SILVERTON, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department selected a new business partner to operate Smith Creek Village cabins, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park earlier this year, and now they're up and running at the park.

Silver Falls is one of the most popular parks in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls.

The contracts to operate Smith Creek Village, the historic ranches and the café expired, opening them up for new proposals. The top proposal came from Guest Services, Inc., a hospitality management company and concessionaire for parks across the United States.

“Silver Falls’ stunning waterfalls, rugged trails and towering forests remind us all what’s worth protecting,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc. “We are honored to have the opportunity to elevate the experience through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and locally driven experiences.”

Guest Services, doing business as Visit Silver Falls, is now up and running with existing lodging, café dining, event spaces and a new retail space. There are 17 cabins and two ranches, perfect to serve everyone from solo hikers to large families to wedding parties year-round.

Accommodations include:

• Four family-sized cabins for up to 12 guests each
• Eight tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each
• Four duplex-style cabins for two guests per unit
• One private cabin for four people.
• Two ranches, including the historic 1880s Davidson Ranch (known locally as Old Ranch) for event rentals for up to 100 guests during the day and 75 bunk-style accommodations for overnight.

The South Falls Café, a fast-casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, is now open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and the Big Leaf Market & Grill is open for grab-and-go food and beverages 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Guest Services also opened a new retail space, Ten Falls Supply Co., near the South Falls Lodge, featuring hiking gear including trekking poles, backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as sustainable, locally made goods, such as soaps, apparel and Silver Falls Coffee Co. products.

In the future, Guest Services plans to add a full-service, family-friendly restaurant within Smith Creek Village at the Big Leaf Market & Grill.

“This business partnership is a good example of how we can enhance the visitor experience through additional opportunities while also maintaining the beauty of the park and generating revenue for park operations,” said Park Manger Chris Gilliand.

“Not everyone has the gear or the ability to tent or RV camp. Partnerships like this expend overnight opportunities year-round without the need for outdoor equipment.”

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking additional business partners including concessionaires like Guest Services as well as sponsorships and public-private partnerships at parks around the state to increase opportunities for recreation and build a more sustainable financial future.

OPRD launched an online form for businesses that are interested in future partnerships. The opportunities must align with OPRD’s mission of stewardship and not take away from the purpose of the land.

Currently, there are approximately eight concessionaire agreements like the one at Silver Falls, including agreements to run marinas and overnight historic hotels, and dozens of partnerships to run everything from kayak rentals to guided hiking. Businesses are encouraged to share their ideas online.

For more information about the amenities at Smith Creek Village, the historic ranches and the café, visit the website at https://visitsilverfalls.com/

Photos of Smith Creek Village and more are available for download.