A new concessionaire is in place at Silver Falls State Park and the operators are planning to serve Thanksgiving dinner to park visitors.
The Bigleaf Market & Grill in the park’s Smith Creek Village will host the turkey day buffet, available in three time slots, 1 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 4:30 p.m.; and 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The cost is $40 per person and the menu features turkey and ham, squash, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green been casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, dinner rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, autumn salad, fruit and cheese, squash soup, pumpkin pie and butter pecan sundae. Beer, wine and mimosas will be available for purchase and vegetarian dinner options are available.
To reserve a table call 503-344-2777, ext. 2 or email silverfalls.fd@guestservices.com
Guest Services, Inc., a Virginia-based company, has taken over the contract to operate many of the facilities at the park, including the Smith Creek Village cabins, South Falls Café and two historic ranches.The 17 cabins and two ranches provide accommodations to serve 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 cabins for two guests per unit.
• One private cabin for four people.
• The 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 and casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Big Leaf Market & Grill is open for 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 locally made goods, such as soaps, apparel and Silver Falls Coffee Co. products.
“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., in a press release. “We are honored to have the opportunity to elevate the experience through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and locally driven experiences.”
State park officials will continue to manage the campground as well as other park facilities such as the parking lots and maintenance and upkeep.
“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 manager Chris Gilliand.
“Not everyone has the gear or the ability to tent or RV camp. Partnerships like this expand overnight opportunities year-round without the need for outdoor equipment.”
