North Fork Smith-Kentucky Falls Bike and Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- 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
Contents |
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, you'll cross the Smith River on a new bridge.
At 3 miles, you'll come to the second bridge crossing of the Smith River (The two bridges, installed in 2018, replace older ones damaged by flooding).
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
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for North Fork Smith-Kentucky Falls Bike and Hike
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)