Are there fees or permits required for North Fork Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit North Fork Falls.

Is swimming allowed at North Fork Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at North Fork Falls.

Nearby gauge (Lake Creek) · 102 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

North Fork Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at North Fork Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at North Fork Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Also For 5 other waterfalls also named North Fork Falls, see below

Siuslaw National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

wanderflechten CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About North Fork Falls

North Fork Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Siuslaw National Forest near Mapleton, Oregon. It is part of the North Fork Smith River and is surrounded by lush forest, offering a serene and scenic experience for visitors. The waterfall is known for its cascading flow and tranquil setting, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

North Fork Falls sits at 968 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lower Kentucky Falls (100 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Beaver Creek Falls (23 ft, 3.8 mi).

Lower Kentucky Falls Beaver Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows North Fork Smith River Trail (#1351), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

NORTH FORK SMITH RIVER TRAIL #1351

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

5.18 mi

Trail Description

The trail to North Fork Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a lush forest. The path is well-maintained and features minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most visitors. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest and the North Fork Smith River.

What to Expect

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 North Fork Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at North Fork Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience but could have slippery conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Siuslaw National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid hiking during heavy rain or storms. Cell service may be limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lake Creek, 8.6 miles away, not on North Fork Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

102 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 2 years of record

9.79 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

LAKE CREEK AT SWISSHOME, OR

USGS 14307605

8.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 223 sq mi

Altitude: 115 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge LAKE CREEK AT SWISSHOME, OR (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

102 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

110 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

122 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

122 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

123 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

94 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

68 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

54 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 North Fork Falls Frozen?

Updated about 3 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

North Fork Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 45°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 104 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

Location & Access

Getting There

North Fork Falls is located approximately 6.7 miles from Mapleton, Oregon. From Mapleton, take Highway 126 east and turn onto North Fork Road. Follow the road for about 6 miles to reach the trailhead or parking area. The road may be gravel in some sections, so drive carefully.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors should arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

Elevation

968 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.932374° N, -123.817530° W

Land Management

Siuslaw National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

8.6 miles away · 31 sites

Reservable

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.gov