Overview

• Location: Douglas County, Siuslaw National Forest (North Fork Smith River, near Reedsport)

• Waterfall Type: Horsetail

• Height: ~88 feet (27 m)

• Trail Distance: ~1.5 miles round-trip from the Kentucky Falls Trailhead (first waterfall encountered on the trail)

• Difficulty: Medium

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall; roads typically closed in winter

History & Background

Upper Kentucky Falls is the first of three waterfalls encountered on the Kentucky Falls Trail in the Siuslaw National Forest — an 88-foot horsetail reached approximately 0.75 miles from the trailhead before the trail continues another 1.2 miles downhill to Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls. Despite being ‘upper,’ it is encountered first because the trail begins at the ridgetop and descends; from Upper Kentucky Falls, the two lower falls are reached by continuing downhill. This counterintuitive trail structure (all downhill in, all uphill out) is worth knowing before committing. Upper Kentucky Falls spreads over a massive sloping basalt ledge — making it as wide as it is tall — and flows into a pool at the foot of an impressive canyon before the creek continues to its dramatic 100-foot-plus plunges below.

Geology

Upper Kentucky Falls horsetails 88 feet over a broad, sloping basalt cliff at approximately 2,100 feet elevation in the North Fork Smith River watershed. The falls spread across the full width of the cliff in a wide fan, creating more of a cascading sheet than a concentrated plunge. The enormous old-growth Douglas firs towering above the canyon walls — with diameters up to four feet — create the awe-inspiring forest atmosphere that makes the Kentucky Falls Trail one of the most memorable in the Oregon Coast Range.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Reedsport, OR (~30 miles southwest via forest roads); Mapleton, OR (~21 miles north)

• Trail Information:

  • From Eugene: Take Hwy 126 west ~33 miles; between mileposts 26–27 turn south at Whittaker Creek Recreation Area; follow forest roads (Dunn Ridge Rd, Knowles Creek Rd, Road 23, Road 919) ~20 miles to the trailhead; Upper Kentucky Falls is 0.75 miles from the trailhead (all downhill — uphill on return)

  • Continue 1.2 miles past Upper Kentucky Falls (still descending) to reach the spectacular twin Lower Kentucky Falls (117 ft) and North Fork Falls (~100 ft) at the trail’s end; high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended for the access road; Northwest Forest Pass required

• Parking:

  • Small trailhead parking at end of Forest Road 919; Northwest Forest Pass required; high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; steep access road; steep trail with elevation change

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best flows; March through May offers the most powerful display across all three falls

• Summer: Lower flows; old-growth forest provides cool shade; swimming hole downstream

• Fall: Flows return with October rains; brilliant fall foliage; quiet and uncrowded

• Winter: Access roads typically closed December–February; the falls would be spectacular if accessible

Nearby Attractions

• Lower Kentucky Falls (117 ft, same trail — 1.2 miles further)

• North Fork Falls (~100 ft, side by side with Lower Kentucky Falls)

• North Fork Smith River (swimming)

• Oregon Dunes NRA (~30 miles west)

• Reedsport

References

• Links:

  • USFS – Kentucky Falls Trail #1376

  • Oregon Hikers – Kentucky Falls Hike

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest