The Story of Silver Falls State Park--Part 4
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Before
the trees outside the canyon at Silver Falls State Park were cut down to be
used for timber, the forest would have looked much like it does in the canyon.
Old growth Douglas Firs and other conifers dominated the hillside, and still do
today. Vine and Bigleaf Maples along with various other deciduous trees are
found along the banks of the streams. When a tree dies or falls down, it
becomes the source of nutrients for other plants and even some animals. Bracken,
Deer, Giant Chain, Sword, Maidenhair, Lady, and Licorice Ferns dominate the
hillsides all year round. False Soloman’s Seal and Liverworts can also be
found. Pacific Ninebark can also be found if you look carefully.
Edible plants include Oregon Grape, Miner’s Lettuce,
Wood Sorrel, Salmonberry, and Red Huckleberry. While Licorice Fern is edible,
many do not like the taste. As with any state or national park, the park
rangers like visitors to keep things the way it was when they got there. So
while you can collect a whole bucketful of berries, you can enjoy a few along a
hike.
Silver
Falls State Park is also home to the Wild Cucumber, which has a spiky fruit
that is poisonous and should not be eaten. Recently, exotic, or invasive,
species have been encroaching into the park’s boundaries. These include
Foxglove, Scot’s Broom, and possibly English Ivy, though the latter hasn’t been
confirmed. Creeping Buttercup, another non-native species, is
also found within the park; it can be confused with Western Buttercup as they look
the same, the main difference is that the Creeping Buttercup has light green spots
on it.
Several
species of squirrels, chipmunks, and bats can be found within the park. Mule
Deer come out at dawn and dusk to feed on vegetation. Woodpeckers, hawks, jays,
and a variety of other birds can be seen if one has patience and a good pair of
binoculars. Cutthroat Trout frequent the pools below Lower North Falls. There
are Cougars in the region, though there has never been any report of people
seeing one within the park boundaries. If someone should happen to see a Cougar
or cougar tracks, the Park staff should be notified. On the Oregon State Parks
webpage for Silver Falls State Park, a list of birds found within the park is
provided.
Deer are often seen grazing the meadow above South
Falls.
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