Upper Kentucky Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Kentucky Falls
Upper Kentucky Falls is the first waterfall on Kentucky Falls Trail #1376 in the Siuslaw National Forest, about half a mile below the trailhead. The trail continues downhill past it to an observation deck at Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls.
The Setting
Upper Kentucky Falls sits at 1,444 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Kentucky Falls (100 ft) lies 0.7 miles to the west. Also nearby: Beaver Creek Falls (23 ft, 4.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Kentucky Falls (#1376), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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, a round trip of about 1 mile with the climb on the way back. Hikers who continue to Lower Kentucky Falls make a round trip of about 4 to 4.4 miles.
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 Upper 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 Upper Kentucky Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience, though trails may be slippery.
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.
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution near the waterfall viewing areas. Be prepared for limited cell service and carry a map or GPS device.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lake Creek, 8.9 miles away, not on Upper Kentucky Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
100 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 2 years of record
9.78 ft
Water depth at gauge
49°F
Very coldExpect 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LAKE CREEK AT SWISSHOME, OR (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
108 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
119 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
128 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
124 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
91 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
62 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
54 cfs
3/10Best 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 Upper Kentucky Falls Frozen?
Updated about 12 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Upper Kentucky Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 43°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
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
1,444 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.928190° N, -123.802464° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
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 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
Lower Kentucky Falls, Sweet Creek Falls, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are nearby attractions worth exploring.
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 Upper Kentucky Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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