Kentucky Falls - Mapleton, OR

I hiked 3.7 miles in the Siuslaw National Forest about 20 miles south of the town of Mapleton, Oregon. The trees varied widely in both type and size. Some were covered in moss.


Siuslaw National Forest
Trail Winds Through the Trees

Moss Covered Trees
Moss Clings & Dangles from the Branches


I first heard and then saw the upper falls as I descended a ridge until I stood beside Kentucky Creek.


Upper Kentucky Falls
Upper Kentucky Falls

Upper Kentucky Falls
The Upper Falls Viewed from the Canyon Floor


As I continued the hike, the trail was often bordered by clusters of ferns and other plants.


Redwood Violet
Redwood Violet

Oregon Woodsorrel
Oregon Woodsorrel


I made another descent and followed the trail until it ended at a wooden platform built to view the lower falls.


Lower Kentucky Falls
Lower Kentucky Falls


Coincidentally, another waterfall plummeted off the same crest about 100 yards to the left of the lower falls. This was because the North Fork of the Smith River paralleled Kentucky Creek there. I had to leave the platform and pick my way over rocks until I reached a point from where I could get more than a glimpse of this third waterfall.


North Fork Smith Falls
North Fork Smith Falls


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