Silverton - the Skinny? (Salem, Gresham: hotel, home, place to live) - City-Data Forum

RockyMtnr · 11-28-2007, 09:24 AM

Moving to Silverton for the New Year. We've been there once. Ate there that day. Drove around a little.
We have work and a place to live taken care of.
Only two specific questions: 1) What's that snow-capped mountain you can see from town? and (2) What's the word on that resevoir south of town that I hear threatens to burst and flood the town?
We somehow managed to miss seeing all the murals but we know they're there (right?) and we know the story of "Bobby the Wonder Dog".
We've also heard lots of good hear-say on the town.
We're moving from the coast - 75 miles away - so are "somewhat" acquainted with Oregon (almost a year now) and are almost okay with tearing ourselves away from this Ocean view.
Now, can anyone give us the "real skinny" on Silverton? What do we need to know up-front? What's really "Up"?
Thanks!

bobmulk · 12-01-2007, 09:27 PM

The mountain you can see is Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest at 11,245 feet. The only reservoir I can think of that you're talking about would probably be Detroit Reservoir. If it were to ever burst, Silverton would be fine.

Silverton has transmogrified over the past ten years from a tired town to a gentrifying, artsy community. They have the Silverton Wine and Jazz Festival now (this was its first year) and the Silverton Art Auction. There's Homer Davenport Days and a number of other things going on. A world class hotel is being built at the Oregon Garden by a man from California who owns a chain--their clientele includes a large number of wealthy Asians.

Silverton is up and coming. It has become a highly desirable place to live as is evidenced by the rapid escalation in home prices. Downtown is becoming quite the mecca with galleries, coffe shops, boutiques and restaurants in newly renovated turn of the century buildings. The population is growing rapidly, too. Just passed 9,000. Silverton is the place to be.

RockyMtnr · 12-01-2007, 10:09 PM

Thank you Bob.
Someone else said that the mountain is Mt. Jefferson.
It was overcast the day I was there - maybe you can see both?
Interesting info on the motel/hotel. First I'd heard of it.
Everybody seems to have good things to say about Silverton. Most, however, have been based on the Falls south of town. A bit about the gardens.
I do like the flavor of some of the other Oregon towns I have seen of similar size to Silverton. Maineville, for instance. It's the use of the older buildings that seems to lend a grand charm and even elegance to a jaunt around town.
I'll be back in that town in a week or so - and again right around Christmas - and will move in by the 1st. I hope to have more info to share. Thank you for sharing.
Follow me folks. We're going to Silverton!

bobmulk · 12-02-2007, 01:02 AM

I think you're thinking of McMinnville; there is no "Maineville" in Oregon. It's also possible that Mt. Jefferson can be seen from Silverton. I hadn't thought about that. It's much closer. I just automatically assumed it was Mt. Hood because that is the state's highest mountain and is visible from most places in the north Valley.

I didn't mention the falls...my bad. They're glorious. If you take the entire hike, make sure you're in good shape because it's something like 20 miles. The coolest part is when you walk right under one of the falls.

RockyMtnr · 12-02-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmulk

I think you're thinking of McMinnville; there is no "Maineville" in Oregon. It's also possible that Mt. Jefferson can be seen from Silverton. I hadn't thought about that. It's much closer. I just automatically assumed it was Mt. Hood because that is the state's highest mountain and is visible from most places in the north Valley.

I didn't mention the falls...my bad. They're glorious. If you take the entire hike, make sure you're in good shape because it's something like 20 miles. The coolest part is when you walk right under one of the falls.

Thanks Bob. My bad too - "Maineville" is an Ohio town near Cincinnati while ... well, you know where McMinneville is.
I'll get the falls in ... and the gardens ... and I want to figure out how to make use of the Willamette somewhere around Salem - lots to do. Got a truck?

Okay, just kidding, sorry. I google up the resevoir right barely outside of town but it doesn't give me a name. Guess I'll find out for sure later on.
Thanks again!

kazyole · 12-05-2007, 02:49 PM

Sorry for the late reply. As a 27 year resident of Silverton, I feel qualified to answer you Qs. 1) the mountain is Mt Hood, best veiw is Going NE on hwy 213 out of town, on a clear day. Its possible to see Mt Jefferson, Mt Hood, and even Mt Saint Helens all at the same time, but you need some elevation.
2) The reservoir is named, get ready..............wait for it...........Silverton Reservoir. Great fishing, swimming, boating, ect, ect. Its not drinking water source for Silverton, as most people think, but it is a back-up supply. The dam was designed years ago, and the issue of possible failure came about due to local politics, and re-elections, and what not.
Hope this helps.

RockyMtnr · 12-05-2007, 05:13 PM

Thanks Kazyole! The name of the resevoir was truly a surprise. <grin> - the road there is called Silver Lake Road I think - but when I googleEarthed it, Silver Lake was in southern Oregon.
I guess you are insinuating that there is not a problem with the dam - and perhaps confirming that it is an earthen-dam. Funny how things get made into issues when they aren't issues ... all in the name of political futures.
Big Question Kazyole - hope you're still there or that someone can answer this one:
Can you swim in the reservoir in just a swimming-suit? I came here to the Ocean and it's the first Ocean I've lived at that I can't use - have to wear a truck just to get in the water. I love swimming - it's the only thing that makes my brain float right - and natural water swimming too, don't care for pools.
Glad to hear about the view - I've seen that similar view from the Gresham area - Powell Butte - and also from points in Washington. It's a great view!
Thanks for the info Kaz.

kazyole · 12-06-2007, 10:31 AM

Glad I can help, the road past the reservoir is called Silver Falls Hwy, and takes you straight to Silver Falls State Park, about 14 miles away. The Dam is earthen w/a spillway. In the summer the water is quite warm, and crowded. I prefer to swim in more pristene areas. The waters colder, but the beauty makes it worth it. psst: check out three pools.

RockyMtnr · 12-06-2007, 12:39 PM

Thanks Kazy. Three Pools, eh? Will do. Also like the looks of their community pool in Silverton - from outside the bubble anyway.
This town (Silverton) is looking better and better.

Silverfall · 12-09-2007, 06:34 PM

No matter where you swim in Oregon you have to have a wet suit. The water is right off the glaciers. Br....

Silverfalls is stunningly gorgeous and you will want a good pair of hiking boots IT you hike the entire falls trails. You can go down to several of them, which is nice.

I have a friend that lives there, and it is a really nice community.