To set the scene properly: Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the North Coast of Jamaica, near Ocho Rios. The “Jungle Book-esque” scene features great little swimming spots throughout the ascent, plus a couple of spots to stop and get a “back massage” with short water falls pulsing against you. Be sure to stop and try the natural waterslide—and be prepared for a good dunk!

Here are my tips for those of you hoping to see Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica with your own families:

– The best decision we made was to hire our own transportation for the trip, especially when I found out it would be an $80 flat-rate fee (not including admission), regardless of the number of people or hours, and that we could also include a stop at Dolphin Cove, just 3 minutes from the falls and normally an entirely separate excursion and fee. We traveled in our own small bus on our own schedule, Vacation Nannies, breastfed baby, and all, and made a great day trip of it. The transportation was booked through our resort, and other travel-savvy families who consider doing the same may also like to split the fee and share the fun with another family at the resort.

– The second best move was to go in the morning and on a day when there aren’t any cruise ships in port and most other groups have not yet arrived. For those staying on land, it can be well worth asking which days the ships are in port to help avoid the extra crowds. For the record, Friday morning was optimal, though schedules may change seasonally.

– The third best decision was to bring our Vacation Nannies who got in for a discounted rate, wore the baby in the infant carrier and watched as we climbed, carried towels for us, and even took pictures with our camera. (You’ve got to love the Vacation Nannies!)

– For those of you staying at Franklyn D. Resort & Spa: You can choose to visit Dunn’s River Falls with a group on a 2.5 – 3 hour excursion, including transportation, organized through FDR. Currently the excursions are offered Wednesdays & Sundays at $22 per child, $35 per adult, and $8 Vacation Nanny (you can of course opt to go without the kids and leave them with the Vacation Nanny at the resort if you prefer).

– Or arrive under your own steam, by rental car, taxi, or minibus, and pay entrance $12 per child 2+ years, $15 per adult (and $8 if you bring an FDR Vacation Nanny).

– C. Saunders (Carlton) was our personal guide, and was fantastic with the whole family. I think all the registered guides at the falls are probably quite good, but we definitely give Carlton the Rivoli family stamp of approval.

– Wear water shoes.

– Bring a waterproof camera, preferably one with a wrist strap. Guides are accustomed to carrying them and photographing you at great spots along the way (tip accordingly!).

– Lockers are available, plus restrooms, snacks, water shoes (which you will need) and tons of souvenirs.

– The first section is the most difficult, where the climb begins from the beach and passes under a bridge. If you or your children can do that without a problem, the rest should be fine.

– You will have a few opportunities where you can step out and onto stairs/walkway beside if you or your children have had enough.

– Tip your guide. Don’t forget to stick some dollars in your pocket (even soggy and wet and from the U.S. are welcome with much appreciation).

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children
Visit https://travelswithbaby.com/

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This photo that I snapped while standing behind the South Falls only shows a part of the waterfall, but it’s a good example of the landscape you’ll find here and the memorable experiences to be had throughout this park–even if you only take the .5 mile hike to this very vantage point. Standing here, you can feel the roar of the falls travel your bones as the mist settles on your cheeks. There are several short hikes with impressive pay-offs, or you can opt to see all of the water falls on the 7-mile “Trail of Ten Falls” (a.k.a. Canyon Trail). You can view the park’s trail map online as a PDF at: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/silverfalls_trailmap.pdf . William Sullivan, author of the “100 Hikes” guidebooks, has some good hiking suggestions for Silver Falls online that may also help you plan your attack.

With ten water falls impressing visitors even at summer’s end (though spring snow melt makes for the most spectacular falls), Silver Falls is truly a special–if not magical–place to visit. Anyone wanting to see Oregon’s lush, green temperate rain forest, will find one of the best examples here. Layer upon layer of ferns and shamrocks, Douglas fir trees, hemlocks, and mossy rocks crowd happily into every view. I marveled as I strolled beside a hedge of maidenhair ferns as high as my hips, and that’s when I saw the fabled “fairy train” caterpillar (black with a row of yellow windows down its side), which my great grandma always said brought good luck. I am lucky to be here, I thought, as I showed the fairy train to my daughters.
Good to know:
While there are some safety fences here and there along the trails, there are still steep staircases, drop offs, and slippery areas on trails, especially where you walk behind the larger falls. With my active toddler wanting (and needing) to be very much on her own two feet, I was glad to have our Safe-Fit backpack harness along for her (with an extra diaper/wipes, snacks, and sippy cup) to attach to my belt loop as a back up (I recommend a carabiner clip for quick attach & release–and of course, a sturdy belt loop).

With smaller children, you’ll want a good backpack or frontpack carrier while on the trails. If you’re wearing a framed backpack carrier, take extra care of your child’s clearance above you if you need to duck beneath an occasional rocky overhang.

As with most lush, green places in Oregon, even a hot sunny day elsewhere may leave you wanting a jacket or at least long sleeves while hiking the falls. You’ll also want to bring along your own water, lunch and/or plenty of snacks if you plan to spend much time in the park since you’ll have a hard time finding it here.

The Pearsons, a local family living near the park, offer some more helpful tips on their own website: http://www.silverfallspark.org/PT/ParkTips.html, including the all-important note that there are no restrooms along the trails, so be sure to use the lovely pit toilets at the parking areas or restrooms at the picnicking/camping areas before you venture out too far.

When you go:
Silver Falls State Park is approximately a 1-hour drive from Portland, and you may save some time during heavy traffic by taking Hwy 99 E. If you come from Salem, or via I-5, it is 26 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, just be sure to follow the signs for Hwy 214, which will lead you through Silverton and on to the park. You will need to purchase a $3 day-use pass for your visit, unless you are paying a fee to stay overnight in the park or have another Oregon State Parks pass. The park is open year-round, except in the case of a severe weather closure. More information at: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php.

Explore some more:
Just 15 minutes down the road, the city of Silverton offers up an irresistible small-town experience that’s stood the test of time and strip malls remarkably well. Seriously, they still have penny parking meters in the picturesque olde downtown and an annual pet parade–and don’t miss the “davenport races” if you happen through town during Homer Davenport Days, named for the late 19th century cartoonist who was born and raised in Silverton.

Antique shops, flea markets, boutiques, bohemian cafes, elegant eateries, and everybody’s favorite greasy spoon (you’ll know when you see it) are all within a pleasant stroll of the small downtown area, which is made all the more charming in summer months by dozens of hanging flower baskets overflowing with petunias (the likes of which will rival any window box in Europe). And if you have the chance, pop by for a show at the independent movie house on the corner where you’ll be treated to a slideshow of inspirational quotes and quick wit before the show, rather than a barrage of violent previews (the popcorn’s not bad either).

Silverton is also home to The Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical wonderland with 20 themed gardens and one house by Frank Lloyd Wright. Children under 7 years may visit the Oregon Garden free, and those that do will want to be sure and check out the special “Children’s Garden” made just for them. Note to the stroller set: Yes, it’s very stroller friendly as everything is wheelchair accessible. The Oregon Garden also hosts a summer concert series with names you will know, and children of all ages are welcome at the concerts, with free admission for those under 2 years.

For kicks, you can visit the “Gallon House Covered Bridge” on the edge of town. It used to be the oldest covered bridge in Oregon, but it had to be rebuilt in 1990. When Silverton was dry, this was the place where locals sought their booze in one-gallon home-stilled jugs. Nowadays, however, they can buy their liquor right in town at the one official liquor store–except, ahem, on Sundays (per Oregon state law).