Hike Kentucky Falls & North Fork Smith River–June 30, 2018 (Saturday)

There will be long and short options for this hike. Our first (short) hike is to Kentucky Falls and back. Kentucky Falls area offers views of 3 waterfalls two of which drop over 100 feet.  This hike is 2.2 miles down to falls then 2.2 miles back on a switchback trail.  It is rated moderate to difficult.  Plan on 3.5 hours to complete the hike, allowing plenty of time to relax, eat lunch, enjoy the falls and then walk back up the switch back trail at your leisure. For those who want a more challenging hike join our long hike leaders as they continue another 6.5 miles down along the N. Fork Smith River trail.  The trail winds back and forth over several rustic bridges through old growth forest of Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Big Leaf Maples. We will make a side trip to the cable suspension bridge and eat lunch along the creek and  soak our tired feet.  Bring a towel. The long hike is rated most difficult with two stream crossings and climbing through and around down trees and small landslides and through salmonberry. Participants should plan on 6.5  hours for the total 9 miles of hiking. The long hike will require a shuttle.  We will drop some vehicles at the North Fork Smith River Trailhead and continue to the Kentucky Falls Trailhead. Because of the salmonberries and the wet crossings on the long hike, long sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves, and some strap on sandals for wet crossings are required. (NOTE–Recently completed bridges may render the wet crossings unnecessary). Bring lunch and water and raingear, dress in layers, and wear sturdy waterproof boots.