Lower Kentucky Falls
Oregon · 117-foot drop · Siuslaw National Forest · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Lower Kentucky Falls is the bottom waterfall of a three-fall chain in Siuslaw National Forest, where it meets the adjacent North Fork Falls in a shared basin — a rare twin-falls scene. The 3.8-mile trail loses 895 ft on the way down (so you climb that back out), passing Upper Kentucky Falls a mile in. The trio of falls and a swimming hole at the bottom are the payoff. Forest Road 23 gets rough after rain.
The trail
3.8 miles each way, rated moderate with 895 feet of elevation gain. Kentucky Falls Trailhead at the end of FR-23, off FR-919 from Mapleton. Free.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Kentucky Falls (this page) | — | 117 ft | moderate · 3.8 mi | Y | Free |
| North Fork Falls | 0 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Upper Kentucky Falls | 1 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Beaver Creek Falls | 4 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Sweet Creek Falls | 4 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Elk Wallow Falls | 5 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~117 ft)
- Bridal Veil Falls118 ft
- Goliath Falls118 ft
- Burney Falls115 ft
- Charlotte Falls115 ft
- Harding Canyon Falls115 ft
Same best season in Oregon
- Fairy Falls20 ft
- Abiqua Falls92 ft
- Upper McCord Creek Falls64 ft
Questions visitors ask about Lower Kentucky Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Lower Kentucky Falls?
Lower Kentucky Falls is 117 feet (35 m) tall. Height is sourced from USFS Siuslaw.
Is Lower Kentucky Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Lower Kentucky Falls is inside Siuslaw National Forest. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Lower Kentucky Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Siuslaw National Forest permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Lower Kentucky Falls?
Lower Kentucky Falls has a swimmable area. There is a swimming hole at the base where Lower Kentucky meets North Fork Falls — clear, cold, and the reward at the bottom of the hike.
When is the best time to visit Lower Kentucky Falls?
Peak flow is typically March, April, May, October, November. Season-wise: spring, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Lower Kentucky Falls?
No entrance fee. Siuslaw National Forest is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Lower Kentucky Falls from a major city?
Lower Kentucky Falls is 7 miles from Mapleton (about 11 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Oregon
Where it is
43.9313, -123.8157
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Official land manager
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/trails/kentucky-falls-trail-1376
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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