Kentucky Falls: U.S. Forest Service – Mapleton ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

7/31/2021: Per Oregon Wild: At first the trail descends through an old-growth Douglas fir forest, and then reaches Upper Kentucky Falls after 0.8 miles.  In another 1.4 miles the trail ends at an observation deck overlooking Lower Kentucky Falls, an incredible 100 foot twin falls at the confluence of the Kentucky Creek and Smith River.  Here the trail meets the North Fork Smith River Trail.

This is a great little hike to three beautiful waterfalls: Upper Kentucky Falls, Kentucky Falls, North Fork of the Smith Falls. The elevation gain is about 1,000 ft. and first goes down hill and then back up. There are many opportunities for hikers to photograph and enjoy beautiful waterfalls, as well as other natural beauty of this area. I would do this hike again for sure.

You will see waterfalls, ferns, Douglas Firs, wildflowers at the right time of year, streams and more.

• 3.66 miles roundtrip – About four miles, so take your time with little ones. Remember that you go downhill first (easy-peasy) and then you need to climb back (not so easy-peasy).
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation range: range: 792' to 1569' gross: +984'
• Traffic: Modest
• Getting There: No issues – Some gravel road. Could be tough if wet. Note: cars are sometimes broken into at the trailhead. Don’t leave valuables in the car.
• Trail Obstacles: None
• Fees: None
• Trailhead Coordinates: 43.928429, -123.792442
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• Management: Siuslaw National Forest
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  • Rod’s Alltrails activity

Marg’s Notes: Whittaker Creek Campground – Kentucky Falls – 4.76 miles [I think she meant 3.76] – 9:48am

We did not rush out too early. Took more logging roads to Kentucky Falls. This is a popular trail for both hikers & thieves! People have had their cars broken into ☹. Met a nice family group at the parking lot. Started ~9:45am. Downhill again! A very nice hike. Reached Lower Falls [Upper Falls] within the first mile. Continued to the Upper [Lower] Kentucky Falls & Smith Falls. A nice hike but HOT! Rod scrambled thru the creek to get pics. We found a hidden little trail to a bench where we had our snack. Bear scat (old) along the way! Quite a few people at falls, but didn’t seem many along the way. A nice little campsite along the way. Right on trail. 4.76 [3.76] miles total. Had tailgate lunch again, then back to camp. Walked to the river from our campsite. Cooler there. Lots of crawdads. Hot again so I went swimming. Rod took a bucket bath!

Cheese & Broccoli Noodles w/peas. Early to bed. Slept like logs. Cooler thru night.

Rod’s Ramblings from the Trail: I liked this trail a lot. Not many people, especially for a weekend. Getting there was not bad, could be a bit nasty in wet weather. We drove the truck and had no issues. I would definitely go again, especially with friends that haven’t been there. Three beautiful waterfalls. We saw bear scat at Kentucky Falls. There is a little bench you can sit on just off the trail at the end of the trail. Nice to sit and watch both Kentucky and  North Fork of the Smith Falls.