Kentucky Falls & North Fork Smith River Hike

Kentucky Falls. | Photo by John Newkirk, Flickr

The South Coast Striders will be leading either a short hike, or longer hike, depending on personal preferance, on June 30th. The group will meet at the Dune Information Center (855 Highway Ave, Reedsport, OR) parking lot in Reedsport at 7:30 a.m.

The first hike is to Kentucky Falls and back. Kentucky Falls area offers views of 3 waterfalls two of which drop over 100 feet.  This hike is 2.2 miles down to falls then 2.2 miles back on switchback trail.  It is rated moderate to difficult.  Plan on 3.5 hours to complete the hike with plenty of time to relax, eat lunch, enjoy the falls and then walk back up the switch back trail at your leisure.

For those who want a more challenging hike, join the South Coast Striders' long hike leaders as they continue another 6.5 miles down along the N. Fork Smith River trail.  The trail winds back and forth over several rustic bridges through old growth forest of Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Big Leaf Maples. They will make a side trip to the cable suspension bridge and eat lunch along the creek and soak tired feet.  Bring a towel.

The long hike is rated most difficult with two wet stream crossings and climbing through and around down trees and small landslides and through salmonberry. Participants should plan on 6.5 hours for the total 9 miles of hiking.

The long hike will require a shuttle.

Long sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves, and some strap on sandals for wet crossings are required.

Bring lunch and water and raingear, dress in layers, and wear sturdy waterproof boots.