Oregon Parks and Rec seeks proposals for Silver Falls' businesses

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting proposals to operate the Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Cafe and two ranches at Silver Falls State Park .

The park, featuring the popular Trail of Ten Falls, has an estimated 1.5 million day-use visitors per year.

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

Current and separate OPRD contracts with Silver Falls Hospitality and the Oregon Commission for the Blind to run the three facilities expire at the end of October. The new 10-year contract will include all three business.

ORPD will hold an open house for prospective concessionaires from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 16, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 17. Registration is required by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 by emailing Winona Butler at winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov

Those who are interested in learning more can go to OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.

Elliott Deins is an outdoor reporting intern for the Statesman Journal. You can reach him at edeins@salem.gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Parks and Rec seeks proposals for Silver Falls' businesses