Photo courtesy of Daniel Sherman
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.