry on the natural and economic landscape.
Guided Hikes
Lead visitors on short, informative hikes that highlight the park’s natural and cultural features while ensuring a safe and welcoming experience. Special training and approval from Oregon Parks and Recreation is required.
School Field Trips
Inspire discovery and wonder in a child. Silver Falls hosts dozens of schools each year with customized program options for teachers. Special training and approval from Oregon Parks and Recreation are required. Shifts are approximately 4 hours.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors advises and governs Friends of Silver Falls, providing oversight of policy, strategic direction, and organizational leadership. Board members also play an active role in promoting the organization and supporting its mission. Board service is a three-year commitment, with meetings held every other month. Service on the Board requires a special application and interview.