Lower Kentucky Falls
Oregon • 100 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Lower Kentucky Falls
Lower Kentucky Falls is in the Siuslaw National Forest in the central Oregon Coast Range, at the end of Kentucky Falls Trail #1376. The trail ends at an observation deck facing Lower Kentucky Falls and the neighboring North Fork Falls, twin drops of about 100 feet each. Upper Kentucky Falls is passed early on the same trail.
The Setting
Lower Kentucky Falls sits at 1,017 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 100 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Beaver Creek Falls (23 ft) lies 3.9 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Kentucky Falls (#1376), a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
KENTUCKY FALLS #1376
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.91 miTrail Description
From the Kentucky Falls Trailhead the trail descends about 0.5 mile to a viewpoint of Upper Kentucky Falls, then switchbacks down and crosses bridges to the North Fork Smith River trail junction; the Lower Kentucky Falls deck is about 0.1 mile past it. The full out-and-back is about 4 to 4.4 miles, and because the trail descends to the falls, the steep climb comes on the return.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 100 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Kentucky Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical control, within developed recreation sites in the Siuslaw National Forest.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Kentucky Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience, though the trail may be muddy or icy.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Siuslaw National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch your footing and stay on the marked path. Be cautious of falling branches and other natural hazards.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lake Creek, 8.7 miles away, not on Lower Kentucky Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
398 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 2 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LAKE CREEK AT SWISSHOME, OR (14 km away).
Today
Strong
390 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
622 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1046 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1904 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1343 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
961 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
1227 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mapleton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Kentucky Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Lower Kentucky Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 55°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 408 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Lower Kentucky Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Eugene, drive west on OR-126 and turn left (south) onto Siuslaw River Road (FS Road 4390) between mileposts 26 and 27, then follow Dunn Ridge Road, Knowles Creek Road, FS Road 23 and FS Road 919, which ends at the trailhead parking area. From Reedsport, take Lower Smith River Road (Forest Road 48) to Forest Roads 48A and 23, then turn onto FS Road 919. Oregon Hikers says the roads are passable in a passenger car but recommends high clearance, and the Forest Service advises checking for road closures and detours before you go.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The Kentucky Falls Trailhead parking area has vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. The Forest Service charges no fee, and the site is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.
Elevation
1,017 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.931270° N, -123.815720° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Cell service is limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
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With 4.4 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Park Motel and Cabins
Quality Inn Florence
The Florentine Waterfront Hotel
Ocean Breeze Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Whittaker Creek Recreation Site
8.5 miles away · 31 sites
Overview Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas remain open for public use.Reserve a site at Whittaker Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage. Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground and day use area. The campground has 30 sites. Campground amenities include v
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Sweet Creek Falls and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for banana slugs and other forest creatures along the trail.
Cities near Lower Kentucky Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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