WaterfallNear Me

North Fork Falls

Douglas County, Oregon

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
410 ft (125 m)
Location
Douglas County, Oregon
Access status
Forest trail to a viewing deck and creek view documented
The walk
About 2 miles to the deck; about 4 miles round trip
Ground & access
Well graded forest trail with switchbacks. Some unguarded cliff sections near Upper Kentucky Falls. Creek rocks below the deck are slick; expect wet feet in high water.
Oregon Hikers Field Guide: Kentucky Falls Hike

North Fork Falls drops about 120 to 130 feet on the North Fork Smith River directly beside Lower Kentucky Falls. Follow the Kentucky Falls Trail down past Upper Kentucky Falls, cross Kentucky Creek on bridges, and descend switchbacks to the junction with the North Fork Smith Trail. Stay right to the viewing deck at Lower Kentucky Falls. North Fork Falls shows through the trees to the left. For a clear view, take the steps down and rock hop downstream about a hundred feet. Return the same way, which is all uphill.

Plan your visit

Kentucky Falls Trailhead to the Lower Kentucky Falls deck and the creek view of North Fork Falls

The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives 2 miles from the trailhead to the deck at Lower Kentucky Falls. Oregon Hikers gives 4.0 miles round trip with 650 feet of gain. The clear view of North Fork Falls is about a hundred feet further by rock hopping.

Well graded forest trail with switchbacks. Some unguarded cliff sections near Upper Kentucky Falls. Creek rocks below the deck are slick; expect wet feet in high water.

Where to start

Kentucky Falls Trailhead, reached by long paved and gravel forest roads from Highway 126 near Mapleton or from Reedsport via Road 48 and Road 23. Restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead.

Timing & water

Oregon Hikers lists the trail as open all year. North Fork Falls thins to a spray by late summer.

Before you go

Oregon Hikers lists no fees at the trailhead.

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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