Kentucky Falls
Kentucky Falls is a wonderful short and easy hike, less than 5 miles long. However, driving here is a bit treacherous since you have to avoid many large potholes while going up a 20% grade. It is quite the adventure, so make sure you are taking a car that can handle this. The road also gains some elevation, so if you're heading here in the winter, please check the snow levels before you go as this road can occasionally get some snow.
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After making your way successfully to the trailhead, you will be relieved to see a lush green trail across the road from the small parking area. There is extra parking just a bit farther down the road, if the main lot is full. After .8 miles of downhill trail you come upon Upper Kentucky Falls. In the summer time these falls come down like a thin wispy curtain. You can take a small jaunt off the main trail and climb over some boulders right to the bottom of the falls. In the winter and early spring, the falls will be too large, and you will not be able to get to the rocks. After checking out Upper Kentucky Falls, you will hike another 1.4 miles until you reach a split in the trail. |
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(Upper Kentucky Falls 88 ft.)
There is a sign here, so you can't get lost. The trail to the right goes a few hundred yards down to both Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls. The trail to the left is the continuation of the main trail and keeps going along the North Fork Smith River for another 8.7 miles (this is a great option for a backpacking trip). If it is a hot summer day and you're looking for a swim, head .8 miles down the North Fork Smith River trail and you will find something called 'Swimming Pool Falls', which is apparently one of the best swimming holes along this stretch of river!
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(Lower Kentucky Falls in January)
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(Lower Kentucky Falls in July)
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(North Fork Falls in
July)
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At Lower Kentucky Falls, there is a wooden platform deck that looks out onto the river rocks and Lower Kentucky Falls, which is 117 feet tall. North Fork Falls stands at 125 ft. and in the summer, you can scramble over the large rocks to get a closer look. These boulders are quite large and if it's not the middle of summer, there will be a lot more water in the North Fork Smith River and this detour will not be possible.
(North Fork & Kentucky Falls in January)
Overall, this hike is not hard and it is very short. These three waterfalls are quintessential Oregon waterfalls and a must-see in the state. This hike is great for all age and fitness ranges, however remember to save some energy for the return trip, since you do hike downhill the entire way to the falls, so you will be hiking uphill on the way back. If you go on this hike in the winter make sure to watch the snow levels because the coast range does get snow from time to time, and the road to the trailhead can be snowy, as well as the trail down to the falls.
Approximate hike time: 2 hours 30 minutes w/ an average pace of 1.8 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, most of winter
(Best time to go is February, March, April and May for prime waterfall flow. This hike is also great during the winter , November, December, January although sometimes you can encounter snow on the road to the trailhead).
Trail usage: Medium
Directions: From Eugene drive 33 miles West on Hwy 126. Between mileposts 26 and 27 turn at the Whittaker Creek Recreation area sign. After 1.6 miles turn right and cross a bridge. Drive 1.5 miles and then fork left onto Dunn Ridge Rd. and continue 7 windy, uphill miles to a T-shaped junction which marks the end of the pavement. Here turn left onto Knowles Creek Rd. for 2.7 miles and then turn right onto paved Road 23 for another 1.6 miles. Finally turn right onto paved Rd. 919 for an easy downhill 2.8 miles to the trail head parking area on your right.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, most of winter
(Best time to go is February, March, April and May for prime waterfall flow. This hike is also great during the winter , November, December, January although sometimes you can encounter snow on the road to the trailhead).
Trail usage: Medium
Directions: From Eugene drive 33 miles West on Hwy 126. Between mileposts 26 and 27 turn at the Whittaker Creek Recreation area sign. After 1.6 miles turn right and cross a bridge. Drive 1.5 miles and then fork left onto Dunn Ridge Rd. and continue 7 windy, uphill miles to a T-shaped junction which marks the end of the pavement. Here turn left onto Knowles Creek Rd. for 2.7 miles and then turn right onto paved Road 23 for another 1.6 miles. Finally turn right onto paved Rd. 919 for an easy downhill 2.8 miles to the trail head parking area on your right.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense.
Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes. |
To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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