Revision as of 16:56, 1 December 2017

First major bridge is damaged (kaltbluter)

North Fork Smith River, along the trail (kaltbluter)

Map posted at trailhead (kaltbluter)

Topo Map (kaltbluter)

• Start point: North Fork Smith Trailhead
• End Point: North Fork Smith Trailhead
• Trail Log:
• Hike Type: Loop
• Distance: 17 miles
• Elevation gain: 3200 feet
• High Point: 2450 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: All year
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: Only on the Kentucky Falls Trail section

Warning

• As of March 2015 the first major bridge (approximately 1.6 miles from North Fork Smith Trailhead) is damaged and unusable. When water levels are low the creek can be forded without much difficulty.

• The North side of the second major bridge (approximately 3.0 miles from North Fork Smith Trailhead) also sustained some storm damage. For .75 miles beyond the second major bridge the trail has not been maintained and is overgrown.

Description

8.5-10 miles of this hike is done on foot. The remaining distance is a return trip on bicycle.

Begin by stashing a bicycle near Kentucky Falls Trailhead or about here on road 919 if you'd like to avoid riding up hill.

After concealing a bike in the trees drive to North Fork Smith Trailhead.

Follow the trail North through old growth forest with large Douglas Fir, Cedar and Big Leaf Maple.

At 1.6 miles Smith River must be waded across due to bridge damage. A good crossing point is located about 100 yards downstream from the bridge.

At 3 miles about 100 feet of trail immediately after the second major bridge has been washed out. The main section of the bridge points almost directly to the where the trail starts again. Hikers need to cross several small streams and a bit of mud before getting back to the trail.

The trail passes a few campsites as it continues another 3.5 miles to the junction with Kentucky Falls Trail sometimes travelling near the creek and other times far above it.

Stop and enjoy the scenery at North Fork Falls and Lower Kentucky Falls before hiking 1.3 miles to Upper Kentucky Falls.

Another .75 miles and you'll arrive at Kentucky Falls Trailhead. From here, the paved road is up hill for a little less than 2 miles. Retrieve your bike and ride back to North Fork Smith Trailhead on roads 919 and 23.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• No fee

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder
• GPX of entire loop

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for North Fork Smith-Kentucky Falls Bike and Hike

• North Fork/Kentucky Falls Hike and Bike Loop 3/7/15

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for North Fork Smith-Kentucky Falls Bike and Hike

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon: Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge, Cascades, Eastern Oregon, Wallowas by Douglas Lorain

More Links

Forest Service, Trail #1376 Forest Service, Trail #1351

Page Contributors

• kaltbluter (creator)