Kentucky Falls
​Hike details:
Mileage: 4.5 miles round trip w/ 785 ft. elevation gain
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 57 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: High on weekends, low on weekdays
Highest elevation: 1,640 ft. Lowest elevation: 836 ft.
General location: 21 miles south of Mapleton - Siuslaw National Forest
Accessible: March through December (the roads to the trailhead are generally snowed in during the winter months)
(Best time to go is March, April, May for huge waterfall flows!)
Permits required: Northwest Forest Pass for parking
Pit toilet at trailhead: Yes
Trail allows: Dogs
Possible dangers: N/A
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 57 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: High on weekends, low on weekdays
Highest elevation: 1,640 ft. Lowest elevation: 836 ft.
General location: 21 miles south of Mapleton - Siuslaw National Forest
Accessible: March through December (the roads to the trailhead are generally snowed in during the winter months)
(Best time to go is March, April, May for huge waterfall flows!)
Permits required: Northwest Forest Pass for parking
Pit toilet at trailhead: Yes
Trail allows: Dogs
Possible dangers: N/A
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Description:Kentucky Falls is a wonderful short and easy hike, less than 5 miles long and perfect for a drizzly Oregon day. Driving to the trailhead can be a bit treacherous since you have to avoid many large potholes while going up a 20% grade on gravel logging roads. 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 in the winter months.
After making it 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. The high point of the hike is the trailhead, so keep in mind that all of your elevation will be gained on the return trip from the falls. After the first 0.6 miles you come upon 88-foot tall 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 onto the rocks. After checking out Upper Kentucky Falls you will hike another 1.1 miles until you reach a split in the trail. |
(Upper Kentucky Falls 88 ft.)
The trail to the left is the North Fork Smith River Trail and it keeps going along the North Fork Smith River (this is a great option for a backpacking trip). If it is a hot summer day and you're looking for a swim, hike 0.6 miles down the North Fork Smith River Trail and you will find a beautiful blue/green pool, which is one of the best swimming holes along this stretch of river!
To go see the waterfalls, take a right at the trail junction and walk 160 feet to the wooden viewing platform. At the platform deck you can look out onto the river rocks and Lower Kentucky Falls, which is 117 feet tall. North Fork Falls stands at 125 feet tall and in the summer when the river is low, you can scramble over the large rocks to get a closer look. |
(Lower Kentucky Falls in January)
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(North Fork Falls in
July)
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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, and the trail can be muddy and slippery. Enjoy the stunning lush old growth forest, giant ferns and the refreshing humid coastal air!
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(North Fork & Kentucky Falls in January)
Directions:
From Eugene
- Drive on OR-126 W for a total of 33 miles. 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. (Total of 53 miles)
- Total of 118 miles via Eugene.
- Total of 162 miles via Eugene.
- Total of 183 miles via Eugene.
- Total of 218 miles via Eugene.
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-This trail write-up was last updated June, 2022-
*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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