Lower Kentucky Falls

Douglas County, Oregon

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 384 ft (117 m)
Location: Douglas County, Oregon
Access status: Forest trail to a viewing deck at the base
The walk: 2 miles one way per the Northwest Waterfall Survey; 4.0 miles round trip per Oregon Hikers
Ground & access: Well graded trail with exposed, unguarded cliff sections; about 650 feet to regain on the way out.

US Forest Service: Kentucky Falls Trailhead

Lower Kentucky Falls leaps about 117 feet into a grotto beside North Fork Falls, which spills over the same cliff band. The trail begins across the road from the parking area. The first three-quarters of a mile are easy and level to the top of Upper Kentucky Falls; the grade then steepens past unguarded cliff sections, crosses Kentucky Creek on bridges, and descends switchbacks to the junction with the North Fork Smith Trail. Stay right for 0.1 miles to the wooden viewing platform near the base. The way back is all uphill.

Plan your visit

Kentucky Falls Trailhead, Kentucky Falls Trail #1376 past Upper Kentucky Falls to the viewing deck at the base of Lower Kentucky Falls

The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives a total of 2 miles from the trailhead to the viewing deck. Oregon Hikers lists the hike as 4.0 miles round trip with 650 feet of gain.

Well graded trail with exposed, unguarded cliff sections; about 650 feet to regain on the way out.

Where to start

Kentucky Falls Trailhead off Forest Road 919, reached on paved and gravel forest roads from Highway 126 or from Reedsport. Oregon Hikers says the roads are passable in a passenger car but recommends a high clearance vehicle.

Timing & water

The Forest Service lists the trailhead as open year-round, 6 AM to 10 PM daily.

Before you go

The Forest Service states that no fees are required for this site.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Oregon

Waterfall location

Douglas County, Oregon.

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