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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
770.00 ft (234.70 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Kentucky Falls Trailhead in the Siuslaw National Forest can be hard to find, but the three amazing waterfalls make it well worth the effort. Less than a half mile from the trailhead you will be rewarded with the first of the three falls, Upper Kentucky Falls. But don't stop there! Continue down another 2 miles through the old-growth forest and you will find twin 100-foot waterfalls: Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork of the Smith Falls. At the end of the trail you'll find a viewing platform with a bench, which is a perfect spot for lunch and a photo opportunity. If you're feeling adventurous you can leave the viewing platform and head out onto the rocks to get a better view of the falls.

During the summer, keep an eye out for wildflowers and salmon berries. Because the trail is at a higher elevation in the coast range, it's a great place to escape the summer heat of the valley.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Three beautiful waterfalls.

Cons

Remote trailhead.

Trailhead Elevation

1,550.00 ft (472.44 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

I thought I had followed these directions to a tee - but perhaps with the new logging at the top of the mountain - these directions need to be updated. had to turn around after about 7 miles with no luck
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A profound concept originally envisioned by governor Oswald West, in 1967 the Oregon legislature ultimately realized his vision of making the entire Oregon Coast forever open to the public in a piece of landmark legislation titled the Oregon Beach Bill, officially making all 363 miles public land. "The People's Coast" is truly a one-of-a-kind coastline, a unique blend of mountains and rocky stacks, towering old growth forests, marine sanctuaries, tide pools and kelp forests, charming towns, historic fishing communities, world-class golfing, breweries, and simply jaw-dropping scenic beaches. We encourage you to plan your next trip at visittheoregoncoast.com or by calling (541) 574-2679.

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