If you only have a day to explore, we recommend going here it is about 20 minutes from Silverton and 30 from Salem. Parking is $5 per car per day. South falls day use area is the best for people who can only visit for a short time, or are not up for a longer hike. From the parking lot, the top of South Falls is a 2-3 minute walk, and the bottom is an extra 10 minutes.
The Oregon Gardens are going to be beautiful in May. They host a few miles of paved walking paths surrounded by beautifully cared for gardens. The Gardens are no longer partnered with the Resort, so everyone will still need to pay the $12 admission.
The morning before our wedding, our venue is having their annual Memorial Day weekend plant sale. If you are driving up or live nearby, you can go check out the venue beforehand.