Located beside the South Falls Lodge and Café at Silver Falls State Park, Ten Falls Supply Co. is a carefully designed retail concept that brings purpose, functionality, and storytelling together in a compact footprint. Housed in a historic 450-square-foot stone building constructed in the 1930s, the shop has already earned recognition for its intentional design and curated merchandise, including being described by SGN Magazine (read article) as “the world’s best little hiking store.”
Originally built as a garage and later used as the South Falls Theater, the building now serves as an outfitter for hikers preparing to tackle one of Oregon’s most iconic trails, the Trail of Ten Falls.
A Brand-New Concept Built from the Ground Up
Ten Falls Supply Co. represents a first for Guest Services retail operations. Rather than inheriting an existing store, the team was given the opportunity to design the concept from scratch.
“Typically, when we are activating a new property, we are inheriting an existing retail operation, which can make it challenging to bring the store up to Guest Services standards,” said Mark Johnson, Director of Retail Operations. “Ten Falls Supply Co. was different. We were handed a blank canvas, and the result is our pure vision. All of our operational standards are in play, making this a prototype for our wilderness store aesthetic.”
That approach allowed the team to create a space that feels authentic to its environment, blending vintage hiking shop charm with modern functionality. Some visitors have compared it to a “mini-REI,” an assessment that aligns closely with the store’s mission.
Complementing the Park’s Existing Retail
Ten Falls Supply Co. was intentionally designed to complement, not compete with, the nearby South Falls Nature Store, which is operated by the Friends of Silver Falls State Park. The Nature Store focuses on educational materials and nature-oriented gifts in support of the park’s mission.
“They have a very clear educational focus,” Mark explained. “We wanted to address product categories that they do not carry, particularly hiking supplies. That includes trail snacks, hydration, trekking poles, first aid kits, and other active gear that visitors need to complete the hike safely.”
This collaborative approach ensures visitors have access to both educational resources and practical essentials while supporting the broader goals of the park.
Inspired by the Trail of Ten Falls
The store’s name is directly tied to its location at the trailhead of the Trail of Ten Falls, a designated National Recreation Trail and a 7.2-mile loop that passes ten waterfalls.
“Many visitors come specifically for the challenge of completing the loop,” Mark said. “We chose the name Ten Falls Supply Co. because we are the outfitter where hikers get what they need to complete that journey.”
Inside the store, guests will find items designed to celebrate the accomplishment, including apparel featuring a bold “7.2” and hats embroidered with “I hiked the Trail of Ten Falls.” These pieces are intentionally positioned as keepsakes that mark the achievement and encourage hikers to return after finishing the trail.
A Small Space Thoughtfully Curated
Despite its modest size, Ten Falls Supply Co. offers a wide selection of active gear and apparel. Roughly 40 percent of vendors are based in Oregon, and 60 percent of products are made in the United States. Imported items are selected with sustainability in mind and often use recycled materials or support environmental initiatives such as 1% for the Planet.
One notable example includes waterproof backpacks designed for Silver Falls’ rainy conditions. The bags are made from ocean-recovered plastics, co-branded with the Ten Falls Supply Co. logo, and produced by Got Bag, a Portland-based company.
“We have given each and every product in the store this kind of thoughtful consideration,” Mark said.
Local artists also play a major role in shaping the store’s identity. Designs from Portland-based artist Myranda Snyder, originally created for a bandana, now appear across apparel, magnets, mugs, water bottles, and other items featuring owls and Pacific tree frogs.
A Living Store Supported by a Dedicated Team
While opening the store was a major milestone, Mark emphasized that ongoing care is what drives success.
“We like to say every store is a living thing. It needs constant attention, from maintaining merchandising standards to restocking daily and reordering bestsellers,” he said. “Learning from customers and adjusting as you go is essential.”
He credited the Silver Falls team for continually refining the store and improving it each day.
With its strong sense of place, sustainable focus, and deep connection to the hiking experience, Ten Falls Supply Co. offers more than retail. It provides preparation, inspiration, and a meaningful way for visitors to remember their journey through one of Oregon’s most celebrated landscapes.
