Category Archives: Property Spotlights

Property Spotlight: Silver Falls State Park

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Guest Services proudly expands its footprint in the Pacific Northwest with its first-ever property in Oregon: Silver Falls State Park, the state’s largest and most visited park. Surrounded by towering waterfalls, mossy forest trails, and canyon views, this new operation brings Guest Services’ signature hospitality to one of Oregon’s most iconic natural destinations.

“Silver Falls is Guest Services’ newest property and our first in the state of Oregon,” says Chad Taylor, Director of Operations, Hospitality. “It also just happens to be Oregon’s crown jewel.” With over 1.1 million visitors annually, more than 9,000 acres of forest, over 35 miles of trails, and 10 breathtaking waterfalls, Silver Falls truly lives up to its moniker.

Introducing Our Oregon Debut


From rich history to jaw-dropping scenery, Silver Falls offers an experience unlike any other in Oregon.

  • Established July 23, 1933, with Civilian Conservation Corps–built historic structures like the South Falls Lodge
  • Largest state park in Oregon at ~9,000 acres with more than 24 miles of hiking, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4‑mile paved bike path
  • Trail of Ten Falls: a 7.2‑mile moderate loop dropping 800 ft that features 10 waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind
  • South Falls: the iconic 177‑ft cascade (Double Falls is the tallest at ~178 ft)
  • Wildlife & nature: Douglas firs, vine maple, abundant wildlife including deer, squirrels. Cougars and black bears exist, but are rare

Hospitality in the Heart of the Forest

Located just over an hour from Portland, Guest Services now operates South Falls Café, Ten Falls Trading Company, Foothills Ranch, Davidson Ranch, and Smith Creek Village, all catering to day visitors and overnight guests. The lodges and cabins, perched near the falls, provide group accommodations, event space, and full-service commercial kitchens.

South Falls Café: Positioned near the iconic South Falls trailhead, this café offers locally inspired grab-and-go meals, coffee, and refreshments perfect for hikers preparing to explore the Trail of Ten Falls. It’s a central gathering point for visitors to refuel and relax amid scenic views.

Ten Falls Trading Company: Attached to the café, this cozy retail space provides outdoor essentials, apparel, trail snacks, and souvenirs. It’s a convenient stop for picking up last-minute hiking gear or a memento from the park.

Foothills Ranch & Davidson Ranch: These two historic lodges are nestled deeper into the park and designed for group retreats, reunions, and weddings. Each ranch features:

  • Approximately 75 bunk-style beds
  • A large open gathering hall with a central fireplace
  • Commercial-grade kitchens for self-catering or hosted meals
  • Scenic surroundings perfect for camp-style programs and rustic celebrations

Smith Creek Village: Formerly closed to the public, this once-private corner of the park is now open and reimagined as a tranquil overnight destination. It includes:

  • Eight cabins with 1–3 beds each
  • Four larger six-room cabins with shared lounge areas and fireplaces
  • The Calypso Cabin, a renovated VIP suite often used by wedding parties
  • Two duplex cabins ideal for couples or solo travelers
  • A soon-to-open Big Leaf Market & Grill, with coffee, snacks, and a casual dining experience for campers and cabin guests
  • Direct access to Mackenzie’s Meadow and trailheads connecting to the broader park

Together, these properties offer an integrated hospitality experience in the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning natural destinations.

Looking Ahead to What’s Next

 

Exciting developments are underway at Silver Falls, including the upcoming opening of Big Leaf Market & Grill, which will offer coffee and hot meals to both hikers and overnight guests. New seasonal programming is also in the works, featuring birdwatching weekends, winter festivals, and expanded bike rentals. These enhancements align with Oregon Parks’ long-term vision for the North Gateway area, which includes a new campground, visitor center, and improved parking and guest services.

“This is kind of our tryout in Oregon, and there’s a lot of potential here,” Chad adds, highlighting plans to grow community‑centered programming, expand offseason events, and immerse guests in the park’s natural and historical richness.

Silver Falls State Park Press Release

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Guest Services, Inc., Launches Smith Creek Village At Silver Falls State Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pictured: Smith Creek Cabins.
(Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Parks.)

GUEST SERVICES, INC., LAUNCHES SMITH CREEK VILLAGE AT

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Expanded Hospitality Amenities Include Lodging, Dining, Retail, Market, Event Space, More

Click Here for Downloadable, High-Res Photos

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OREGON (June 2025) – Guest Services, Inc., the premier national hospitality management company and concessionaire for parks and public spaces across the United States, announces its official expansion into Oregon with the launch of year-round operations at Smith Creek Village inside Silver Falls State Park. This landmark park nestled in Oregon’s temperate rainforest welcomes 1.6 million annual visitors and is renowned for its 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls hike boasting 10 scenic waterfalls. With Guest Services as manager and operator of Smith Creek Village, the park will now offer an expanded slate of accommodations and amenities for the public to enjoy.

Slated for a full opening this June, Smith Creek Village will provide guests with full-service lodging, dining, retail, event spaces and future mountain bike rentals. Offerings include 19 distinctive lodging units designed to suit a variety of travelers, from solo hikers to large families and wedding parties, including:

  • Four family-sized lodges for up to 12 guests each.
  • Eight cozy tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each.
  • Four duplex-style cabins for two guests per unit.
  • One luxurious private cottage for four people.
  • Access to two nearby ranch properties, 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 use.

Dining options include South Falls Café, a fast-casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, and The Big Leaf Market & Grill, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant within Smith Creek Village. Here, guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, grab-and-go items, beer and wine and shaded outdoor seating areas surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.

Retail services will be anchored by Ten Falls Supply Co., featuring hiking gear including trekking poles, waterproof backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as souvenirs and sustainable, locally made goods, such as soaps, patches, apparel and local coffee roaster products. The retail concept also serves an educational function by integrating interpretive materials that promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

Supplementing lodging and dining are multiple venues for private and public events. Smith Creek Village features two indoor meeting halls and several scenic outdoor ceremony sites such as the Elopement Arch, Ceremony Lawn and Mackenzie Meadows—making it a sought-after wedding destination.

“Silver Falls is an extraordinary place, loved by locals and travelers alike for its unmatched natural beauty,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc. at Smith Creek Village. “We’re honored to help elevate the experience for every guest through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and authentic, locally driven experiences.”

For more information on Guest Services, Inc., visit www.guestservices.com.

 ABOUT GUEST SERVICES, INC.

Since 1917, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessionaire that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 staff at more than 250 facilities, which welcome approximately 30 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome visitors at Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, several parks in the Washington, D.C. area and state parks such as Bear Mountain in New York. To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

ABOUT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Often called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park is a standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly on the national—and international—stage featuring 10 waterfalls including the 177-foot South Falls. The park offers scenic beauty, boundless recreational opportunities and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 100 years ago. To learn more about Oregon State Parks including Silver Falls, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Vanessa Thill/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
vanessa@thevoxagency.com /erika@thevoxagency.com
(469) 226-4723/ (702) 249-2977

 

Honoring the Legacy of The Indian Craft Shop

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After over 87 years of celebrating and promoting American Indian arts, Guest Services will no longer be operating The Indian Craft Shop and will have its final day of business on June 6. For generations, the Shop has been a beloved cultural gem inside the U.S. Department of the Interior, connecting visitors with authentic Native American art, jewelry, and traditions from across the country.

Founded in 1938 and managed by Guest Services, Inc. since its inception, the Shop has served as more than a retail space, providing a hub for learning, cultural appreciation, and human connection. Whether you were a first-time visitor, a long-time regular, or even a third-generation supporter, The Indian Craft Shop became part of countless personal journeys and family traditions.

Join Our Final Celebrations

As part of its farewell, the Shop is hosting two Open House Celebrations. The first, held on May 8, welcomed guests for an afternoon of connection, shared memories, and celebration. Attendees enjoyed cake and refreshments in the sculpture garden behind the Shop. 

During the event, Guest Services President & CEO Nico Foris and Michael “Mick” Rusten, Director of Facilities and Administration for the Office of the Secretary, had the honor of cutting the ceremonial cake. (Photo by Susan Schramm)

The final celebration will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and all are invited to stop by, wear their favorite pieces collected over the years, and join in recognizing the community the Shop has fostered for generations.

Visitors can also take part in a blowout sale from May 20 to May 30, featuring the last of the Shop’s beautiful and unique inventory as one final chance to take home a meaningful treasure from this historic space.

Honoring Susan Pourian’s 42-Year Legacy

The closing coincides with the retirement of Susan Pourian, who has worked for Guest Services for an incredible 42 years — managing the shop, as district manager in specialty retail, working special events, and even in Marketing at the corporate office. Coming full circle to directing the Shop, her legacy is one of deep knowledge, tireless dedication, and unwavering support for Native artists and their stories. Her passion has shaped the Shop into the remarkable place it is today.

“Let’s take this time to celebrate the many years of special arts, people, experiences, and shop connections,” the Shop team shared in their recent newsletter. “This is indeed a time to have a look back and celebrate.”

Looking Ahead with Hope

As the Department of the Interior works to identify a new operator for the Shop, there is hope that another entity will carry the baton forward and continue to showcase American Indian arts for another 87 years to come.

Guest Services, Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to the Shop’s dedicated team, its talented artists, the Department of the Interior, and every visitor who has helped make The Indian Craft Shop a vibrant and meaningful part of our shared history.